Are you a fan of Horror? Do you find pleasure in binge-watching horror movies? Do you think it's time to live some real-life horror moments? If yes, then you must add “visit Bhangarh” to your bucket list. Read along as I unfold everything is there to know about Bhangarh Fort: India’s most haunted place to be.
What’s so scary about Bhangarh Fort? Umm...let me see...it's EVERYTHING!!
Famous for various myths and spooky tales, Bhangarh Fort stands tall in the Bhangarh village situated in Rajgarh Alwar, Rajasthan. The dramatic setting of the Sariska Tiger Reserve makes it one of the intriguing places to visit in India.
The eerie sound, thorny bushes, pitch-black darkness and a sense of demonly presence makes Bhangarh experience a complete bone-chilling account. The fort oozes an uncanny aura which can be felt by any visitor. For over the past two centuries, the ruins of Bhangarh Fort have been a place for numerous ghosts sightings and paranormal activities. So much so that ASI or Archeological Survey of India strictly prohibits entry into the haunted borders of the Bhangarh Fort after sunset and before sunrise. No one, I repeat, no one is allowed to even have a peek inside the boundaries at night. Scared already?
A Virtual Tour Inside The Ruins Bhangarh Fort
As one enters the ruins of Bhangarh Fort, the first welcoming site would be of a hoarding put by the ASI stating a warning which itself creates an aura of suspicion and mystery.
As you proceed further, the remains of temples and several palaces or Havelis can be seen. There are several other gates allowing you to enter inside the fort such as Delhi Gate, Phulbari Gate, Ajmeri Gate and Lahori Gate. You can see the remains of Gopinath Temple and Hanuman Temple if you take the main entrance. The exquisite craftsmanship, stone carving, a bazaar and dancer’s place inside the fort reflects that the place which is now the most haunted place in India was once colourful and lively.
History Behind the Bhangarh Fort
Raja Bhagwant Das built the Bhangarh Fort in 1573 AD for his son Madho Singh. Bhagwant Das from kachwaha was a younger brother of Man Singh who was a decorated general of Emperor Akbar’s army. He was one of the Akbar’s Navratnas. After the demise of Madho Singh who fought bravely in many wars besides his uncle and father, his son Chatr Singh took the throne. However, the kingdom declined soon after the horrific death of Chatr Singh. Moreover, the famine of 1783 rendered the town deserted and ultimately fell into ruins.
Mystery and Bhangarh Fort’s Haunted Stories
There are actually two versions of haunted stories that revolve around the mysterious Bhangarh fort.
According to the first version of the legend, a local ascetic named Balu Nath, who lived in a nearby cave, insisted that the king should never allow the shadow of his fort to disturb him or even touch his cave. But in an attempt to increase his periphery of the fort, Madho Singh failed miserably and brought the wrath of the sadhu upon himself and the town. The ascetic cursed the people of the whole town which rendered them not able to put another roof in their vicinity. Since then, people are not able to put a roof over their heads as it falls immediately after the construction. Strange right?
Another local myth talks about an evil saint who practised black magic and fell in love with a princess who lived in the fort. He then attempted to win her over with the help of a love potion. However, the princess found out about his evil plans and threw the potion onto a boulder. The boulder then rolled down toward the evil saint eventually crushing him to the death. In his final moments, he cursed the fort that it would end up in ruins in which no one could live, just as it is today.
It is believed that the soul of the evil tantric roams inside the fort after dark in search of his love, princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh.
Many people believed to have encountered various unnatural activities during their trip to Bhangarh fort. The ominous sound of women dancing, tantric calling his love, and other horrific accounts have terrified people over time.
Well, the only way to find the truth about these legends is to visit the fort after dark. But the ASI prohibits ventures inside the boundaries after night falls and non-availability of electricity and pitch-black darkness shakes the only coward bone present in any braveheart’s body. Therefore, it’s best to visit Bhangarh during day time and try not to find any ghosts there.
I have been to Bhangarh two times and yet every time I think about visiting Bhangarh again, I get goosebumps. Besides, there is something about Bhangarh that makes me wanna go again. I plan on visiting soon. What about you? Share your experience in the comment section if you have been to Bhangarh fort before.
Travel Tips
Time: The fort is open for visitors only from 6 AM to 6 PM
Visit Bhangarh Fort during winters for the best experience. Avoid visiting on weekends as the place will be crowded with local tourists. You can travel by train also, the closest railway stations are Dausa and Bhan Kari. I suggest you take the scenic route and travel by road. Bhangarh is 220 km away from Delhi, a day trip can be done easily by car.