Mehrangarh Fort

Also known as Mehran Fort, Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 in Jodhpur, and is one of the largest forts in the country. It is situated atop a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by massive walls. The entrance of the fort, atop a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate and finally Loha Gate. Each of these was built at different times and serves a very specific purpose. While one still has marks of cannon balls being hit on it, the other has spikes that can protect it from elephant and animal attacks. However, Victory Gate was built to commemorate the win of Maharaja Man Singh over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.

Rao Jodha, the 15th Rathore ruler founded Jodhpur in the year 1459. Son of Raja Ram Mal, Rao Jodha ruled the city from Mandore but shifted his capital to Jodhpur. He, then, laid the foundation of the fort on Bhaucheeria hill which was just 9 km away from Mandore. The Fort was named as Mehrangarh Fort since the chief deity of Rathores was the Sun and the meaning of ‘Mehran’ is the sun. Apart from the major construction, many more additions were made by the other rulers of Jodhpur like Maldeo Maharaja, Ajit Singh Maharaja, Takhat Singh and Maharaja Hanwant Singh.

The Mehrangarh Fort and palaces were built over a period of 500 years. The fort boasts of basic architectural style of the mid-15th century along with the features of 20th-century architecture. It has seven gates, and the most popular one among them is the Jayapoli. During the rule of Maharaja Ajit Singh, many buildings of the fort were constructed in Mughal design. Besides the seven gates, there are several brilliantly crafted rooms like Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Daulat Khana, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Sileh Khan. Moti Mahal, or the Pearl Palace, was built by Raja Sur Singh. Sheesh Mahal, or the Hall of Mirrors is famous for intricate designs on thepieces of mirror. Maharaja Abhaya Singh created Phool Mahal. One can see the magnificent craftsmanship of Jodhpuri craftsmen in the sandstone used for the construction of the palace.

The timing to enter the Mehrangarh Fort is between 9 AM to 5 PM.

International Guests INR 600

Domestic Guests INR 100

Photography Permit INR 100

Video Permit INR 200

Elevator (One-way) INR 50

• The Chamunda Mataji Temple – TheChamunda Mataji Temple is located at the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Apparently, the idol of Devi Chamunda Mataji was brought to the fort in the year 1460 by Rao Jodha as the goddess was his favourite. The idol was earlier based at Mandore. Soon after the idol was installed in the famous temple in Mehrangarh Fort, that was dedicated to Devi Chamunda Mataji.
• Roa Jodha Desert rockPark – Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park spread over an area of 72 hectares, the park has desert and arid land vegetation. The visitors along with guides and naturalists go on an exciting 880 to 1100 metres long trails.
• Chokelao Garden/Bagh – This beautiful garden should be added to your to-do list. It is situated right below the Mehrangarh Fort and though it belongs to the 18th century, the garden has been restored. It also has a restaurant from where you can enjoy the picturesque view of Jodhpur.

• Radisson Hotel Jodhpur – The hotel is a decent one equipped with all the modern amenities and high on cleanliness. The hotel strives at providing comfort at all levels to its guests.
• Hotel Ratan Vilas – The hotel is spacious and gives an old-world charm to its guests. Experience the comfort and the luxury of royalty at the hotel.
• Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur – The Marriott is high on quality - great ambience, modern, clean, and polite staff! The rooms are fantastic and super comfortable.

• By Train – Jodhpur railway station is well connected to major Indian cities and there are trains available on a daily basis. The nearest railway station is the Rai ka Bagh railway station.
• By Flight – One of the prominent airports in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is now being transformed into an international one. There are daily flights from various parts of the country.
• By Road – The city of Jodhpur is connected by road to all the important cities of Rajasthan, as well as those of the neighbouring states. There are deluxe and express bus services to the city. In the city one can travel by auto rickshaws, buses, cycle rickshaws or cabs.

The best time to visit Mehrangarh Fort is during winters, between the months of October and March since the weather remains cool and pleasant.