Bhangarh Fort – The Most Haunted Fort in India
Nestled amid the lush green hills of the Aravalli Range, the magnificent Bhangarh Fort is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in India and is believed to be cursed. Despite its eerie reputation, the fort attracts hordes of tourists due to its serene atmosphere, picturesque mountain backdrop, and its undeniable architectural grandeur.
Because of its haunted status, entry into Bhangarh Fort is strictly prohibited before sunrise and after sunset, as per government regulations.
Location of Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort is located approximately 77 km from Jaipur, on the route leading towards Sariska Tiger Sanctuary and Alwar. It makes for an ideal day trip from Jaipur for history lovers and adventure seekers.
History of Bhangarh Fort
The fort of Bhangarh was constructed in the 17th century by Raja Madho Singh, the younger brother of the great Mughal general Man Singh of Amber.
At its peak, Bhangarh was a thriving settlement with over 9,000 houses until around 1720. The town was protected by three successive fortification walls and five massive gates.
Today, visitors can explore the remnants of:
- Grand royal palace
- Numerous temples
- Deserted marketplaces
- Ruins of large havelis
One of the most notable structures is the Nartakiyon Ki Haveli, which once served as the residence of the royal dancing girls.
Gates of Bhangarh Fort
In addition to the main entrance, Bhangarh Fort has four other entry gates:
- Lahori Gate
- Ajmeri Gate
- Phulbari Gate
- Delhi Gate
Temples Inside Bhangarh Fort
Near the main entrance of the fort stand several Hindu temples built in the Nagara style of architecture. The prominent temples include:
- Gopinath Temple
- Someshwar Temple
- Keshav Rai Temple
- Mangla Devi Temple
- Ganesh Temple
Legends & Haunted Tales of Bhangarh
Several legends are associated with the mysterious downfall of Bhangarh, but two stories are especially popular among locals.
Legend of Baba Balau Nath
According to the first legend, a sadhu named Baba Balau Nath was meditating in the area when the fort was being constructed. He allowed the fort to be built on one strict condition — no building should be tall enough to cast its shadow on his hut.
However, as the fort grew taller, its shadow eventually fell upon the sadhu’s dwelling. This violation of his condition is believed to have triggered a curse that led to the destruction of the town.
Legend of Princess Ratnavati
The second and more popular legend revolves around the beautiful Princess Ratnavati. It is said that a wizard skilled in black magic fell deeply in love with her and attempted to enchant her by replacing her ittar with a love potion.
Princess Ratnavati discovered the plot and threw the potion onto a nearby boulder. The enchanted boulder rolled towards the wizard and crushed him to death. Before dying, the wizard cursed Bhangarh, declaring that the city would soon be destroyed and no one would ever be able to live there again.
According to legend, the kingdom was later attacked by Mughal forces, leading to the death of all its inhabitants, including Princess Ratnavati, fulfilling the curse.
Why Visit Bhangarh Fort?
- Explore one of India’s most haunted locations
- Witness stunning ruins set in the Aravalli hills
- Experience a mix of history, mystery, and architecture
- Perfect day trip from Jaipur
Bhangarh Fort remains a fascinating blend of history, legend, and eerie charm — a place where silence speaks louder than words.
