Mehrangarh Fort and Museum - Jodhpur    Share

Most amazing experience. The best site to reconnect with the royal heritage of erstwhile Marwar Riyasat or present day Jodhpur and Rajasthan. Fort is well preserved and gives goosebumps. Museum is well equipped with heritage and weapons, palquins used in old times. Fort gives wide panoramic view of Blue city. Must visit this historical site if you are in Jodhpur.

A magnificent historical edifice that serves as the crowning glory of Jodhpur, this fort stands on top of a raised hillock that is 400 metres above the level of its surrounding terrains. With its sprawling expanse, it prides in being one of the largest forts present across the country. The eventful history, well-preserved heritage and impressive architecture of this fort make it the face of Jodhpur on national as well as global platform. Mehrangarh – a word for 'fort of the sun' – was chosen as the name of this massive structure that is 500 yards long and features 120-feet high and 70-feet thick walls. Today, this fort is preserved and owned by Maharaja Gaj Singh II – the current Rathore ruler. The highlights are its seven imposing entrances, which include the famous Jai Pol (victory gate) and Fateh Pol. Exquisitely designed palaces like Moti Mahal (Jodhpur Zenana), Sheesh Mahal, Takhat Vilas and Phul Mahal speak of the architectural splendour of the royals. Mirror work, intricate ornamentation, beautiful glass panel, alcove and impressive woodwork adorn these palatial buildings. A large part of the Mehrangarh Fort has been converted into a heritage museum, which is one of the finest museums across the country. The three-storey Daulat Khana Gallery houses treasured artefacts related to Rathores. Visitors can purchase exclusive souvenirs from the museum shop, which is the only such shop in the country.

Mehrangarh, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India. Built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of the impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending Mehrangarh. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory gate'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. There is also a Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory gate'), which commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singhji victory over Mughals. The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum, there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period.

Obviously, this is the most important place in Jodhpur to visit. Very majestic looking with exhibits of lots of arts and crafts of those times, the various mahals inside .. and last but not the least. the spectacular view of the blue city in the background of hills around. We walked down from the Fort to the Clock tower (heart of the city) through the blue city. It took around 45 mts . I would suggest his worthy memorable experience for those who like such walks.

I would suggest to visit this fort at the time of sunrise or during the afternoon to watch the sunset as the view of this fort at these two times is simply awesome. The best place to watch the sunrise and sunset along with the fort in frame is on the way to the fort . The architecture of this fort is mesmerizing. The fort is indeed a prominent example of our royal heritage. It is well maintained and clean. The management is also quite active in preservation of this heritage. Also, this fort gives a breathtaking view of the city from its top.