Address
Mehrangarh Fort,
Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur,
Rajasthan 342006
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: +91 291 254 8790/8992/1447
Email: culture@mehrangarh.org
Email: education@mehrangarh.org
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About Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur, the second largest desert city in the state of Rajasthan, is a land of majestic palaces and forts, visited by millions of tourists, every year in Northwestern India. Hailed as the blue city of India, the prime attraction of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest hill forts in Rajasthan. Over 500 years old, Mehrangarh Fort, also known as Mehran Fort, served as the royal residence of the Rathores, and was their military base until the invasion by the Mughals, in the 17th century.
Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, Mehrangarh Fort is now a well-stocked museum, and a historical monument, maintained and preserved by the reigning custodian of the fort, Maharaja Gai Singh II. An acclaimed World Heritage Site, Mehrangarh means ‘fort of the sun’, and has strong bastion walls towering to a height of 120 feet, with a thickness of 70 feet. Built on a rocky cliff, the fortress wall stretches over 500 yards, giving away spectacular bird’s eye view of the blue residences, huddled across the Jodhpur city.
The entrance of the fort complex is through a series of seven defense gates, amongst which the popular ones are the Jai Pol, the Fateh Pol, the Dedh Kamgra Pol and, the Loha Pol. Built using red sandstone, Mehrangarh fort is an archetype of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with resplendent Jharokhas, Jali lattice screens, arched openings, domes, and mirror tiled work. Likewise, exquisite detailing of miniature paintings, floral motifs, and mosaic inlay of ceilings, walls, and pillars capture the skilled handiwork of local artisanship.
Notable attractions of Mehrangarh fort are the Shringar Chowk (gallery of miniature paintings), Daulat Khana (royal palanquins and howdahs), Sheesh Mahal (mirror and gold paintings), Phool Mahal (Hall of Floral motifs), Takht Niwas (luxurious interiors), Jhanki Mahal (women’s quarters), and Moti Mahal (pearl palace).
The fort also offers long flying fox, a zip lining activity for tourists to enjoy the spectacular view of the rocky cliff, and the surrounding forest reserve. For cultural enthusiasts, the fort conducts annually, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival during the month of October, to celebrate the music, art, and folklore of the state.
Best visited during winters from Oct-Mar, the fort functions from 9am-5pm on all days, and is the ideal time to witness cultural fetes, and explore the fort leisurely, away from the scorching heat of the sun. The fort is 11 km from Jaisalmer, and easily accessed from the city centre by bus, cab, and metro. Entry fee costs INR 100 for Indian citizens, and INR 600 for non-nationals inclusive of audio guides, and free passes are available for public on 12 May, in celebration of the Jodhpur Foundation day. For more information or queries on tickets, timings, events, parking, or others, reach the Mehrangarh Fort support.
