Mehrangarh Fort or Mehran Fort that stands 400 feet above Jodhpur’s skyline is one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. This colossal fort once guarded the city of Jodhpur but today it is one of the top historical sites and best preserved forts in the country. Every nook and corner has a story to tell: its architectural brilliance, Rajputana grandeur and views of the Jodhpur city from the rugged cliff is what makes Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur the prime attraction for travelers. So if you are looking to explore this marvelous fort, our comprehensive guide will come handy.
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History Of Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
It was the fifteenth Rathore ruler, Maharaja Rao Jodha who built (in 1459) the Mehrangarh fort. During his rule a place called Mandore was the capital, however Rao Jodha felt the safety and security was not enough hence wanted the capital to be moved to Mehrangarh. A hermit known as Cheeria Nathji (Lord of birds) was the sole person residing on the hills and he was not ready to vacate his place for the king. Finally with the help of the powerful warrior God ‘Karni Mataji’ the Maharaja was able to get the hermit to vacate the place.
When the hermit finally moved out, he cursed Rao Jodha by saying that the land would always suffer from scarcity of water. To remove the curse the king had to bury a man alive under the foundations. A Brahmin named ‘Mehran’ volunteered to take part in the sacrifice to nullify the curse. It’s believed that the fort was named after him for the sacrifice that was made. Over the years many kings ruled the place, each of them made changes or added something new to this magnificent fort. The different styles and influences of each one of them can be seen inside the fort.
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Architectural Details Of Mehrangarh Fort India
Architecture of Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is more like a celebration of various styles of architecture. From Rajputana style to Mughal architecture, you can see them all. This is because the fort and many structures were built from the 15th century until the 20th century. The architectural variations made by Maharajas from different eras gives the fort a unique look and charm.
The fort spread over an area of 5 km is built using red sandstone and marble. Views of the towering walls that are 120 feet high and 70 feet wide are truly breathtaking. There are 7 beautiful gates that lead to many courtyards and palaces within the Mehrangarh fort premises. The artistic sandstone doors, windows and multi-layered roofs with exceptional carvings will leave you speechless.
Other Important Information
Location: In the heart of Jodhpur in Rajasthan
Best Time To Visit: Between October and March
Mehrangarh Fort Entry Fee: Indians ₹100 and Foreigners ₹600
Mehrangarh Fort Timings: 9:00am to 5:00pm on all days
Things To See At Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
The sheer size of the Mehrangarh fort will get you prepared for the several remarkable attractions that you are about to witness. From palaces to museums, temples to Mahals, there are many places inside the fort that will take one through the rich history and culture of Rajasthan.
Seven Fort Gates: To get inside the fort one needs to cross the seven massive gates. Some of these gates were added for additional protection while others were added to celebrate victory.
Moti Mahal: Also called as the Pearl Palace is a beautiful chamber where the queens would sit and listen to the court proceedings. Colored glass windows created colorful patterns when the sunlight hit the mirrors.
Phool Mahal: Also called the Palace of Flowers was built by Abhay Singh. It was the private entertainment house for the rulers of Jodhpur. The bright and elaborate décor with golden filigree made the Phool Mahal look very royal.
Jhanki Mahal: Since women were not allowed in public, they were asked to sit in the Jhanki Mahal and watch the public proceedings through windows. The name of the Mahal translates to Palace of glimpses.
Sheesh Mahal: Also called as the mirror palace was the bedroom of Maharaja Ajit Singh. The intricate mirror work and colorful paintings on the walls and ceiling makes the chamber quite stunning.
Temples: The fort also has two ancient temples, the Nagnechiji temple and the Chamunda Mataji. The Nagnechi Ji temple was the personal temple of the royal family that dates back to the 14th century.
Fort Museum: The fort museum has a large collection of paintings, weapons, manuscripts, royal outfits and an impressive collection of artifacts from the past.
Mehrangarh Fort By Night
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur transforms into a magical sight because of the strategic illumination of the massive fort walls. The night view of the fort looks more beautiful than during the day. The entry to the fort is only between 9:00 to 5:00, however to see the nighttime grandeur of the fort one can book an evening tour, typically from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Listed below are few of the top things to do here during the night:
Night Tours: See the majestic architecture of the fort under the moonlight. The strategic lighting of the fort enhances the overall experience.
Cultural Performances: Enjoy live folk music and traditional dance shows at Mehrangarh Fort. These shows not only give you an insight into the local art but also the vibrant tradition and culture of Rajasthan.
Dining With A View: Enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one in one of the roof top restaurants at the fort. The delicious Rajasthani cuisine and the illuminated cityscape of Jodhpur from top is sure to make your night memorable.
Also Read: 7 Most Spectacular Places To Visit In Jodhpur City
Final Thoughts
The bone-chilling tales of murder, self-immolation, burring of people alive and other hair-raising facts led to abandoning of the fort until a few decades back. In 1972 the owner of Mehrangarh and an INTO Ambassador set up a committee to preserve this architectural treasure. Their conservation efforts dint go unnoticed, they were awarded multiple UNESCO awards for heritage preservation in India. Today the Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is one of the best forts in Rajasthan. So, whether you’re a history buff or not, make sure to visit Mehrangarh Fort, it is a living testament to Rajasthan’s rich culture.
FAQs
The fort has markings and written information to guide you through, so you don’t need a guide while visiting Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur. However to understand the fort and its history better, experienced tour guides will be an added bonus.
3 to 4 hours is a good time to take in the architectural beauty of the fort and to explore the nearby cafes and shops.
There is no particular dress code to visit Mehrangarh Fort but do keep in mind that the place of visit is a rich cultural heritage site. So dress modestly and avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
Mehrangarh Fort is located in the Jodhpur city, and since Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, the city is well connected by road, rail and air. It is also well connected to nearby top destinations like Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Jaipur.
