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Bawangarhi

Champaran, Bihar, India
Sub Place Details: Bawangarhi, also known as the "City of 52 Forts," is an enigmatic archaeological site located near Narkatiaganj. The name itself is derived from the Hindi words "Bawan" (52) and "Garhi" (forts), signifying a massive complex of defensive structures that once stood here. Spread over a large area, the site currently consists of ruins, mounds, and brick structures that hint at a glorious medieval past. Historical records suggest that this was a strategic military outpost or a provincial capital during the reign of local kings or the Sultanate period. The site is shrouded in mystery as much of it remains unexcavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. Walking through the tall grass and shrubs, one can find ancient bricks, remnants of defensive walls, and deep wells. The scale of the ruins suggests that it was a well-planned fortified city capable of housing a large garrison. For history lovers, Bawangarhi offers a sense of discovery that is hard to find in more commercialized tourist spots. The local community often shares tales of hidden treasures and secret tunnels, adding to the site's allure. It is a place where time seems to have stood still, allowing visitors to imagine the clatter of swords and the movement of cavalry that once defined this landscape. The site is a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of empires and the endurance of stone against the march of time. :

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Historical Ruins
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    Entry Fees:
    Sub Place Entry Fees: There is no entry fee as it is an open site.

    Guide Fees: If you find a local who can guide you through the ruins, a small tip of 100 to 200 INR is appreciated.

    Camera Fees: No charges f...
    Sub Place Entry Fees: There is no entry fee as it is an open site.

    Guide Fees: If you find a local who can guide you through the ruins, a small tip of 100 to 200 INR is appreciated.

    Camera Fees: No charges for cameras or mobile phones.

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    Timing:
    Sub Place Timings: Best visited between 07:00 AM and 05:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Winter mornings are best to avoid the tall grass being too hot or humid.

    Seasonal Note: During the monsoon, the site can becom...
    Sub Place Timings: Best visited between 07:00 AM and 05:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Winter mornings are best to avoid the tall grass being too hot or humid.

    Seasonal Note: During the monsoon, the site can become overgrown and difficult to navigate.

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    Special Events:
    Sub Place Special Event: Local festivals like Chhath Puja are celebrated with great fervor in the nearby villages.

    Archaeological Surveys: Occasionally, student groups from universities visit for field studies during the winter months.
    <...
    Sub Place Special Event: Local festivals like Chhath Puja are celebrated with great fervor in the nearby villages.

    Archaeological Surveys: Occasionally, student groups from universities visit for field studies during the winter months.

    Independence Day: Local schools often organize marches to the site to celebrate the regional history.

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    Best Photo Spots:
    Sub Place Best Photo Spots: The broken arches of the main gate (where visible) are excellent for framing.

    Aerial Shots: Use a drone (with permission) to see the layout of the 52 forts from above.

    Black and White...
    Sub Place Best Photo Spots: The broken arches of the main gate (where visible) are excellent for framing.

    Aerial Shots: Use a drone (with permission) to see the layout of the 52 forts from above.

    Black and White: The textures of the old bricks look stunning in monochrome photography.

    Sunset: The silhouettes of the mounds against a setting sun create a dramatic effect.

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Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Sub Place Things to Do: Explore the sprawling ruins on foot.

    Historical Research: Document the different types of bricks and construction styles.

    Photography: Take artistic shots of the crumbling walls and nature reclaiming the site.

    Local Interaction: Talk to the village elders about the legends of the 52 forts.

    Birding: The undisturbed ruins are a habitat for several species of owls and hawks.

    Nature Walk: Enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the Narkatiaganj countryside.

    Meditation: The silence of the ruins provides a peaceful environment for contemplation.

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous for its unique name and the sheer number of forts it supposedly contained.

    Strategic Location: Historically, it was a key point on the trade and military routes between the plains of Bihar and the hills of ...
    Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous for its unique name and the sheer number of forts it supposedly contained.

    Strategic Location: Historically, it was a key point on the trade and military routes between the plains of Bihar and the hills of Nepal.

    Unexplored Potential: It is famous among archaeologists as a site that could hold significant secrets about Champaran's medieval history.

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    Architecture:
    Sub Place Architecture: The architecture of Bawangarhi is characterized by massive brickwork.

    Defensive Walls: The ruins show traces of thick fortification walls built with large, kiln-burnt bricks typical of the late medieval period.
    Sub Place Architecture: The architecture of Bawangarhi is characterized by massive brickwork.

    Defensive Walls: The ruins show traces of thick fortification walls built with large, kiln-burnt bricks typical of the late medieval period.

    Dimension: The entire complex spans several hectares, with individual mound heights reaching up to 15 feet.

    Water Systems: Several ancient wells and tanks are scattered throughout, showing an advanced understanding of water management within a fort.

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    How To Reach:
    Sub Place How to Reach:

    By Air: Gorakhpur (130 KM) is the nearest airport.

    By Train: Narkatiaganj Junction is the nearest major railway station, only 5-7 KM away.

    By Road: It...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Chanki Garh (15 KM), Bhiknatohari (35 KM), Lauriya Nandangarh (25 KM), Valmiki National Park (50 KM), Someshwar Hills (40 KM), Bettiah (45 KM), Ashokan Pillar Areraj (80 KM), Rampurva (30 KM), Manokamna Mandir (10 KM), Gandak River (40 KM)

Tourism Tips

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    Sub Place Tourism Tips:

    Health & Safety: Wear long pants and boots to protect against insects and thorny bushes.

    Packing: Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no shops at the ruins.

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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