Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is the most beautiful part of Jodhpur City, and a most beautiful place, which is also famous as the blue city of Rajasthan, and Mehrangarh Fort is the major attraction of Jodhpur. There are many attractive destinations in Jodhpur, but it is the center of the attraction. It is one of the magnificent and largest forts in India, built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. The fort is standing 410 feet (125 m) above the city on a hill cliff “Bahuchiriya,” the mountain of birds enclosed by thick walls.
Mehrangarh Fort History is excellent to tell and built the fort so beautifully and strategically that enemies cannot enter the fort quickly. However, tourists can still see traces of attacks made by cannonballs on the army of Jaipur at the second gate. There are many places inside Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, famous for their intricate carvings and large courtyards. The Sun God has been the main deity of the Rathore dynasty, and this fort was named Mehrangarh, which means the fort of the sun.
Amazing Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur History
Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, was the founder of the Jodhpur City. In 1459 he found Jodhpur City as the capital of Mewar (Mandor was the previous Capital of the Rathore Dynasty). He was one of the 24 sons of Ranmal and became the 15th ruler of the Rathore dynasty. After one year of accession to the throne, he decided to move his capital to the safest place of the Jodhpur, i.e., Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, because a thousand-year-old Mandor fort was no longer enough to provide security.
With the help of Rao Nara, who was the reliable of Rao Jodha, He laid the Mehrangarh fort’s foundation on 12 May 1459, 9 km from the south of Mandor, on a Hill cliff which was known as “Bahuchiriya” hill. According to the legend, there was a saint named Cheeria Nathji, also called the God of Birds. When Chiara Nathji was forced to leave the hills, he cursed Rao Jodha and said, “Jodha! Maybe there will be a water shortage in your stronghold”.
After listening to his word, Rao Jodha made a house to appease the saint. Along with this, Jodha established a temple near the cave in the fort in which saints used to meditate. But still, we can see the effect of the saint’s curse; every 3 to 4 years, there is a shortage of water at some time or other. According to the Rajasthani language, Mehrangarh was renamed from Mihirgarh to Mehrangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort’s history is fascinating and has lots of stories to tell.
Majestic Mehrangarh Fort Architecture
There are many different historical places in Rajasthan. Still, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is something special. Mehrangarh fort is one of India’s most magnificent and monumental buildings, located at the height of 400 feet on a straight standing rock. This fort gives a fantastic view of Jodhpur city and Pakistan very clear. Mehrangarh Fort walls extend up to 10 km, and the height of the walls ranges from 20 feet to 120 feet, and their width ranges from 12 feet to 70 feet.
The Mehrangarh fort is protected by seven gates which are also known as pols in Rajasthan. Maharaja Man Singh built one of the pols, Jai pol, in 1806 to celebrate the victory in the war against Jaipur and Bikaner. At the left side of the Loh pol, which is the last gate of the fort, there are hand marks of more than 15 queens who took Jauhar in 1843 after the death of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh.
There are many fine-painted and decorated palaces inside the Mehrangarh fort. These include Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, and Daulat Khana. Also, Palanquins, royal costumes, musical instruments, royal parlance, and furniture are stored in the museum of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Canon is also placed on the walls of the fort, which enhanced the beauty of the fort.
Major Attractions at Mehrangarh Fort In Jodhpur
There are many different places inside Mehrangarh Fort, which attracts lots of visitors and tourists every year. Amazingly built these places and well painted and gave a wonderful glimpse of royal life. These places include Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Chamunda Mataji Temple, Chokelao Mehran Terrace.
1. Sheesh Mahal Jaipur Rajasthan
Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur Rajasthan is a marvelous piece of fine glass and beautiful craftmanship of attractive mirrors. This place is not open for the visitor directly, but one can see this amazingly carved place by a small enclosure. Sheesh Mahal walls are beautifully carved with pictures of the flowers and Indian mythology. The beauty of this charming place makes people appreciate it.
2. Phool Mahal Palace
Phool Mahal Palace was the private party room of the men of that time. Decorated the walls of this palace with pictures of royal families. The palace is colorful and vibrant. Royalty emanates from every nook and corner of glazed ceilings, beautiful glass windows, and massive carpet rooms.
3. Jhanki Mahal
Jhanki Mahal belonged to the queens and princesses of Jodhpur. The Queens saw the royal proceedings taking place through the windows of this palace. So today, this place keeps a cradle since ancient times. The roof of the palace was designed in dark blue motifs.
4. Mehrangarh Fort Museum
Mehrangarh Fort Museum has preserved all the historical things related to the Rathore dynasty to the Mughal period. The Mehrangarh Fort Museum exhibits Palanquins, royal costumes, musical instruments, royal parlance, and furniture associated with the royal families.
The museum at Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur has a wide range of products such as T-Shirts, postcards, jewelry, textiles, perfumes, caps, bags, books, and many more. These items show the Mehrangarh Fort history and the culture of Jodhpur. One can buy these products directly from the museum or buy them from the internet from the official site.
5. Chamunda Mataji Temple
Chamunda Mataji Temple is one of the significant places at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The temple is magnificent and situated in the temple complex. Rao Jodha brought Maa Chamunda’s statue in this temple from Mandor in 1460 May and established it at this place.
6. Mehran Terrace Jodhpur
This fabulous royal restaurant is inside the fort, where you can have a candlelight dinner in the amazing light at night. The place has a stunning and majestic view of the Mehrangarh fort on one side and the Jodhpur city on the other side. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most famous places to visit in Jodhpur.
How to Reach at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Jodhpur City is well connected to all the major cities of India by air, by road, and by rail. Jodhpur has its airport, and many direct flights are available from all the major cities of India. Moreover, there are many trains by which you can reach this place without any problem, and the local transport is quickly available at all the points.
Once you reach Jodhpur, then reach Mehrangarh fort is an easy task. Auto, taxi, and rickshaw are available, which will drop you at the Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur.
Things to do at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
There are many things to do in Mehrangarh apart from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Many exciting activities and attractions are there at Mehrangarh, which attract people around the globe.
Few Things to do at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
- Enjoy the Rajasthani folk music and dance performed by Rajasthani artists at the main entrance of the fort.
- Visit Chamunda Mataji Temple inside the fort
- Explore the beautifully built palaces inside the fort
- You can visit the Chokelao Gardens situated within the fort complex.
- Enjoy the night light view of Mehrangarh fort
- Enjoy the exotic view of Jodhpur city
Some Helpful Information Regarding Mehrangarh Fort
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Opening Days: The Fort is open all days of the week
- Entry Fee: For Indians, INR-60 per person and Foreigners INR-400 per person.
- If you are planning to visit this place in summer, it is better to keep suncream and a hat to avoid heat.
- Always keep a bottle of water to being hydrated.
FAQ’s of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Rao Jodha built Mehrangarh Fort in 1459, and he was the 15th ruler of the Rathore Clan.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the Largest forts in India. Many amazingly designed palaces and temples to watch inside the Fort, such as Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, Daulat Khana, and Chamunda Mataji Temple.
Yes, For Indians, INR-60 per person and Foreigners INR-400 per person, and for Camera Permit INR-100.
The best time to visit the fort is in winter, from November to February. At this period, early morning is the best time to explore the fort, and cool and pleasant weather gives an incredible atmosphere which you will love.
The average time to visit this fort is 1-3 hours, but it entirely depends on your interest in the places and how detailed you want your tour. So the time can be less or more.
Reaching Mehrangarh fort is very easy as this place is well connected with all the major cities in India by Air, Rail, and Road. Once you reach Jodhpur, then reaching Mehrangarh fort is an easy task. Auto, taxi, and rickshaw are available, which will drop you at the Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur.
The nearest airport is Jodhpur domestic airport which is 5 km away from the city. The flight is readily available From/ To all the major cities in India.
The distance between Jodhpur and Mehrangarh is 13.5 km by road from Jodhpur railway station to Mehrangarh Fort.