Bhangarh: Mystical or Haunted?

The ‘Ghost Town’ of Bhangarh is located 255 kms from New Delhi and 85 kms from Jaipur, and still not many have visited it.

History of Bhangarh

Bhangarh was founded in 1573 by Bhagwant Das, who had two sons: Man Singh, who later became a General of Mughal Emperor Akbar, and Madho Singh. The Bhangarh Kila, or Royal Palace, was added later in 1613 by Madho Singh. The town flourished for two decades, but after the death of its second ruler, Chattr Singh (Madho Singh’s son), in 1783, Bhangarh faced economic decline. Some speculate that the famine of 1783 led to the town’s abandonment but most believe the legend about a curse.

The legend about the curse

Bhangarh has been famous for its ghostly presence and ironically that’s what attracts most of the tourists.  According to the legend, the entire village vanished overnight due to a curse by a Tantric Singhia. He was in love with Princess Ratnavati (of Bhangarh) and wanted to marry her. He had used magical powers to enchant her through her perfume. As soon as the princess became aware of his actions, she dropped it, thus putting an end to the Tantric. Before dying, he cursed the town, declaring there would be no new births, leading to its eventual demise. It is believed that the Chhatri atop the hill belongs to him!

Residing within the fort’s vicinity, he forbade the construction of any structure taller than his own house.

Legend has it that he prophesied, “The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!” This curse is believed to have contributed to the eventual decline and abandonment of Bhangarh. The once seven-storeyed Royal Palace collapsed into a four-storey building that still stands today. The samadhi (tomb) of Guru Balu Nath remains where he was buried. Interestingly, Bhangarh was abandoned soon after its construction, and now only its ancient remains speak of the opulence and life it once had.

Inside Bhangarh

The fort ruins offer a glimpse of ancient architecture.

Bhangarh Palace: The main royal residence built by Madho Singh in 1613 is today in scattered ruins.

Jauhari Bazaar: The ancient marketplace with remnants of old shops.

Temples: There are four temples within the fort complex. Gopinath Temple, Someshwar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple and Ganesh Temple. All temples have the Nagara style of Architecture and the carvings are fascinating to see.

Chhatris: Traditional Hindu cenotaphs for royal family members.

Havelis: Old mansions that once housed nobles and officials.
There a Dancer’s Haveli, where the King and his courtiers would gather for evening entertainment.

Gateways: The fort has several entrances and gateways that offer a glimpse into its defensive architecture. There are four entry points in addition to the main gate – the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Phulbari Gate and the Delhi Gate. 

Baoli: A step-well used for water storage and community gatherings.

Please read before you visit

• Entering Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.
• The Kewda or Pandanus trees found in Bhangarh belong to the Archaeology Survey of India and are protected under the Law.
• Bhangarh was also one of the locations for the Shahrukh Khan & Salman Khan starer – Karan Arjun.
• In case you wish to stay a night, Alwar Bagh is recommended. Located near Akbarpur, it is about 2 hours before Bhangarh and just 15 km away from Sariska National Park. The Place has yummy Bhuna Maas & Panner Lababdar!

Places to see around Bhangarh

Ajabgarh: Founded by Ajab Singh (son of Chhatr Singh), Ajabgarh is located between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh. It has an old garrison fort and a water reservoir. There’s also a temple of Shri Raghunath Ji and some royal cenotaphs/chattris.

Abhaneri: Abhaneri is 63 kms from Bhangarh and is popular for an ancient step well- Chand Baori. You can learn about this goregous step well in my blog on Chand Baori, Abhaneri – Rajasthan.

Discover more of the beautiful Shekhawati region of Rajasthan by visiting the Basar-Mandawa-Nawalgarh in your next trip.

Location & Distance Guide to Bhangarh

How to Reach Bhangarh from New Delhi:  255 Kms via Alwar-Bhiwadi Road and 288 Kms via NH8
Best Route: Take the NH8 via Manesar – Dharuhera – Neemrana – Kotputli – Pratapgarh along the Aravali Hills to Ajabgarh and then reach Bhangarh.  Total Time: 5 hrs with traffic/breaks

How to Reach Bhangarh from Abhaneri: 63 Kms via NH11 and 41 via MDR48
Total Time:1.5 Hours

Bhangarh to Sariska: 38 Kms via RJ SH 29A
Jaipur to Bhangarh: 85 Kms via NH11 and 78 Kms via Alwar-Jaipur Road
Bhangarh to Alwar: 80 Kms
Kesroli: 85 Kms
Shekhawati- Mandawa: 92 Kms