Bhangarh Fort, situated amidst the Aravalli hills in Alwar district of Rajasthan, is famous for its historical remains and mysterious stories. It is counted among the most famous alleged haunted places of India. Here the ruins of old palaces, temples, mansions and markets still tell the story of the prosperous settlement of that period. Stories of curses associated with the fort pique the curiosity of tourists, but there is no proven scientific confirmation of these supernatural claims.

Who built Bhangarh Fort?

The history of Bhangarh Fort dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. According to Indian archaeological historical accounts, Raja Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amer, founded the city of Bhangarh in the second half of the 16th century. Later it came under the influence of his son Madho Singh and developed into a prosperous settlement. Some tourism sources attribute the construction of the fort to Madho Singh. At that time palaces, temples, mansions and markets existed in Bhangarh. Defense walls and several gateways were built around the fort. Even today the remains of gateways like Lahori Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Fulbari Gate and Delhi Gate can be seen here.

Why was the city of Bhangarh destroyed?

There are many types of details available regarding the story of the destruction of Bhangarh. Historical sources show that with time the population here decreased and the city became deserted. But not all sources agree on a single definite reason for its destruction. In local folklore, the destruction of the city is linked to a curse. These stories made Bhangarh a famous tourist destination associated with mystery and adventure. However, the curse cannot be considered a proven historical reason for the destruction of the city.

Story of Princess Ratnavati and Tantrik

The most famous folk tales of Bhangarh mention Princess Ratnavati and a Tantrik. According to the story, the sorcerer wanted to bring the princess under his control. He allegedly tried to add magical effects to the perfume, but the princess became aware of it and threw away the perfume. According to folklore, this led to a sequence of events that culminated in the Tantrik cursing the city. It is said that due to this curse Bhangarh was destroyed. This story is part of local beliefs and folklore, not a proven historical event.

Another belief to Baba Balunath

Another story to Bhangarh is about a saint named Baba Balunath. It is believed that he gave permission to establish the city on the condition that the shadow of any building should not fall on his residence. According to folklore, when the height of the palace was increased and this condition was broken, the city was in trouble. There is not enough evidence available to verify this story historically. Nevertheless, these beliefs have popularized the mysterious identity of Bhangarh.

What can be seen inside the fort?

Tourists can see many historical structures while visiting Bhangarh Fort.

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  Gopinath Temple: Famous for Nagara style architecture and stone carvings.

  
  


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  Someshwar Temple: One of the major temples of the fort.

  
  


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  Ruined mansions: Give a glimpse of the residential and social system of the old city.

  
  


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  Old Market: Remains of shops and roads show that commercial activities once took place here.

  
  


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  Rajmahal: The remains of the palace situated at the end of the fort give an idea of ​​its historical grandeur.

  
  

  Bhangarh Fort Timings and Tickets

  
  

On the tourism portal of the Government of India, the opening timings of the fort are mentioned as 9 am to 5 pm. Other travel sources also give timings as 6 am to 6 pm. Therefore, it would be advisable to confirm the timings before travelling. Different websites have different rates for ticket fees. Some sources state around Rs 25 for Indian tourists and around Rs 200 for foreign tourists, but the current official fee could not be confirmed from available information. Note: As per Archaeological Survey of India rules, entry into the fort is not allowed before sunrise and after sunset. Therefore it is important to leave the premises before it gets dark.

How to reach Bhangarh Fort?

Bhangarh Fort is located in the Rajgarh region of Alwar district of Rajasthan. It can be reached by road from Jaipur. The nearest major airport is Jaipur, while further travel can be done by road from Dausa Railway Station. Aravalli hills and the natural environment of Sariska region can also be seen around the fort.