

As a kid, I remember being intrigued about Haunted places and what goes on inside. The one name consistent among the most haunted places in India or for that matter World is Bhangarh Fort. Perched high on the border of Sariska Tiger reserve in the Aravalli ranges is the deserted town of Bhangarh. The drive up the hills is spooky enough with fewer settlements and as one reaches closer, the deserted look becomes more profound. It’s said to be established in 1573 by King Bhagwant Das, the Fort was finally completed in the year 1613 by Bhagwant Das’s younger son Madho Singh, who eventually ruled Bhangarh.

Why is Bhangarh Fort haunted?

It is always fascinating to know the legends behind the haunted places which usually have the most intriguing and twisted stories behind them, so does Bhangarh Fort. There are two popular versions of the legend of Bhangarh. The first legend though is the most popular. It is said that Princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh brought upon this to Bhangarh. It is believed the beautiful princess was desired by a local black magician, and to compel her to fall in love with him he had tried to trick her into using a secret cosmetic potion with a spell, but the wise Princess smelled foul and instead poured the bewitched potion on the ground turning it into a massive stone boulder, this crushed the ‘tantric’ to death. But before the magician breathed his last, he cursed the city to death saying that no births and life will exist in Bhangarh.

And so it happened, in the battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh, Princess Ratnavati was assassinated. Locals believe that the princess has taken a rebirth somewhere and are waiting for her return to put an end to the sadistic curse.

The other legend says that before building the Fort, King Madho Singh sought the permission from Guru Balu Nath and agreed that the shadow of the Palace would never fall in his place of meditation, but such was not the case.

The Bhangarh fort was risen to several stories and shadowed the prohibited retreat of the Guru. And so he cursed, that any structure risen so high shall collapse and it has been that way since then. The ruined upper stories of the Fort are prominently visible as if they were wiped off overnight. Both these legends make the Fort a dwelling of unsettled spirits and this is why even the Archaeological Survey of India prohibits any visitor inside the Fort before sunrise or after sunset.

Entrance to Bhangarh fort in Rajasthan, India. Courtesy A Frequent Traveller

Before you visit India’s most haunted place – A few things to know:

Direction: Best to use Google Maps since the locals usually discourage from visiting the place since its cursed.

Hotels: I recommend booking in advance and with limited hotel options, they all get booked especially during season time.

Food: There aren’t many eating options available around Bhangarh, ensure you are carrying enough food and drinks before you start.

Entry Timing – 6 am – 6 pm

Entry Fees – For Foreigner: Rs 200, Indian: Rs 25.

Other places: Don’t miss out visiting the Sariska Tiger Reserve

The main Palace structure is built with well-dressed sandstone in Mughal style.

The world’s most haunted place is Bhangarh fort in Rajasthan, India. Courtesy Shahnawaz Sid

Best time to visit Bhangarh Fort:

Rajasthan gets extremely hot during summers & moving around at daytime is uncomfortable. Best time to visit Bhangarh is during winters between October to February when the days are pleasant and warm.

Places to Stay around Bhangarh Fort:

A number of budget options have cropped up over time given the worldwide popularity. Five-star property AmanBagh Palace is a popular place to stay here.

How to Reach Bhangarh:

Delhi is the closest major city to Bhangarh at a distance of 280kms. The best option is to drive down to Bhangarh. Alwar is the nearest railway station and one would need to hire a taxi from there to visit Bhangarh.

Featured Image: Bhangarh Fort. Courtesy Shahnawaz Sid

