Rajasthan, the land of kings and forts, is full of famous names like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. But beyond these well-known cities lies a place few travelers visit — Badnore Fort (also spelled Badnor Fort).
Located in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, this ancient fort stands tall on a rocky hill, surrounded by peaceful countryside. A trip to Badnore Fort by car is a wonderful way to explore Rajasthan’s hidden beauty — a mix of history, nature, and the quiet charm of rural life.
1. Introduction – The Forgotten Fortress
Badnore Fort is one of those places that surprises you. It is not crowded, not commercial, and not noisy like some other tourist spots. Instead, it feels peaceful, grand, and mysterious — like a sleeping giant from Rajasthan’s royal past.
The fort rises high above the small village of Badnore, around 75 kilometers from Bhilwara and 150 kilometers from Udaipur. Built hundreds of years ago, it tells stories of bravery, royalty, and time itself.
When you reach there by car, you’ll see the fort long before you arrive — standing proudly on a hill, its walls glowing golden in the sun.
2. The Drive to Badnore Fort
Starting from Bhilwara or Udaipur
You can reach Badnore Fort easily by road. The drive from Bhilwara takes about 1.5 hours, while from Udaipur, it’s about 3 hours.
The roads are mostly good, passing through small Rajasthani villages, farms, and open landscapes. Along the way, you’ll see:
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Green fields and mustard crops shining yellow in winter.
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Herds of goats and camels walking slowly along the roadside.
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Colorfully dressed villagers, smiling and waving at travelers.
If you love road trips, this journey is a treat. The drive is calm and full of local sights — perfect for photography and short stops.
3. A Glimpse into History
The exact date of when Badnore Fort was built is not clearly recorded, but it is believed to be several centuries old, built during the Rajput era. The fort belonged to the rulers of Mewar, one of the most powerful kingdoms of Rajasthan.
Like many other forts, Badnore was built for defense and strength. From its high position, soldiers could see enemies approaching from miles away. The fort’s thick walls and narrow gates were designed to protect against attacks.
Over time, as wars ended and kingdoms merged, the fort lost its military purpose. But it still stands proudly — a reminder of Rajasthan’s glorious past.
Locals say the fort once held royal residences, temples, and secret passages, and though some parts are in ruins today, the atmosphere is still powerful and mysterious.
4. The Architecture – A Marvel of Stone and Strength
When you climb up to Badnore Fort, the first thing that strikes you is its massive size and height. The fort is built on a steep hill, made of large sandstone blocks, giving it a solid and royal look.
The fort’s design shows typical Rajput architecture, with:
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Arched gateways that look grand and royal.
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Stone courtyards where soldiers once stood in line.
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Watchtowers that offer a wide view of the surrounding land.
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Temples and small palaces, now mostly in ruins but still beautiful.
Inside, you’ll see carved balconies, decorative windows, and pillared halls that reflect the art and craftsmanship of the time. Even though the fort is partly damaged by age, its beauty and grace remain untouched.
At the top, the wind is strong, and the view is breathtaking — endless fields, hills, and small villages stretching as far as the eye can see.
5. The Peace of the Place
Unlike popular forts like Amber or Mehrangarh, Badnore Fort is quiet and untouched by crowds. You might even find yourself alone at the top, listening only to the sound of the wind and birds.
This peacefulness is what makes it so special. You can sit on the old walls, feel the history around you, and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Photographers love this place for its natural light and wide views. The sunset from the fort is particularly magical — the sky turns orange and gold, matching the color of the fort’s stones.
6. Local Legends and Stories
Like every old fort in Rajasthan, Badnore also has its share of local tales. Some villagers say that the fort is protected by the spirit of an old Rajput warrior who guards it from harm. Others talk about hidden tunnels that once connected Badnore to nearby forts.
There is also an old temple inside the fort, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Even today, villagers come here to offer prayers, especially during local festivals.
These stories, passed down from generation to generation, give Badnore Fort a mystical charm — a feeling that history and faith live together within its walls.
7. The Village of Badnore
The fort overlooks the village of Badnore, a small and simple settlement where life moves slowly.
Here you can see:
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Farmers working in their fields.
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Women carrying water pots on their heads.
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Children playing near old wells and houses made of mud and stone.
The people are friendly and curious about visitors. Many of them are proud of their fort and happy to tell stories about it. If you stop by a local tea stall, don’t be surprised if someone invites you for a cup of chai and conversation.
Visiting the village adds warmth and meaning to your trip — it shows the living side of Rajasthan’s heritage.
8. What to See and Do
While the main attraction is the fort itself, a trip to Badnore also offers a few other simple pleasures.
Explore the Fort
Take your time walking around the fort. Some parts may require a little climbing, so wear comfortable shoes. Don’t rush — the beauty lies in the details: old carvings, doorways, and patterns that tell stories of another time.
Enjoy the View
From the top, you can see far into the horizon — fields, forests, and tiny villages. It’s the perfect place for photography or quiet reflection.
Visit Nearby Temples
Around Badnore, there are several small temples where locals worship daily. These include Hanuman Mandir, Shiv Mandir, and smaller shrines hidden in the hills.
Picnic or Rest Stop
Many travelers visiting from Bhilwara or Ajmer make Badnore a picnic stop. You can carry light snacks and water, sit under the trees near the fort, and enjoy the calm.
9. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Badnore Fort is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the drive is comfortable.
Avoid the summer months (April to June) because the heat in Rajasthan can be very strong, especially during the day.
If you visit in the monsoon season (July to September), the surrounding countryside becomes green, and the fort looks even more beautiful against the cloudy sky.
Rajasthan holiday weekend tour
10. Tips for Visiting
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Start early: If you’re driving from Udaipur or Bhilwara, start in the morning to enjoy more daylight.
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Carry water and snacks: There are no big restaurants near the fort.
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Wear comfortable shoes: Some parts of the fort involve walking and climbing.
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Respect the site: It’s an ancient monument — don’t damage walls or leave trash.
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Photography: Allowed and highly recommended. Early morning or evening light is best.
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Ask locals for directions: The roads near the village can be confusing, but villagers are helpful.
11. How to Reach
By Car
Driving is the best way to reach Badnore. From Bhilwara, take the road towards Asind, then continue to Badnore village. From Udaipur or Ajmer, follow state highways connecting to Bhilwara.
The final stretch is a narrow country road, so drive slowly and carefully. Parking is available near the base of the fort.
By Train or Bus
You can also reach Bhilwara or Asind by train or bus, and then hire a taxi or car to Badnore. Local buses connect nearby towns but are less comfortable for tourists.
12. Where to Stay and Eat
Badnore is a small village, so there are no hotels near the fort itself. The best options are in Bhilwara or Udaipur, depending on your route.
In Bhilwara:
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Hotel La Abode – Comfortable and modern.
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Hotel Ranbanka Heritage Resort – Traditional Rajasthani design with a royal feel.
In Udaipur:**
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Hotel Lakend – By the lake, ideal for travelers.
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Mewar Haveli – A heritage-style stay in the old city.
You can also find small local dhabas (roadside eateries) between Bhilwara and Badnore, serving Rajasthani thali, tea, and snacks.
13. Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning a day trip, you can combine your visit to Badnore with other nearby sites:
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Bijolia Fort – Another ancient fort, around 60 km away.
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Mandalgarh Fort – Famous for its historical battles.
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Menal Waterfalls – A beautiful natural spot, especially during monsoon.
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Harni Mahadev Temple (Bhilwara) – A peaceful spiritual place.
This route gives you a full day of history, nature, and culture.
14. The Experience – Why You Should Visit
Badnore Fort may not appear in every travel brochure, but that’s what makes it special. It’s untouched, quiet, and real. There are no ticket counters, no crowds, no vendors — just the fort, the wind, and your thoughts.
Standing on its walls, you feel connected to the land and its past. You can almost hear the echoes of soldiers marching, the sounds of festivals long gone, and the whisper of legends carried by the breeze.
A road trip to Badnore Fort by car is more than just a drive — it’s a journey through time and simplicity, showing you the heart of Rajasthan beyond its tourist cities
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