Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India | Tourist Attraction (2024)

Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur city because of its unique architecture and the diverse history. Considered as one of the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was constructed by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort covers an area of 5 km and is constructed on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur.

There are 7 gates, which can be used to enter the fort. These 7 gates are constructed by different rulers and are built in honor of the victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.

History

Mehrangarh Fort incurs its origin to Rao Jodha, the ruler of Mandore and the founder of the city of Jodhpur. When Rao Jodha decided to shift capital to a elevated location in Jodhpur, he laid the foundation of this massive fort on a hill named Bhakurcheeria or the Mountain of Birds. The foundation keystone of the fort was laid by Shri Karni Mata, a female warrior sage.

Mehrangarh Fort Architecture

Mehrangarh is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur, is a celebration of various architectural styles. The fort and the structures inside it were built over a long period of 5 centuries starting from the middle of the 15th century till the 20th century. So, its architecture reflects influences and elements from different eras, giving its beauty a unique charm.

The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is encircled by walls that are around 117 feet long and 70 feet wide. At some places, the walls of the fort rise up to a height of 120 feet, which adds to its formidable structure. There are 7 beautiful gates adorning the fort walls, built at different points of time for different reasons. The fort also features a number of exquisitely decorated palaces and temples.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur Information:

Note: Ticket sale closes at 5:00 pm. Entry is free for visitors on 12th May due to the occasion of Jodhpur Foundation Day. Only the audio guide, elevator fee, and manual charges are applicable on that day.

The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, which is located near to the fort, is another key attraction for travelers visiting Mehrangarh.

Mehrangarh Museum

The museum at the Mehrangarh Fort has different galleries and has an amazing collection of artifacts and decorative arts. It includes:

• Elephant Howdah Gallery
• Daulat Khana Gallery
• Turban Gallery
• Palanquin Gallery
• Painting Gallery
• Textile Gallery
• Sileh Khana or Arms Gallery
• Wood Craft Gallery
• Cradle Gallery

Zip Lining at Mehrangarh

Jodhpur Flying Fox offers zip lining activities at the Fort. It allows you to enjoy incredible views of the fort along with its step-well, battlements, lakes, the Rao Jodha eco-park, and the Jodhpur city as well.

• Timings:9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Duration:45 to 90 minutes
• Cost:₹ 1400 onwards, depending on the session and the number of zips chosen

Things to See in the Mehrangarh Fort Complex

• Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Mirrors
• Phul Mahal or the Palace of Flowers
• Moti Mahal or the Palace of Pearls
• Takhat Vilas
• Jayapol
• Fattehpol
• Dedh Kamgra Pol
• Imritia Pol
• Suraj Pol
• Loha PolKirat Singh Soda’s chhatri,
• Chamunda Mata Temple

Lesser-known Facts about Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

• Mehrangarh means ‘the Citadel of the Sun’, which according to the mythical claim that the Rathodes are the descendants of the Sun.
• A wall of the fort has handprints that are believed to be of the royal women who performed Sati or self-immolation on their husband’s pyre.
• The fort was the location for many Hollywood and Bollywood movies, including The Dark Knight Rises (2012), The Jungle Book (1994), and Awarapan (2007).
• In 2015, Radiohead guitarist and composer Jonny Greenwood, producer of Radiohead Nigel Godrich, and composer Shye Ben Tzur scooted a joint musical album at the fort.
• A high number of eagles gather at the fort every day in the afternoon from around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Rudyard Kipling described the fort construction as the work of angels, giants, and fairies.

Location Map for Mehrangarh Fort

Attractions near Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

• Jaswant Thada (800 m)
• Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park (850 m)
• Toorji Ka Jhalra (2.8 km)
• Mahamandir Temple, Jodhpur (3.1 km)
• Jodhpur Government Museum (3.5 km)
• Bishnoi Village (4.6 km)
• Umaid Bhawan Palace (6.8 km)
• Machiya Safari Park (7 km)
• Balsamand Lake (7.2 km)
• Kailana Lake (7.5 km)
• Mandore Gardens (8.2 km)
• Masuriya Hills Garden (9.7 km)

@crazyhodophile