Mehrangarh Fort
Explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, a symbol of Rajput grandeur. Discover its rich history, stunning architecture, intricate palaces, and vibrant cultural heritage. Plan your visit with our detailed guide to entry fees, timings, and more
Mehrangarh Fort: A Majestic Citadel of Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, an imposing sentinel of Jodhpur, stands proudly on a towering cliff, dominating the city’s skyline. This magnificent fort, a testament to Rajput valor and architectural brilliance, is not only one of the largest forts in Rajasthan but also one of the best-preserved in India. A major tourist attraction of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh draws visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into the opulent world of Rajasthan’s bygone era.
Rudyard Kipling aptly described Mehrangarh Fort as “the work of giants,” and indeed, its sheer scale and grandeur are awe-inspiring. Within its formidable walls lie a complex of intricately designed palaces, a fascinating museum, and a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural treasures. The Mehrangarh Fort and Museum serve as a window into the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, showcasing the artistic achievements and royal lifestyle of its rulers.
A Fort Built to Last
The foundation of this majestic fort was laid by Rao Jodha, a Rajput ruler, in 1459. Every subsequent ruler of Jodhpur contributed to its expansion and fortification, resulting in the impressive structure we see today. The fort is encircled by massive, thick walls that still stand strong, bearing witness to the numerous battles it has endured. The battle-scarred walls, marked by cannon fire, speak volumes about the fort’s resilience and strategic importance.
Today, Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is a splendid destination, offering visitors a captivating experience. The fort also offers panoramic vistas of the “Blue City” of Jodhpur, providing breathtaking views from its elevated vantage points. For those seeking respite, the fort also houses serene gardens and restaurants.
Where is Mehrangarh Fort Located in Jodhpur?
Mehrangarh Fort is strategically perched on a hilltop, approximately 400 feet above the surrounding old city. A winding ascent leads to the fort, fortified by imposing 120-foot-high walls. These formidable walls safeguard some of the most exquisite palaces and cultural artifacts of Rajasthan. The fort’s location provided a natural advantage, offering its defenders a commanding view of the surrounding terrain.
The Architecture of Mehrangarh Fort: A Blend of Styles
The architecture of Mehrangarh Fort is a captivating blend of various styles, a result of its construction and expansion by successive rulers over centuries. Since its foundation in the mid-15th century, the fort has evolved, incorporating diverse architectural influences that reflect the changing tastes and requirements of its patrons.
The fort’s architecture is a mesmerizing amalgamation of styles. While some sections exhibit a distinct Rajputana influence, others showcase the intricate artistry of Mughal architecture. The interiors of Mehrangarh Fort reveal a rich tapestry of design elements, with various architectural styles seamlessly interwoven. Each successive ruler left their imprint on the fort, expanding and embellishing it to suit their needs and preferences.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur: A Glimpse into History
The history of Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is a saga of Rajput valor, strategic alliances, and royal patronage. The fort’s foundation was laid by Rao Jodha in 1459, marking a significant shift as he moved his capital from Mandore Fort to the more secure and strategic location on Bhakurcheeria, also known as the “mountain of birds.”
Local legends surround the fort’s establishment. It is said that Rao Jodha had to displace a hermit named Cheeria Nathji from this hill. To achieve this, Rao Jodha sought the help of the powerful saint Karni Mata. Cheeria Nathji eventually relented but is said to have cursed that the kingdom would face challenges.
Karni Mata then laid the foundation stone of Mehrangarh Fort. To counter the curse, Rao Jodha is believed to have buried a man named Raja Ram Meghwal within the fort’s foundation. This sacrifice was considered auspicious, and in return, Raja Ram’s family was promised royal protection.
A century after its inception, Rao Maldeo reinforced the fort’s gates and walls, further enhancing its defenses. Over the centuries, Mehrangarh Fort witnessed periods of both Rathore and Mughal control.
In the 18th century, following the decline of Mughal power, Maharaja Ajit Singh reclaimed control of the fort. He undertook extensive repairs and renovations, adding several palace apartments and the magnificent victory gate, Fateh Pol.
Over time, the fort served multiple purposes. It functioned as a royal residence, a military stronghold, a center for regional arts and culture, and a place of worship.
In the 20th century, the royal family moved to the newly constructed and more modern Umaid Bhawan Palace. For a considerable period, Mehrangarh Fort remained largely unoccupied.
Today, the fort is under the custodianship of Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the current head of the Rathore clan. He transformed it into a museum, opening its doors to tourists and preserving its rich heritage for generations to come.
Palaces of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort houses several magnificent palaces, each a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of its time. Some of the prominent palaces within the fort complex include:
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors)
Once part of Maharaja Ajit Singh’s private chambers, Sheesh Mahal is renowned for its intricate mirror work. The palace is adorned with elaborate mirror embellishments, reflecting light and creating a dazzling spectacle. A European glass chandelier graces its wooden ceiling, and the carved interiors feature delicate floral motifs. The walls are also adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
Phool Mahal (Palace of Flowers)
A vibrant and colorful palace, Phool Mahal was built by Maharaja Abhay Singh as a venue for his private audience. The palace boasts resplendent ceilings, glasswork windows, and a rich color palette. The walls are decorated with portraits of the royal family and paintings depicting incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga.
Jhanki Mahal
Jhanki Mahal is distinguished by its latticed windows, which served as viewing galleries for the queens and princesses of Jodhpur. Constructed during the reign of Maharaja Takhat Singh, these delicate windows allowed the royal women to observe the activities in the courtyard below while maintaining their privacy.
Dipak Mahal
Dipak Mahal once served as the fort’s administrative center. Diwans and other officials conducted administrative affairs and addressed various issues here. Originally built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, it was later renovated by Maharaja Takhat Singh.
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace)
One of the oldest and largest palace rooms in the fort, Moti Mahal was built by Sawai Raja Sur Singh. This grand hall served as the venue where the king met with his subjects and received public guests.
Takhat Vilas
Takhat Vilas was the personal chamber of Maharaja Takhat Singh, a great patron of the arts. The room is lavishly decorated with paintings covering every surface, from the ceiling to the floor. Even the floor carpet is adorned with painted motifs.
Sardar Vilas
Sardar Vilas is a stunning palace room showcasing exquisite woodwork. The intricate woodwork is embellished with gold plating, and the doors and windows are adorned with lavish decorations of ivory, lacquer, and paint.
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum Galleries
The Mehrangarh Fort Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich history and cultural heritage. The museum’s galleries showcase a diverse array of exhibits, including:
Howdah Gallery
This gallery displays a unique collection of howdahs, or elephant seats. The collection includes howdahs of significant historical and cultural value, including a magnificent howdah that belonged to Shah Jahan, gifted to Maharaja Jaswant Singh as a mark of honor.
Palanquin Gallery
The Palanquin Gallery features an impressive assortment of palanquins, or palkis, used by the royal family. These elaborate conveyances, crafted from wood or metal, are adorned with intricate decorations of ivory, gold, and precious stones and were often covered with ornate veils.
Daulat Khana Gallery
The Daulat Khana Gallery houses a remarkable collection of fine and decorative arts from the Mughal and Rajput periods. The gallery’s diverse exhibits include textiles, paintings, arms, headgear, and manuscripts, including rare treasures such as Emperor Akbar’s sword, woven tent screens, and embroidered tent hangings.
Textile Gallery
The Textile Gallery showcases a rich collection of royal tents and furnishings. The gallery features an array of vibrant carpets, intricate embroideries, and luxurious velvets, demonstrating the splendor of royal residences and encampments.
Arms Gallery
The Arms Gallery displays a fascinating collection of weaponry and armor used by the fort’s rulers. The gallery features an array of helmets, armor, swords, and other military equipment, including intricately crafted and decorated leatherwork.
Painting Gallery
The Painting Gallery exhibits a collection of miniature paintings from the Marwar School. These paintings depict various themes, offering insights into the royal lifestyle and cultural traditions of the region.
Things to Do at Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort offers visitors a diverse range of experiences. Here are some of the must-do activities:
Enjoy Folk Performances
Experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan with traditional folk music and dance performances held at the fort’s entrance. The fort also hosts puppet shows and other cultural events, including the renowned Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the Sacred Spirit Festival, which attract performers from around the world.
Visit the Temples
Mehrangarh Fort houses two ancient temples: Chamunda Mataji Temple and Nagnechiji Temple. Chamunda Mataji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, whose idol was brought from Mandore by Rao Jodha. Nagnechiji Temple is the ancestral temple of the royal family.
Explore the Fort Gates
The fort features seven gates, each commemorating a significant event or victory. Notable gates include Jai Pol and Fateh Pol. Visitors can also see the marks of cannon fire on Dodh Kangra Pol and the handprints of women who committed sati at Loha Pol. Other gates include Gopal Pol, Amruti Pol, and Suraj Pol.
Witness the Sunset
The Mehrangarh Fort sunset is a breathtaking spectacle, offering panoramic views of the city as the sun dips below the horizon. The fort’s elevated vantage points provide stunning vistas of the cityscape bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.
Relax in the Gardens
Mehrangarh Fort is surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a tranquil escape from the fort’s grandeur. Chokelao Bagh, one such garden, evokes the elegance of the Rajput era, offering a serene space to relax amidst lush greenery and fragrant blooms.
Dine with a View
Indulge in a royal dining experience at the Chokelao Mahal Terrace, a restaurant nestled within the fort’s gardens. The restaurant offers fine dining with panoramic city views. Other dining options within the fort include Cafe Mehran, Palki Cafe, and Vaara Cafe.
Shop for Souvenirs
The Mehrangarh Fort museum shop offers a curated selection of souvenirs that reflect Jodhpur’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can purchase jewelry, textiles, perfumes, and other unique items, including royal memorabilia and merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, and tote bags.
Mehrangarh Fort Timings and Entry Fee
Mehrangarh Fort is open daily throughout the year from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fort remains open on all days of the year, ensuring that tourists can visit at their convenience. Entry to Mehrangarh Fort is free on Jodhpur Foundation Day, which is celebrated annually on May 12th.
For those interested in experiencing the fort’s ambiance at night, guided night tours are available between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
The entry fee for Mehrangarh Fort is ₹100 per person for Indian nationals. Senior citizens, students, and paramilitary personnel can avail of tickets for ₹50. The audio guide is priced at ₹180, and separate tickets are available for still cameras (₹100) and video cameras (₹200).
For foreign tourists, the entry fee, which includes the audio guide, is ₹600 per person. A discounted rate of ₹400 is offered for foreign students. Visitors can also hire a guide for a more in-depth tour of the fort. The official Mehrangarh Fort guide charges vary from ₹300 to ₹600, depending on the group size. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Indian Nationals: ₹100
Senior Citizens/Students/Paramilitary: ₹50
Foreign Nationals (with audio guide): ₹600
Foreign Students (with audio guide): ₹400
Audio Guide: ₹180
Still Camera: ₹100
Video Camera: ₹200
Best Time to Visit Mehrangarh Fort
The ideal time to explore Mehrangarh Fort and Museum is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this period is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the fort and its surroundings. Winter also offers the opportunity to witness various festivals celebrated at the fort.
Time Required to Explore Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort is spread across an expansive area of 5 square kilometers. To fully appreciate its grandeur and explore its various attractions, visitors should allocate approximately 3-4 hours for their visit. The fort complex encompasses a museum, numerous palace rooms, temples, cafes, and even venues for private dining experiences.
How to Reach Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur?
Mehrangarh Fort is located approximately 10 kilometers from Jodhpur city center and 2 kilometers from the old city. It is also conveniently located 5 kilometers from Jodhpur railway station, 4 kilometers from the city bus stand, and 10 kilometers from Jodhpur Airport. The nearest international airports are in Jaipur (340 km away) and Delhi (620 km away).
Visitors can reach Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur using various modes of transportation:
By Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Jodhpur, both in the old city and the modern areas, and are a common mode of transport to reach the fort.
By Taxi/Cab: Hiring a taxi or a full-day cab offers the most comfortable and convenient way to visit the fort and other attractions in Jodhpur. Several reputable car rental companies in Jodhpur offer this service.
Tips for Visiting Mehrangarh Fort
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the fort’s vast expanse.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Bring hats and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
If you plan to take a night tour, carry light woolen clothing as evenings can get chilly.
Both stairs and a lift are available to reach the top of the fort.
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