Read More on Mehrangarh Fort
History
The enticing history of the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort is worth knowing. The fort takes us back to the epoch of the Rathore ruler Rao Jodha. He was the one to plan out and set up Jodhpur city in the year 1459. He shifted his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur and then laid the foundation stone of the fort on Bhaucheeria Hill. The Fort today acts as a major attraction and is known as Mehrangarh Fort. The chief God of the Rathore clan has been the Sun, and another word for sun is Mehran. The linchpin of the fort was laid by a warrior sage named Shri Karni Mata Ji. It is said that the hill on which the fort was constructed was originally home to a hermit. Hermit Cheeria Nath Ji was forcefully relocated, the furious hermit then cursed that the fort will suffer from a dearth of water forever. To calm his rage the King built a house and a temple in his name, within the fort.
The fort went through renovations and major constructions even after the rule of Rao Jodha came to an end. Changes in this fort were introduced by rulers like Ajit Singh Maharaja, Maldeo Maharaja, Takhat Singh, and Maharaja Hanwant Singh. They thickened the walls of the fort and strengthened the gates. New palaces were introduced inside the fort premises too. In the 17th century, Mewar’s Jaswant Singh renovated the fort that we see today.
Architecture
The Fort was built over 500 years using sandstone, Thus it is a blend of the mid 15th as well as 20th-century architecture. The fort is built on top of a hill overlooking the city and has seven gates around it. The structure of the fort went through renovations and new palaces were introduced. Many sections of the fort were constructed according to the Mughal architecture under the rule of Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Other than the well-known seven gates of the fort and the museum there are a lot of things that the Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur possesses, like the Daulat Khana, the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana, and Sheesh Mahal. The architecture and thought behind the construction of these Mahals will leave you taken aback. Everything back then used to be so logical, well planned, and expertly made.
Activities
The old fort is still young at heart when it comes to offering fun activities. The Mehrangarh Fort offers Ziplining from the top of the fort, an activity that will give you an instant adrenaline boost. Not just that you get to cherish the aerial view of the blue city of India. To get your hands on ziplining you must be above 10 years of age. You can even practice a short zip if you want. The Mehrangarh Fort ziplining timings are 9 am to 5 pm. The duration ranges from 45 to 90 minutes. The zip lining session starts from INR 1,440 onwards.
One can even visit the following places in the fort:
- Phool Mahal
- Chokelao Mehran Terrace
- Sheesh Mahal
- Mehrangarh Fort Museum
- The Chamunda Mataji Temple
- Jhanki Mahal
Tips for visiting
- Remember to visit the galleries in the Mehrangarh Fort Museum. The galleries you must visit are Cradle Gallery, Textile Gallery, Woodcraft Gallery, Palanquin Gallery, Sileh khana Gallery, Elephant Gallery, Turban Gallery, Painting Gallery, Daulat Khana Gallery, and Elephant Galley.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that you can comfortably walk around.
- Carry along packed food items and water bottles.
- If visiting during summers then keep yourself protected against the heat via a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, wear pastel shades and cotton clothes.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the blue city of India is during winters. It will be amazing to explore the Mehrangarh Fort from October to March. The weather remains pleasant and windy. Start your exploration with the opening of the fort so that you get ample time to walk around and see things. Once it starts getting crowded you may have some difficulty in clicking pictures thus early morning hours are great. If you want to be a part of the Rajasthani festivals then visit the city festivals like Gangaur, Dussehra, and Rajasthan International Folk Festival.
Nearby Atractions
- The Chamunda Mataji Temple
- Nagnechji Temple
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
- Chokelao Garden
- Jaswant Thada
- Toorji Ka Jhalra
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Jodhpur Government Museum
- Bishnoi Village
- Machiya Safari Park
- Balsamand Lake
- Mahamandir Temple
- Kailana Lake
- Mandore Gardens
- Masuriya Hills Garden
Nearby market/ shopping places
The market of Jaisalmer is a blessing in disguise for those of you who are shopaholics at heart:
- The Clock Tower Market: For purchasing some good quality spices this is the best place, they offer variety too.
- Nai Sarak- If you want to get both variety and quality fabric for yourself then explore this market for sure and try bargaining, if you are good at it.
- Sojati Gate Market- This is the best place to purchase everything Rajasthani. You can purchase keepsakes, traditional handicrafts, and much more. Spare some time to roam around freely in these markets.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Market: This is the best place to purchase antiques. Here you will get a variety of silver oxidized ornaments and a lot more things. The prices in this market are mostly fixed and non-negotiable.
Nearby Hotels
- RAAS Jodhpur
- Radisson Jodhpur
- Taj Hari Mahal Jodhpur
- The Ajit Bhawan- A Palace Retreat
- Rani Mahal
- Hotel Inn Seasons
- Ratan Vilas
- Devi Bhawan- A Heritage Hotel
- The Kothi Heritage
Interesting Facts About Mehrangarh Fort
- Rudyard Kipling said that the fort is a work of angels, giants, and fairies.
- The famous DC film ‘The Dark knight Rises' was shot in Mehrangarh fort apart from this a lot of such Bollywood, as well as Hollywood films, were shot here.
- A hermit named Cheeria Nathji was forcefully relocated by the King. The incident left him furious and he cursed the King that the fort will forever suffer water scarcity.
- Once in the fort, you will notice a wall with handprints on it. It is said that the handprints belong to the royal women who performed Sati.
- A lot of eagles gather on the top of the fort during the evening hours. The fortress management then feeds these eagles.
