One of the most amazing, haunted and discussed place in the Indian history. Known as the Bhangarh fort is located in the Alwar district in Rajasthan (in the vicinity of the Sariska region). The abandoned old fort has alluring history which makes visitors, history, photographs and adventure lovers across the country to witness it.
The fort has spectacular ruin sites with spooky stories behind.
Thus making it to one of the most famous abandoned heritage destination in India.
The Aravalli Hills surround Bhangarh, making for a diverse atmosphere encompassing history, architecture, nature and mystery, while entering through its ancient gateway, abandoned houses, dilapidated temples and crumbled palace fort, truly gives one the feel of time travel to a completely different age. Despite its fame of being haunted, the fort stand as a reflection of the historical treasures of Rajasthan.
The History of Bhangarh Fort
This sixteenth-century monument was commissioned by Raja Bhagwant Das, strong ruler of amber. The fort was intended for his second son Madho Singh the First. Bhangarh was originally thought to have been a wealthy, burgeoning community consisting of markets, temples, palaces, houses and an ever growing population.
The fort was erected at a strategically advantageous point near the hills to provide natural protection to the settlement. Bhangarh later turned out to be a large township under the impact of the Amber rulers.
Very few of the original structures still exist today, but you can discover the ruins of the majestic city which once thrived on this spot. From these ruins, you can try to visualize what the town would have been like hundreds of years ago.
The Famous Legend of Bhangarh
The fort has risen in popularity primarily due to the local legends that accompany the location. One story that accounts for quite a bit of the attraction is the one about the ascetic, baba Balanath, who dwelled near the location prior to construction of the fort.
According to folklore, Baba Balnath did agree to let the fort be constructed, but with one stipulation: its shadows never encroached on his place of worship or meditation. Apparently, the palace was constructed at one stage higher than mutually agreed upon, its shadow then encroaching on Balnath’s spot.
The tale mentioned that Baba Balnath cursed all the inhabitant of the settlement and decreed the ruin of Bhangarh in future.
One of the most famous legends is of the beautyful princess Ratnavati, local legends say that she was loved by magician Singhia, he tried to make her fall in love with magic but failed, the fort is said to have been cursed by him and also its residents before he passed.
They are popular folktales that have been recounted since time immemorial and have formed an indelible part of Bhangarh. However they are only folktales and folklore which have no historical backing.
Exploring the Ruins of Bhangarh
Visiting Bhangarh Fort is most exciting with explorations around the old ruins. From the gate it allows entry into a old city in ruins.
On the grounds you will find a few interesting structures including:
Ancient Temples
At Bhangarh there are a number of old temples made in traditional Rajasthan style. There are quite few Hindu temples here and the stone carving in the temples is still intact.
The Main Palace
This, the palace area is probably the most fascinating part of the Bhangarh Fort structure, although the building is very dilapidated it is still possible to wander through its various floors and over its remnants.
The palace is built with close proximity with the hillside, making it look stunning as well as the background. Every section of the fort provide tourists with scenic views. The Aravallis can also be seen from various positions.
Old Marketplace
The remains of the old market is also another point of interest. With rows of small ruined buildings we would imagine a bustling market to have been on this spot in times past.
Strolling the marketplace gives the visitor some insight into what this town was like when it was doing well.
Residential Ruins
Houses, along with a number of other structures can be found lying about in Bhangarh in addition to palaces and temples. These structures are evidence of the fact that Bhangarh was more of a complete settlement and not just military fort.
Why Is Bhangarh Fort So Famous?
This site is famous for more than what a usual fort could. It’s multifaceted.
Visitors with an interest in history can explore the ruins to discover the architecture and the regal history of Rajasthan. Photographers will have an opportunity to photograph epic ruins nestled between the mountains. Adventurers would appreciate exploring the ruins of a deserted ancient settlement. Thrill seekers would appreciate the lore and mystery surrounding the fort.
Bhangarh has its own atmosphere especially due to its location. A mix of dilapidated structure, dead paths, surrounding forests, and hills makes it all a dramatic experience.
Remember however, many stories of the supernatural attached to Bhangarh arise from popular myths and folklore, and the fort’s historic and architectural significance is by itself worth understanding.
Architecture and Natural Beauty
The Bhangarh Fort is an example of traditional Rajput architecture. The settlement of the place was designed with gates, temples, residences, bazars and a palace.
The additional charm the place provides is its surroundings. The panoramic view around the fort can be enthralling during fair climate.
The juxtaposition of the ruins and nature offers a good photographic setting at Bhangarh. People can find numerous opportunities to click historic structures on their hilltops and open terrain.
Best Time to Visit Bhangarh Fort
The ideal time to visit the fort of Bhangarh would be between October and March months, when the temperature of Rajasthan is moderate and favorable. Summers could be extremely hot for touring the fort.
The better weather conditions during winter make walking around the large fort complex and all its various buildings enjoyable.
Morning and daytime visits will be enjoyable and visitors would be able to get a clearer look on the architecture and take photographs. Always see the latest official regulations for visiting and the latest operating hours before paying a visit.
How to Reach Bhangarh Fort
To reach Bhangarh Fort, located in Rajasthan, you’ll need to travel to one of the nearby cities and go the rest of the way by road.
Most of the visitors come from:
Jaipur
Alwar
Delhi
Sariska
Dausa
Hiring a private taxi or a taxi, drivers can drive travelers down to this fort. Alternatively, one can hire cars and drive down to Bhangarh, a journey that could be strung with sightseeing at other important Rajasthan destinations, particularly at Sariska.
Things to Do at Bhangarh Fort
When you decide to plan your trip to Bhangarh, in an around it you could do:
Explore the ruined fort.
See the old temples.
Walk in the deserted market.
Discover the ruins of the palace.
Enjoy photography.
Learn about the folklore of Bhangarh.
Explore the Aravalli scenery all around.
Combine your trip with a visit to a nearby place like Sariska.
Why Bhangarh Fort Should Be on Your Travel List
Anyone looking for more than the average, touristy sights should opt for Bhangarh Fort. This is where the history meets the mystery, and nature meets the man-made wonder.
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