Bhangarh Fort Travel Guide | India’s Most Haunted Place?

The popularity of Bhangrah Fort is increasing with every passing day. I have visited Bhangarh Fort many times over the last few years. Earlier it was merely a fort ruin and a picnic spot. As the stories of Bhangarh Fort ghosts went around, it started attracting a large number of tourists and travelers. I believe social media and travel bloggers have contributed towards making Bhangarh Fort a sought-after site. This place is still not very popular among the foreign tourists though. Bhangarh Fort is popular as India’s most haunted place. Here is a blog on Bhangarh Fort travel guide to help you plan your trip to Bhangarh Fort.

Bhangarh Fort Information Guide

Here is everything you want to know about the most haunted fort in India.

Have you read my previous post on Bhangarh? Read my Bhangarh experience – The haunted Bhangarh Fort – India’s most haunted?

Bhangarh Fort Location

Bhangarh Fort is situated in Alwar district, Rajasthan close to Sariska National Park/ Sariska Tiger Reserve. It is not far from the Sariska entrance gate at Tehla. Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, it is not built on a hill. Bhangarh Fort lies in a very interesting geographical location with hills on three sides. So, in a way, it defies the usual Rajput norm of building a fort on a hill.

Things to see and do in Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh was once a thriving town but now Bhangarh Fort complex consists of a palace ruin along with few Havelis and a roof-less bazaar along with a market, and temples. While some temples are still in use others are abandoned and devoid of idols. Two prominent functional temples are Hanuman temple and Shiva Temple. Gopinath Temple is the biggest of all temples at Bhangarh Fort but is out of use. There is no idol inside the sanctum of Gopinath Temple.

haunted-bhangarh-fort-image-gopinath-temple — Gopinath Temple in Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort entry fee?

Thankfully, there is no entry ticket for Bhangarh Fort. Entry to the fort ruins is free for all. However, as per the recent decision by ASI, very soon an entry fee will be levied. As per the current plan, an entry fee of Rs 15 for the Indians and Rs 200 for foreign tourist is proposed for Bhangarh Fort.

Update: Starting from May 2019, an entry fee of Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 300 for foreigners has been imposed. If one makes the payment of tickets digitally (cashless), a discounted rate of Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 250 for foreigners can be availed.

Read my Bhangarh experience – The haunted Bhangarh Fort – India’s most haunted?

Timings

Bhangarh Fort can be visited anytime from sunrise to sunset. Entry to Bhangarh Fort is prohibited after sunset. Bhangarh Fort is maintained by ASI.

Bhangrah Fort History

Bhangarh was founded in the 16th century by Maharajah Bhagwant Das of Amer for his second son Madho Singh I, younger brother of Man Singh I who was general of the famous Mughal ruler Akbar. It is believed that either people of Bhangarh migrated or famished due to the famine in the 18th century although the popular legends and stories Bhangarh Fort have something else to say!

Bhangarh Fort Stories and Legends

There are four popular stories behind Bhangarh Fort.

As per local legends, Bhangarh was cursed by Baba Balu Nath. He allowed construction of Bhangarh Fort on a condition that shadow of the fort will not reach his place otherwise his curse will come into play -Bhangarh will be destroyed. One of the prince without paying any heed to this curse raised palace walls which started casting a shadow on Balu Nath’s retreat. Locals claim that Baba Balu Nath’s samadhi, a burial place still exists.

There’s yet another story behind Bhangarh Fort with characters called Ratnavati and a tantric Singhia. Ratnavati was the Princess of Bhangarh. As soon as she came of age she started receiving marriage proposals. Singhia, a tantric expert in black magic, fell in love with the princess. He knew getting Ratnawati won’t be easy so he devised a plan to attract her. Once he saw the princesses’ maid in the market buying oil for the princess. Singhia added a spell to the oil to seduce Ratnawati. Upon consuming this oil, Ratnawati would surrender to him. Ratnawati was also an expert in occult and black magic, she spotted Singhia in the act. She threw the ointment on a boulder which then crushed Singhia. In his dying breath the tantric cursed Bhangarh town and those who lived in it.

Two more theories behind the decline of Bhangarh Fort also exists. As per the first one, Bhangarh was destroyed in a war against Ajabgarh which is close by. The second one suggests that it fell out of place because of a prolonged drought.

It is very difficult to establish whether these stories on Bhangarh Fort are true or not in the absence of evidence or records.

Is Bhangarh Fort haunted?

I have visited Bhangarh Fort many times. Frankly, I have never experienced any paranormal activity at Bhangarh Fort. One does experience an eerie feeling at Bhangarh Fort.

Bhangarh Fort in night

There is a common opinion that even authorities confirm the presence of ghosts and spirits at Bhangarh Fort because of the ban on entry into the fort complex after sunset. In my opinion, this provision is to curb the illegal digging by unscrupulous elements in the expectation of finding gold and other valuables hidden in the fort. It has been observed that many people dig ancient sites to find “hidden treasures”. This ban should not be linked with ghosts or paranormal activities.

Of late, Bhangarh Fort has become a tourist spot. You are unlikely to experience anything in such scenario except a picnic spot!

Haunted incidents at Bhangarh Fort?

The Internet is full of haunted incidents at Bhangarh Fort. You will find many Bhangarh Fort haunted videos, but I’m sure none of them are real. A few that I saw were not even shot in Bhangarh Fort! I have never encountered anyone who claims to have experienced paranormal activity at Bhangarh Fort. Many famous persons, actors, and TV presenters also claim to have experienced haunted incidents at Bhangarh Fort. I’m not sure how true these incidents are unless they were scientifically analyzed. There are many stories of deaths caused in Bhangarh Fort on the internet, I feel these are all cooked-up stories.

Bhangarh Fort Experience

With the popularity of Bhangarh Fort on a steady rise as the most haunted place in India, tourists and travelers throng Bhangarh Fort for ghost experience. It is very popular among domestic tourists especially the ones living in Delhi and NCR region because of the proximity; many visit Bhangarh Fort expecting to witness ghosts and paranormal activities. With so many people around one cannot really expect ghosts to show themselves up!! I don’t think this place is worth visiting with a steady stream of people swarming all around the place. Visiting Bhangarh Fort on a public holiday or a long weekend is a bad idea.

Is Bhangarh Fort safe to visit?

I don’t recommend visiting Bhangarh Fort after sunset to experience the paranormal activities or ghosts. Please note that Bhangarh Fort is surrounded by a forest and it is not uncommon for the wild animals to venture into Bhangarh Fort complex. Hyena and leopards are some of the wild animals reported in the area. Sariska Tiger Reserve is in close vicinity. I will suggest you not to visit Bhangarh Fort in night. During the say, it is safe to visit Bhangarh.

What Happens in night?

Bhangarh Fort is a popular place to engage in witchcraft and black magic. Bangles, nail polish, cloth pieces, etc are strewn around at many spots inside the Fort. Locals claim that Sadhus and Babas frequent Bhangarh Fort in night for this very purpose.

bhangarh-rajasthan — Locals at Bhangarh Fort have many stories to talk but none on Ghosts!

bhangarh-fort-death-incidents-stories — Nail polish bottle and witchcraft! Bhangarh Fort

Where to stay near Bhangarh Fort?

Bhangarh Fort has no option for an overnight stay. The best option to stay near Bhangarh Fort is either at Alwar, Jaipur or Sariska. There are many hotels and resorts near Sariska Tiger Reserve but most of these are expensive. Other options? stay at Jaipur or Dausa. Jaipur is well connected with a wide variety of accommodation. Recently, a small hotel near Bhangarh Fort has come up offering few rooms along with meals by the name Hotel Raj Palace. Do not expect anything beyond basic. The only advantage one gets by staying here is extra time as you don’t have to travel to reach early or leave a little late. Aman group also has its ultra-luxury resort Amanbagh at Ajabgarh which is close by.

Read my Bhangarh experience The haunted Bhangarh Fort – India’s most haunted?

How to visit Bhangarh Fort?

For those who are wondering how to go to Bhangrah Fort, Delhi and Jaipur offer best transit point with good transport connectivity. Both cities have the well-developed infrastructure of transport and accommodation.

Bhangarh Fort by train from Delhi

You can board a train from Delhi to either Alwar or Dausa. From Dausa or Alwar you can hire a taxi. Bhangarh Fort can also be reached by taking a train or flight to Jaipur. Bhangarh to Jaipur is just 90 km and can be planned as a day trip.

Bhangarh Fort Distance by road

Distance of Bhangarh Fort from Jaipur is close to 90 km. The best option is via Dausa on NH 21 and then on to state highway 55 via Sainthal dam. The distance of Bhangarh Fort from Delhi is around 250 Km. The best option is via NH 48 through Gurgaon, Bawal, Neemrana, Kotputli, Manoharpur and then on to route no 148. Do note NH 48 is a toll road. Another alternative is via through Gurgaon, Bhiwadi, Rajgarh, and Ajabgarh using state highway no 25. It is very difficult to conclude as to which is the best route for Bhangarh from Delhi because the road conditions keep changing.

Bhangarh Fort by public transport – Bhangarh Fort can be reached by bus or shared jeeps from both Dausa and Alwar. Buses from Jaipur and Delhi are available often to both these towns. The nearest village to Bhangarh Fort is Gola Ka Bas. From Alwar, you can hire a shared jeep to Gola Ka Bas via Tehla route. An alternative route is via Ajabgarh.

Best time to visit Bhangarh Fort?

Best time to visit Bhangarh Fort is on weekdays. Bhangarh Fort on Sunday is quite like a picnic spot with too many visitors and tourists. In my opinion, the best time to visit Bhangarh Fort is during winters before 12 PM if you enjoy solitude.

Places to visit near Bhangarh Fort

You can visit Ajabgarh Fort, Chand Baori, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and Alwar among prominent places. During monsoon, you can also explore Sainthal Dam near Bhangarh Fort.