Who all believe in ghosts? Well, maybe most of us don’t! But are there really any ghosts or is it just the negative energy!? You must have guessed from the title that today this post is all about the Bhangarh Fort – The Most Haunted Place in India. I am always fascinated about paranormal stories and just out of my curiosity, we decided to visit this wonderful place which is just 90 KMs from Jaipur and around 250 KMs from Delhi.
December 2009 • We were in Jaipur and one fine day I said excitedly, “Let’s go to Bhangarh”. “But what is the use!? There is nothing”, said some of the locals. “But I want to!”, I was adamant. I had read and heard so many stories, that I had to visit the Bhangarh Fort, believed to be built in the 17th century for Madho Singh. Not far from Jaipur, next day, we hired a car and drove early in the foggy winter morning at around 5 AM since the gates of Bhangarh open at 6 AM. (It’s open from sunrise to sunset). The roads are not that great but you will enjoy the countryside of the desert land.
We were the first to reach there. The birds were chirping, cool breeze hit our face and all packed in jackets and gloves, we were excited to finally enter the fort. “Woohooo”, I was thrilled to witness one of the most haunted places in India! There was no ticket in 2009 and the guard let us in through the stone arch gate. Can you imagine, we were the only ones in the fort!?
The long pathway leads you to the open area and the thing that first gets noticed is the roof-less Johri Bazaar (Jewellers’ Market). The remains of ruins tell the story what would have been the time when people used to sit and sell their artifacts. It must have been so prosperous that time, and now only the ruins! Someone told us, the ghostly market gets active in the night and one can hear the sounds of bangles amidst cacophony. Woah…. had goosebumps just imagining it! The market, we were seeing, had some shops with two floors. We had some eerie feeling; maybe our minds played after listening to that story!
Anyway, we moved ahead and saw a temple. There are many temples, like Hanuman Temple, Someshwar Temple, Gopinath Temple in the premises, out of which some are in good condition while others are ruined. I was mesmerised by the intricate work in some of the temples. The remains of the paintings were proof how flourished that kingdom must have been.
We met some of the locals after an hour of strolling, and heard their side of the story. Usually, there are many rumours and tooth-stories made up by villagers, but the two major stories I heard were….
1. A local tantrik / black magician was in love with the princess and conspired against her to make her fall in love with him. Princess smelled the conspiracy and crushed the tantrik to death. But just before his death, tantrik cursed the whole city that nobody will live in peace and the rest is history.
2. Once a hermit, who lived in the fort area, gave instructions to not build any structure taller than his house and if the shadow of any house fell on his house, he will destroy everything. Once it happened and the fort was doomed within no time. Aah… the whole virtual video played in front of my eyes! I was imagining every bit of it. It must have been a tough time for all the residents then.
Post clicking temple photographs, we moved ahead to see a beautiful green landscape which was wonderfully maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). We could see some kids jumping into the water body near the garden.We also saw some monkeys (langurs) playing and jumping in the lush garden. I turned and captured a 360 degrees view in my eyes. My sparkled eyes were in awe with the royalty and the magnificent size of the Bhangarh Fort.
We soaked each and every moment of that place (we could not see the whole area though). After spending couple of hours, we thought of returning. No one is allowed to stay back after sunset. While on our way back, we could see some of the locals carrying dry wood for fuel.
How different a perspective can be!? Same location, same structure but the mindset changes post darkness. I must admit, I felt negative vibes at some of the places but not as spooky as they were told. I felt as if someone was following me! May be it was just my perspective. I will leave this for your imagination. “What lies in the history is gone with the past”, I thought.
Bhangarh Fort Chhatri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh Fort, Remains, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Animal Skull, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh Bastion Ruins, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh, Ganesha Idol, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh, Landscape view, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh, Old Equipment, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh, Old Remains of a palace, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Bhangarh Old Temple, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Brown Rock Chat Bird, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Carved Pillar, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Carvings in the temple, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Ceiling of the temple, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Hanuman Temple, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Idol in Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Information about the Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Old remains in the ghost town, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Pillar Carvings, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Scary Tree, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Sculpture, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Shivlinga, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Temple, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Temple Exterior, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Temple with stairs, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Tree, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Nandi, Bhangarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan
With a heavy heart, I was stepping towards my car with million questions in my mind. What must have happened? Where did all those people go? How did they use to live? What would have been life then? Does black magic exist? Are there really any ghosts? Does the market really get active in the night? Do spirits visit the fort? Are they willing to communicate?
When I turned back, I heard as if someone was telling me,”Until next time!”
Nanchi.blog 
well good plans only after this Corona
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Haha…Yes! Everything is on hold.
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yeah 🤞
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Very detailed description and beautiful pictures.
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Thank you so much, Rekha for dropping by! 🙂 I am so glad you liked the write-up and photographs. 😀
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The place looks very beautiful..!! Thank you Madam for sharing.. 😊
I don’t see anything scary over here. The temple looks well preserved and maintained despite being surrounded by ruins. The intricate carvings are also impressive.
There are a couple of questions though, which are yet to find answers:
1. Why build this grand palace and a flourishing town in the middle of nowhere? I don’t think I see any geographical feature or economic hub near this place, which may explain the strategic advantage the place might have offered.
2. Who and when?
3. Why the haunted stories? I mean there are several places on Earth which give a spooky feeling, but why single out Bhangarh?
Let’s see how time answers these questions.
Lovely read as usual Madam.. 😊
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Thank you Abirbhav for dropping by. The Bhangarh Fort is amazing and I am glad you liked the post. You won’t find anything scary here but once you visit…it is all about your experience, the feel you get after visiting the place. As, I have always told you, you are a keen observer. Nice interpretations and set of questions you have stated. I think Bhangarh was a strategic location because it was somewhere close to Delhi. You can also check Wikipedia for more details. Some people claim to have have experienced paranormal activities and hear the roaming spirits, No one is there to tell the truth. It is better to visit and experience. What say!? 😉
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Yes, it’s indeed better to visit and find some answers yourself.. ☺️
A bit of searching reveals that Bhangarh Fort was built by Raja Bhagwant Das, who was the elder brother of Empress Jodhaabai.
The Fort is quite close to Jaipur. Still the reason for this fort and any strategic advantage is unclear. You are right, need to visit and see, maybe some answers are revealed then.
Thank you Madam for your compliments.. ☺️ I am a bit intrigued by History, hence the observations..!!
Awaiting more such posts from you.. Happy Traveling..!!
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I could not find the written information from any of the official team in Bhangarh, hence, can not comment on anything. What we hear is half truth and people make up stories to popularize the place. It might be a possibility that ghosts rumors started to keep away the notorious people. Who knows!? Visiting the ruins and knowing the story behind it is always fascinating. I am glad you liked the posts. Next post coming soon! Stay tuned. ☺️☺️
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Woah! Nanchi, I’ve read this with a heavy heart. I’ve always heart about this haunted place, and as I fear ghosts, I don’t get into it much.
But your descriptive post made me understand so many things.
Are those pictures clicked and edited by you?
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Thank you, Sumit. I am glad I could change a bit of your perspective towards this haunted place. I think sometimes, there are no ghosts but just the hallucination of our evil mind. I fear humans than ghosts! 😉 To overcome your fear, you must face it. Visit any of such haunted place with your friends and enjoy! 😀 “Darr ke aage jeet hai!!”
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Hahaha! Why don’t you become a motivational speaker 😂
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Chalo, this is also something I have recently discovered. Wow! This isolation is bringing out the best in me! 😂😂 I am multi talented.
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😂😂😂😋
There’s no doubt you are.
This self time is giving you more than you could have expected na😉
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Very much! With encouraging people like you around, the blogging becomes interesting. Thank you…:)
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Always. 🙂
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☺️
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Yes, the photos are clicked and edited by me….:)
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I must say, they’re great.. GREAT, I meant.
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Thank you, Sumit. All time and energy goes into capturing the moments and living them….:)
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And that’s its beauty
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Such an interesting post, the photos are amazing too#alittlebitofeverything@_karendennis
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Thank you Karen!
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A place I would love to visit..
I have to say we really had a great time in Jaipur.
.
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You must visit Bhangarh Fort next time whenever you are in India! 🙂 yes, we had a great time.
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Thank you for your post. I felt like I traveled with you on your exploration. The exquisite and detailed ceiling in the main temple and the carvings shows what a person or persons can do with their time when there are no distractions. These people had 24 hours in a day the same as we do. But maybe there was someone holding a big stick😁. Much love ❤️
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Thank you dear! I am glad I was able to take you on a virtual journey to the Bhangarh Fort. I agree the intricate carvings are the evidence of hard work and dedication. LOL. 24 hrs and see what we do! 😂 😂 I am sure there must be someone with a stick. Thank you so much love for dropping by! ❤
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and thank you for sharing of your life and photography. I will come see you again. Much love to you.
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Much love and hugs! ❤
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The fort looks very interesting. We visited a ‘ghost town’ near Jaisalmar and it quite the disappointment, I wish we had heard of this fort when we in Rajasthan. Lovely pictures.
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Yes, it is named as Kuldhara. Sad to know the place did not live upto your expectations. I loved it, though. I am sure, you will love Bhangarh Fort. It is a paradise for photographers. 🙂
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I think it was hyped up too much and then they left us to walk around on our own with no ‘ghost stories’ or history, just what we could read on our own.
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Oh….That’s sad! I will try to post some of my experiences of Kuldhara in the future posts.
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Enjoyed seeing your photos, amazing there weren’t more people there. If you had been allowed to stay after dark, would you have done so?
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I am glad you liked the photographs. It was some years back; I am sure it must be crowded now…:( If I had been allowed to stay after dark…ummm….I wouldn’t have taken the risk! Haha…Not because of the “ghosts” but the animals. LOL
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Nanchi, this was fascinating to read and the photos are absolutely breathtaking. So much beauty in a place of ruin. My family and I are currently obsessed with a television show called Mysteries of the Abandoned. This is something they would feature on that show. I bet it was very eerie to walk amongst these ruins. Thanks so much for sharing.
Shelbee
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Nanchi! The images in here are wonderful! I can’t believe you had the place to yourself. I once lived in a loft in Downtown Denver…I swear it was haunted. It was an old flour Mill they converted into living spaces. Pretty sure some crazy things happened in there!!
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Thank you Pam for dropping by! I am glad you liked the images. OMG! the haunted loft…Please share your personal experience. I am curious now!
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So 2 things. First, I was in bed trying to fall asleep and I swear it felt like someone had lit a match or something under my nose. I could feel the heat on my nostrils. The second time someone yelled in my ear. Now, it was during a very stressful time in my life, but it felt very real to me!
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OMG! OMG! That is scary yaa….I can’t even imagine that. You brave, girl…
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Interesting. I have been to this fort so many times. You were lucky to have the place for yourself. It’s hard these days. It’s full of travellers.
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Wow…That’s great that you have been to Bhangarh Fort multiple times. I wish I could visit some time again. Yes. we went in early so were lucky to be the only ones around that time. I am sure, with the growing popularity, it must be crowded nowadays. Thank you for dropping by….:)
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It is like a tourist attraction. Thanks to bloggers like us and social media. it is unlikely you will feel the way you did last time at the fort.
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Yes, rightly said, Arv! Sad but true, not much places are left unseen or unexplored. As, I always say, there is no harm in tourist attraction as far as people behave responsibly and understand the importance of the destination and value it.
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True. Just that what you experienced in terms of eerieness is all gone.
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Itna crowd dekh ke bhoot bhi bhaag gaye! 😂😂
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What an intriguing day trip! Ruins are always so good to spark the imagination. All the questions about what happened to the people who lived there? Why did they leave?
Thank you for sharing with Creative Compulsions!
Michelle
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Very well said, Michelle. Same questions were hovering in my mind while I was roaming in Bhangarh Fort. It is so fascinating na!
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Wow what a journey you took us on there. Love it and your knowledge about it. The photographs are stunning. I’d love to visit some day…
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It is indeed a wonderful place. I am glad I could take you on a virtual tour! 😉 You must visit it for sure to experience it yourself. Thank you for dropping by! ❤
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So interesting!!
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Yeah….Interesting and mysterious! 🙂
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You are an excellent photographer. Shots are so clear and perfect. The post is also detailed. I thought as if I am watching a movie…
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This sounds scary🙈
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Fascinating and spooky!
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Interesting!
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Yes and scary as well! 😀 Thank you Saania. Nice to read you after long.
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My pleasure, followed you!
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Thanks dear! Following you back. 🙂
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Reminds me of a trip I took to India
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Wow! When were you in India and which part? I hope you had a nice time. 😊
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It was a few years ago. I visited Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Visited in the middle of summer and I totally enjoyed my trip.
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Lovely all good।
An amendment
The old instrument unit mentioned is
गरथ – a bull was used to pull water or of well
Thank you
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Weekend well spent travelling around … so what if it was virtual. Have you ever given thought to the fact the most of the forts have a haunted story behind them. While not a big believer in ghost stories or paranormal activities, I believe that these stories were cooked up to deter thieves and other notorious elements from getting their hands on the wealth that was hidden inside the fort. And then its also the games that your mind plays with you. These places have been empty since ages and hence there can be a lots of negative energy trapped inside. The intrigue that large and vacant structures like fort and palaces bring to you plays some sever mind games.
Never been to Rajasthan but Bhangarh remains one of the top most must visit destinations in my list. Excellent blog keep up the good work 🙂
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Beautiful Pictures !!!
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Thank you, Abhishek! Glad you liked them. 😊
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I have visited Bhangarh Fort! No eerie feeling as all! Though my mother joked that she could see the ghost of the tantrik on the small temple on top of a hill!
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Haha….It is all about mind and thoughts, how you perceive it. Some feel it and some don’t. Apart from that, did you enjoy the landscape at Bhangarh? When did you go?
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I am 13 right now… I visited when I was 7 or 8… Long time back….. I enjoyed the landscape very much…. Such a peaceful and quiet surrounding! I still remember…. Your posts are amazing…. Just followed!
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