Rajasthan is the city of palaces and forts and there is an abundance of sightseeing spots for the visitors. All the regions in Rajasthan house something or the other for the visitors that are extremely interesting for the tourists. And if you are in Jodhpur you can definitely find many such locations to explore as well. One such popular and one of the most visited forts in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. The Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is currently a museum and also houses various palaces and temples inside its premises. It is one of the oldest as well as the largest forts that you cannot miss out on.
Do check out the Mehrangarh Fort photos and you would know how opulent this structure is. So if you are in Jodhpur definitely check out this location there. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you probably need to know about the Mehrangarh Fort. It would be a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to Jodhpur any time soon.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings: Mehrangarh Fort timings are from 9 am to 5 pm on all days
Entry Fee:
The Mehrangarh Fort entry fee for Foreigners is Rs. 600 for adults and for Indian citizens it is Rs. 100 for adults. Mehrangarh Fort ticket price for Foreigner students is Rs. 400 and for Indian Students it is Rs. 50. Also the entry fee for Indian Senior Citizens, Para Military Personnel is Rs. 50. There is an additional charge for still cameras here which is Rs. 100 and for Video it is Rs. 120. Moreover there is a tour escort fee here which is Rs. 120. There is an elevator fee here as well which is Rs. 50. Furthermore for Audio Guide the fee is Rs. 180 and Audio Guide Concession fee is Rs. 120.
There are guide fees for the fort as well and it depends on the number of people. For 1 to 4 people it is Rs. 300, for 5 to 15 people it is Rs. 400, for 16 to 30 people it is Rs. 500 and for 31 to 50 people the fee is Rs. 600.
Also there are additional parking fees here that the visitors need to pay. It is Rs. 10 for two wheelers and autos. For a car or a jeep the fee is Rs. 50. Furthermore for a mini bus it is Rs. 80 and for a bus it is Rs. 100. On the day of 12th May which is the Jodhpur Foundation Day the entry is free for all visitors. However all other charges like audio guide, elevator charges and manual charges are applicable.
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How to Reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport is the Jodhpur Airport to reach this fort. From the airport the fort is located at a distance of 8.4 km. It would take you around 20 minutes to reach there from the airport. You can take a cab or else you can also take a car to reach the location from the airport. You can further opt for auto rickshaws as well to reach the fort from the airport.
However the nearest major international airports are Jaipur Airport and the Delhi Airport. The Jaipur Airport is located at a distance of 340 km and it would take you around 6 hours to reach there from the airport. And the Delhi Airport is located 640 km away and it would take around 10 hours to reach the Mehrangarh Fort. From the airports you can take buses to reach Jodhpur. The fort is located about 10 km away from the main city centre. Or else you can also take a cab or a taxi as well to reach there from the airports.
By train
While travelling in a train the nearest railway station to reach the Mehrangarh Fort is the Jodhpur Railway Station. From the railway station the fort is located 5.5 km away. You will get trains from major cities and towns to reach the Jodhpur railway station. From the railway station the fort is about 16 minutes away. You can take an auto rickshaw from the railway station to reach the fort conveniently.
By road
You can get buses from nearby major cities and towns to reach Jodhpur. The nearest bus stand is the Jodhpur Bus Stand. The Jodhpur Bus Stand is located at a distance of 3.6 km and you can reach there in about 10 minutes. You can hire a cab or a taxi as well from any location to reach this fort as well. And if you are travelling within the city then you can also opt for local transport like auto rickshaws as well.
Overview of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is one of the most elaborate forts that you can explore in Jodhpur. It is also one of the most popular forts and one of the largest as well. Rudyard Kipling has once described this fort as the Work of Giants. And it is definitely one of the most impressive structures here as well. At present there are multiple palaces and a museum located inside the fort premise. It would surely take a visitor through the rich Rajasthani culture and heritage. This is a fort that survived the test of time. Along with that it has also survived many attacks as well which is evident in the cannon marks on the walls. In the Blue City of Jodhpur this is one of the popular spots for sightseeing. So once you are in Jodhpur do not miss out on visiting the Mehrangarh Fort.
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Mehrangarh Fort History
The foundation of this fort goes back to the rule of Rao Jodha in 1459. Once he moved his capital to Bhakucheeria which was a safer place than the Mandore Fort. According to legends Rao Jodha had to force a hermit who lived on this hill. For his own purpose he forced Cheeria Nathji to move. Also he requested another saint Karni Mata to help him out in this task. But while Cheeria Nathji left the hill he also cursed that his kingdom would never flourish. After he left the location Karni Mata laid the foundation of this fort.
However a Mehrangarh Fort haunted story is also related to this location. According to popular folklore Rao Jodha buried a man Raja Ram Meghwal here to lessen the effect of the curse. At that time this ritual was considered as an auspicious one. Also Raja Ram Meghwal voluntarily came forward for this. In return however he took a promise that his family should be taken care of.
Later after about a century Rao Maldeo strengthened the gates and walls of the fort. In between the fort also changed hands from Rathores and Mughals many times. During the 18th century Maharaja Ajit Singh took to the fort and drove out the Mughals. He also made some additions to the fort and repaired it too. He made various palace apartments along with a Fateh Pol.
During 20th century however the royal family moved to the Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Mehrangarh Fort remained empty for a long time. Later the current ruler of Rathores Maharaja Gaj Singh II developed this fort as a museum and opened it for the visitors.
Major attractions at Mehrangarh Fort
Palaces
Sheesh Mahal
As the name suggests this is a palace of mirrors which was once the private apartment of Maharaja Ajit Singh. Moreover there are rooms here which are elaborate with extensive glass and mirror works. One of the major attractions here is furthermore the European Glass Chandeliers.
Jhanki Mahal
This is another palace which is famous for its beautiful lattice windows. This was however the quarters for the princesses and the queens. Maharaja Takhat Singh had constructed this palace during his rule.
Phool Mahal
The Palace of Flowers or the Phool Mahal is another vibrant room here. Maharaja Abhay Singh had built this palace for the entertainment of his private audiences. The glass work windows, dazzling ceilings and the beautiful floor carpet here are the major attractions. Also here you will get to see some paintings that represent the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga.
Moti Mahal
The Pearl Palace or the Moti Mahal is one of the oldest rooms at present that is still surviving. Also it is the largest palace room as well. Sawai Raja Sur Singh had built this palace to attend common people along with other public guests.
Dipak Mahal
This was once the place that served as the main administrative centre of the fort. Maharaja Ajit Singh had built this fort. However later Maharaja Takhat Singh also renovated this structure.
Takhat Vilas
This was the bedroom of Maharaja Takhat Singh. As he was a great patron or art the whole room reflects that essence. From the floor carpet to ceiling to floor there are paintings all over.
Museums and Galleries
Howdah Gallery
This gallery houses a beautiful collection of elephant seats which are of historical importance. You can even find a Howdah here that belonged to Emperor Shahjahan. The collection here is one of the best that you can find in the country.
Palanquin Gallery
The Palki Gallery or the Palanquin Gallery houses palanquins made of various materials. Also the couches of these palanquins are the grandest as well. Moreover there are palanquins made of wood, metals, ivory, gold or stones as well. These palanquins are however exquisite pieces of art that visitors love exploring.
Daulat Khana Gallery
This is one of the best galleries at the fort that houses fine arts from the Mughal as well as the Rajput periods. You can spot a rich collection here ranging from decorative arts, textiles and also paintings, arms displays, manuscripts, headgears etc. One of the major attractions here is Emperor Akbar’s Sword that you can spot here.
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about the exquisite Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. And if you are visiting here, certainly plan a visit to this beautiful fort. The fort reflects the heritage and culture of Rajasthan very well. Moreover, it would be extremely interesting to go through the artefacts and the exhibits here at the museum as well. So when are you planning a trip to Mehrangarh Fort? Also let me know if this article on the Mehrangarh Fort is helpful for you in planning a trip to this location.
