Rajasthan Tourism: Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur is a beautiful monument giving a sneak peek into India’s rich cultural history. Easily one of India’s most beautiful forts, it is tall and imposing in an almost invincible manner. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today it has the distinction of being acknowledged as the finest living example of a Hindu fortress.

Mehrangarh-fort

Visitor guide gives you a run down of it’s history and all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

History

The foundation of the majestic  Mehrangarh fort was laid down by the Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha in 1459. History has it that at the time of foundation of the fort on the hill named “Bahuchera” there was only one single inhabitant, a loner named Cheeria Nathji. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed the Rajput Ruler “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!”. Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort very near to the cave that the hermit had used for meditation. However even to this date the area suffers from a draught every 3-4 years. Although the Fort was made by King Rao Jodha, it has major contributions by successive rulers of Jodhpur .More information about the history of the fort can be found in books such as “The house of Marwar” by Dhananajaya Singh.

About the Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort has several gates, which had observed the many battles fought in ancient times. One of the gates is “Jayapol”, put up by Maharaja Man Singh to mark his triumphs over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, “Fattehpol”, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a festivity for conquering the Mughals.

Inside-mehrangarh-fort

The “Lohapol” located near the area where the wives of war martyrs observed ‘Jauhar’, by throwing themselves in the holy fire of their husband’s pyre, and the “Surajpol” which leads to the museum, are some of the attractive gates inside the Mehrangarh Fort.

Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort include beautiful palaces and large open courtyards inside the fort. One of the palaces is the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), which holds the imperial throne, the Sringar Chowki. It is the place where the royal ladies held gatherings. The Phool Mahal was the palace where royal dances took place. The stained glasses not only preserve the glitter of the gold plated ceiling but also enhances the regal beauty of it.

The Sheesh Mahal has intricate mirror-works with dazzling mosaic of mirrors on its walls and ceilings. The palaces inside the Mehrangarh Fort with their undeniable lure, and the fort, with its mighty and imposing structure, is the finest example of the hard work and skills of the Jodhpuri sculptors.

Pigions-flying-outof-mehrangarh-fort

The Mehrangarh Fort also has a museum. This museum exhibits fine galleries and exquisite rooms with a wide display of lavish royal elephant carriages, palanquins, small canons, thrones, paintings, and even a giant tent. It also has an enthralling but very lethal weapons gallery.

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is between October and March when the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures going down to 12 degrees Celsius.

Mehrangarh Fort Timings

The Mehrangarh Fort is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open to the public all 365 days of the year.

Mehrangarh Fort Entry Fees

Ticket costs are Rs. 220 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners including admission, camera and audio guide. Please check the rates before entering as they may be subject to change. Taking the audio tour or hiring a guide is highly recommended to make the most of this experience. For further details visit www.mehrangarh.org

While you are visiting …

When in Jodhpur you should also visit the Balsammand Palace which was the summer pavilion of Maharaja Sur Singh of Jodhpur. Another interesting stop would be Mandore a town 9kms from Jodhpur. It used to be the ancient capital of the Mewar and makes for a good excursion.

Things To Do In Rajasthan’s Sun City - Jodhpur

With its colourful history, imposing fort and sun drenched streets, Jodhpur pulls you in. Once there you find a fascinating city that mesmerises as quickly as a snakecharmer tames his snake.

These are our favourite things to do in Jodhpur. What are yours? Add your memories and recommendations below.

1. Explore Mehrangarh Fort

Give yourself a whole day to wander around what many say is India’s most impressive fort. Looming over Jodhpur and soaked in legend, Mehrangarh is an almost intimidating presence. It was built in the mid 15th century under the orders of clan ruler Rao Jodha who wanted a safer alternative to his ancient base in Mandore. Inside its deep walls are seven ornate palaces and courtyards. The museum here is highly recommended.

Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur 

2. …then see the place that Rao Jodha abandoned

To add some back-story to your fort trip, why not take a journey just five miles north to Mandore. This was the original Rathore (Rajput clan) capital until Rao Jodha moved everyone south. You’ll now find a fort in ruins – but wow, these are some beautiful ruins, and the trip is made worthwhile by the genteel atmosphere of the green surrounds.

Late Shri Sher Singh ji Gehlot Jodhpur

3. Capture the blues

Keen photographers will be inspired by Jodhpur. The strong sunlight and rich palette of colours offer great potential for dazzling images. A trip around the old town is a must. Houses here are mainly painted in shades of blue. Strangely, no-one really knows why. Some say it is a way that members of the Brahmin caste have traditionally distinguished themselves; others say it’s all about protecting buildings from irritating insects. What’s certain is that it creates an impressive visual effect. This is also a great place to be nosey – homeowners often leave their doors open, providing the curious traveller with some sneaky views of Rajasthan family life (though if you are staying in a homestay, you’ll get a brilliant insight anyway).

Blue City - Jodhpur

4. Set out on a desert safari

Jodhpur is the starting point for the well-regarded Bishnoi village safari, an alternative trip through the sands of Rajasthan to the settlements of the Bishnoi community. These are people who treasure nature and live in isolated hut villages. Though founded in the 1400s, their aged principles seem pertinent to modern times: they forbid the destruction of the natural environment, including the felling of trees, and champion good health. Smoking is frowned upon. The journey there takes in wildlife such as black bucks, foxes, partridges and nilgai (known as blue bulls).

Bishnoi House

5. Enjoy a sugary high

Jodhpur is renowned for its sweets. It’s common in this city to begin a meal with a ‘sweetmeat’ dish, a tradition known as ‘mithi manuhar’. And the Jodhpur streets are blessed with countless sweet shops, often packed with sweet-toothed customers. The local speciality foods to ask for are Mave ki Kachori, Besan ki Chaaki and Maakhan Vade. Some dishes even include unusual desert roots that are believed to have medicinal properties.

Jodhpur Mistan Bhandar

6. Browse the buzzing bazaars

Shopping is a favourite pastime for many Jodhpur visitors, mainly because of the sheer quality and range of handicrafts found here. Fabrics, carpets, jewellery, leatherware, art and, famously, antiques are all in abundance. Sardar Market is a whirlwind of trade that centres on the city’s clocktower, but you will no doubt stumble upon smaller bazaars as you walk the streets. Kapra is popular for fabrics

Jodhpur Bazar 

7. Get royally pampered

This one is for homestay guests only. Your homestay host will be able to arrange for Jodhpur’s best beauticians, hairdressers, masseurs and henna artists to call in at your convenience and deliver an indulgent treatment session of your own design. Speak to them about your requirements. Other unique experiences you can get staying in a homestay include bespoke cooking lessons and personal guided tours.

Mehandi Waale haath

8. See the gypsy snake dance

Kalbeliya is an entrancing Rajasthan folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbeliya gypsy community. Where once they were on hand to entertain the Maharajah, now they are commonly found in hotels and at festivities, where they mesmerise to a percussive beat. Known as the ‘snakecharmer tribe’, the story of these proud nomadic people is fascinating and troubled.  Take a chance to see their Flamenco-esque twirls while you are in Jodhpur; in other spots in Rajasthan, including Pushkar, they have been moved on by authorities.

gypsy snake dance 

9. Follow in Lord Mountbatten’s hoof tracks

It’s not something many of us get to see on a regular basis. But as Jodhpur is home to a popular polo ground and gave its name to those infamous riding trousers, what better way to end your trip then with some horseplay? The season has a narrow timeframe, taking place in December only. Your homestay host will be able to advise on attending a match. But if you know how to ride a horse, it’s even possible to take a short course and play the game yourself at most other times of the year.

polo in Jodhpur

Jodhpur – The Blue City

Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination of Rajasthan featuring many palaces, forts and temples. City was founded by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. Old Jodhpur city is surrounded by 10 km long boundary wall which was constructed 100 years after the city was founded.

Jodhpur City View

Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City because of the indigo tinge of whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. City offers large number of tourist spots. Some of the must visit sites of Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Raj Ranchhodji Temple and Umed Garden.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh fort is located on 125 m high hill. It is one of the largest forts of India. Mehrangarh fort reminds of the royal past of the Rajput. There are several attractions inside the fort like palaces, galleries, museum and temples.

Mehrangarh Fort

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada is located near to the Mehrangarh Fort. Royal cenotaph made up of white marble, Jaswant Thada was built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. 

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Grand structure of Umaid Bhawan Palace was built for the purpose of giving employment to the people during the long draught which struck Jodhpur during early 20th century. Construction of the palace started in the year 1929 and took 15 years to complete. Today the palace has been converted into a Heritage hotel, however, royal family still resides in one part of the palace. 

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Balsamand lake

Balsamand Lake is a man made lake, located 7 km from Jodhpur and is a popular picnic spot. It was built in 1159 A.D. Adjacent to the lake there is palace called Balsamand Palace which was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Today, Balsamand Palace is a heritage hotel. 

Accommodation in Jodhpur

Jodhpur has large number hotels, resorts and guest houses which suit tourists of every budget. There are many heritage hotels which offer royal accommodation with all the modern day facilities and amenities. There are many budget hotels which offer low budget accommodation in Jodhpur city. 

Shopping in Jodhpur

Shopping in Jodhpur is an exciting and rewarding experience. City is famous for handicrafts in wood, iron and camel bone. Sadar Market of Jodhpur is the ideal place for buying the handicraft items made by the skilled craftsmen of the region. One can buy Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jeweleries. 

How To Reach

Air  : Jodhpur airport has regular domestic flights from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Airport is about 5 km from the city. 

Rail :Jodhpur is well connected by rail from all parts of the country. There is train service for all the major cities  of India from Jodhpur.

Road : Road transport corporation of Rajasthan runs buses from Jodhpur for all the cities and towns of Rajasthan.