Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort is a ruined fortification situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India. It was constructed in the 17th century by Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amber, and is renowned for its historical importance, unique architecture, and association with supernatural occurrences.

As per local legends, the fort was cursed by a tantrik (a practitioner of black magic) who fell in love with Princess Ratnavati, the daughter of the fort's ruler. The tantrik attempted to put a spell on the princess, but she discovered his intentions and had him killed. However, as he lay dying, he placed a curse on the fort, saying that nobody would be able to reside there. Since then, it is believed that the fort is haunted by ghosts and spirits, which is why it has been abandoned.

Today, the fort attracts tourists who are fascinated by its haunted history. Despite the government's prohibition on entering the fort after dark, some people still venture inside it, hoping to witness supernatural phenomena.

Bhangarh Fort was constructed in the 17th century by Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amber, to serve as a fortified residence for his son. The fort was built using red sandstone and featured several palaces, temples, and gardens, and was a thriving center of activity for many years.

However, the fort's decline began when it was attacked by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's army in 1720, during his conflict with the state of Jaipur. The fort sustained severe damage during the attack and never fully recovered.

According to local legends, the fort's cursed history began with a tantrik who fell in love with Princess Ratnavati and used dark magic to try to win her affection. The princess discovered his intentions and had him killed, and before he died, he placed a curse on the fort, predicting its downfall. As a result, the fort was never inhabited again and gradually fell into disrepair.

Despite its state of ruin, Bhangarh Fort is a popular tourist destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into Rajasthan's architectural and cultural heritage. It is notable for its impressive structure and its association with paranormal activity.

Bhangarh Fort is known for its exceptional architecture that blends Mughal and Hindu styles. The fort was built using red sandstone, which gives it a unique appearance. Its complex design consists of several temples, palaces, and gardens that are intricately carved and decorated with sculptures.

The main entrance to the fort, known as the Lahori Gate, is a massive arched structure flanked by two towers, adorned with detailed carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities and mythical creatures.

Within the fort, several palaces and temples can be found, such as the Gopinath Temple, Someshwar Temple, and Keshava Rai Temple, which are notable for their ornate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The palace of Madho Singh, the fort's former resident, is an impressive structure that features intricate carvings and frescoes. The palace includes numerous courtyards, pavilions, and halls, each decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings.

The fort's gardens are also noteworthy for their elaborate design, including water features, fountains, and pavilions that were originally used for leisure and relaxation by the fort's inhabitants.

Overall, Bhangarh Fort's unique blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens showcase Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, making it a remarkable and awe-inspiring structure.

Bhangarh Fort is significant for its historical, architectural, and cultural importance. The fort's construction dates back to the 17th century when it was built by Bhagwant Das, the ruler of Amber, to serve as a fortified residence for his son.

The fort's unique blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural styles and intricate carvings are a testament to Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage. Its design includes palaces, temples, and gardens, each decorated with beautiful sculptures and frescoes.

Despite its dilapidated state, Bhangarh Fort remains a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a fascinating insight into Rajasthan's architectural and cultural past. The fort is also well-known for its connection to paranormal activity, with many locals considering it one of India's most haunted places.

Overall, Bhangarh Fort's significance lies in its contribution to Rajasthan's cultural heritage and its status as a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the state's rich history and unique architectural style.

• The Curse of the Sorcerer : It is believed that the fort was cursed by a tantrik (sorcerer) who fell in love with the princess of Bhangarh, Ratnavati. He tried to cast a spell on her, but the princess came to know of his plans and had him killed. Before dying, the sorcerer cursed the fort and the surrounding area.
• The Incomplete Fort : Another popular myth surrounding the fort is that it remains unfinished. It is believed that the fort was abandoned during construction due to the curse of the sorcerer, and nobody dared to complete its construction after that.
• The Roaming Spirits : Many locals and visitors claim to have experienced paranormal activities inside the fort. They believe that the spirits of the princess and the sorcerer still roam inside the fort, and their presence can be felt during certain hours of the day.
• The Bhangarh Fort Warning Sign : The Archaeological Survey of India has put up a warning sign outside the fort, which prohibits visitors from entering the premises after sunset. The sign reads, "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited." It is believed that this warning is not just a safety measure but also a way to deter people from exploring the haunted fort at night.

• To navigate the uneven terrain and enjoy your visit, wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Since there are no shops or restaurants inside the fort, it is advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
• Show respect to the historical and religious significance of the fort by dressing modestly, being mindful of your behavior, and avoiding littering or causing any damage to the fort.
• For safety reasons, visit the fort during the daytime hours from sunrise to sunset since the area can be challenging to navigate in the dark.
• Beware of the monkeys who are used to visitors and may snatch your food or belongings. Avoid provoking them and be cautious while carrying food or valuables.
• Since the fort is spread over a vast area, exploring it will require a fair amount of walking. So, carry comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate to long walk.
• If you're interested in exploring the paranormal aspect of the fort, do so with respect, and avoid disturbing the spirits or disrespecting local beliefs.

Bhangarh Fort charges an entry fee of INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign tourists as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Visitors are allowed to explore the fort's ruins and its surrounding areas during its opening hours, which are from sunrise to sunset every day. However, it is always recommended to check the current entry fees and timings before planning a visit, as they may be subject to change due to various factors such as weather conditions, renovations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Neemrana's - Hill Fort Kesroli is a luxurious heritage hotel, located around 50 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, offering elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, and various recreational activities.
• Alwar Bagh Resort is a budget-friendly hotel, located about 30 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, providing comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
• The Jungle Lap by OpenSky is a boutique hotel, situated around 40 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, offering luxury tents with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and various outdoor activities.
• Treehouse Dwarka Hotel & Club is a mid-range hotel, located around 35 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, providing comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
• Cambay Sapphire Neemrana is a budget-friendly hotel, located around 50 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, providing comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and various recreational activities.

• Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail : Located ina href="/places/alwar"> Alwar, around 50 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, this restaurant serves delicious Indian and Mughlai cuisine, including mouth-watering tandoori dishes.
• Chauhan Dhaba : This roadside dhaba is located around 20 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort and serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including local Rajasthani cuisine.
• Hotel Golden Leaf : Situated around 40 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, this hotel offers a multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
• Hotel Utsav Niwas : This hotel is located around 30 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort and has a rooftop restaurant offering North Indian cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
• Gola Ka Chakkar : A small eatery located around 10 kilometers from Bhangarh Fort, it serves mouth-watering chaat, snacks, and refreshments.

The optimal time to visit Bhangarh Fort is from October to March, during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for exploring the fort's ruins. It is not recommended to visit during the summer months from April to June, as the scorching temperatures can make it challenging to navigate the fort's uneven terrain. Similarly, the monsoon season from July to September can bring heavy rainfall, making it slippery and unsafe to explore the area. Therefore, planning a trip to Bhangarh Fort during the winter season is ideal for visitors to enjoy their exploration without any discomfort or safety concerns.