Jodhpur is a city of plush palaces and mighty forts that bear witness to its rich history and culture. Visits to these locations bring to life the vibrant heritage and glorious traditions preserved in the form of paintings, statues, arts, and artifacts that have stood the test of time. These colossal forts and palaces have witnessed the rich legacy of Jodhpur’s royals, be it their inspiring love stories or intense war affairs.
One such Jodhpur attraction is the Mehrangarh Fort, which has an interesting history. So, let us begin our journey.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur: A History
Mehrangarh Fort, located 410 feet above the city of Jodhpur on a hill known as Bhakurcheeria (the mountain of birds), is one of the city’s most cherished landmarks due to its magnificent architecture and varied history. The fort is one of Rajasthan’s most formidable and magnificent royal forts and palaces.
Rao Jodha, the ruler of Mandore and the founder of the city of Jodhpur, constructed the Mehrangarh Fort in 1459. During the construction of the city, he realized that the location is safe and isolated, making it an ideal location for his capital. That’s when he decided to construct a massive fort with a 5 km radius and a height of 125 meters to protect his loved ones and the people of his kingdom from invaders.
According to legend, Rao Jodha was cursed after forcibly removing a hermit named Cheeria Nathji from the hill to build the fort. The hermit cursed the fort with a lack of water for the rest of its life. Rao Jodha built a temple and a house for the hermit within the fort in an attempt to break the curse and appease the hermit. Other stories revolve around the king’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the curse.
Mehrangarh Fort Architecture
The Mehrangarh Fort has a history of over 550 years and pays homage to Rajputana’s grandeur and architectural brilliance. The fort is accessed through seven gates. Each of these gates was built during the reigns of different rulers to commemorate their victory over the armies of Bikaner and Jaipur. The structure of the fort was constructed over a five-century period, beginning in the mid-15th century and ending in the late 20th century. As a result, architectural influences from various eras have resulted, lending it a distinct charm.
In addition, the entire structure is surrounded by 117-foot-long and 70-foot-wide walls. The walls rise to 120 feet in some places, adding to the overall beauty of the structure. The purpose of this elevation, however, was to ensure the safety of the people who lived on the premises at the time.
The magnificent palaces of Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Takht Mahal, and Zenada Mahal can all be found within the fort. In addition, there are two exquisitely decorated temples on the premises: Nagnechi Mandir, dedicated to Kuldevi, and Chamundi Devi Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Attractions Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jodhpur, and it is included in all Jodhpur tour packages. Apart from its historical significance, its expansive courtyards and a spectacular view of the city draw visitors from all over the country and the world. There are also regular events, such as exhibitions, folk dances, and other cultural performances, which add to the glory of the location.
The following are the major attractions of the fort that must be seen:
1. Chokelao Bagh
Chokelao Bagh, located within the fort premise, was built in 1739 by Maharaja Abhai Singh. Furthermore, in the year 1844, Maharaja Takht Singh made a few structural changes to make it a suitable place for him to spend his leisure time.
Colorful flowers are planted on the upper terrace of the bagh. Its structure is such that it appears to be a colorful garland over the lush green garden known as the Mehtab Bagh. Aside from greenery, the Mehtab garden has white Chandani flowers that look stunning in the moonlight.
2. Mehrangarh Museum
Mehrangarh Museum is managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust. It is housed within the fort and houses a large collection of palanquins, royal cradles, furniture, arms, costumes, musical instruments, artifacts, paintings, and other items.
3. Zip Lining
Ziplining tours are organized at the Mehrangarh fort to provide a thrilling experience while admiring the majestic views of the fort and city, including battlements, lakes, gardens, and more.
Here are the inclusions:
Gliding over the two desert lakes
Trekking through the Rao Jodha eco-park 6 spectacular ziplines up to 300m long and a 1080m flight
5 hours of experience, including a 20-minute, practice session before heading out.
Timetables and admission fees for Mehrangarh Fort
Are you planning a trip to Jodhpur to see this magnificent historical site? The Mehrangarh Fort’s hours of operation and admission fees are listed below. Every day between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The fort is open to the public and there is no admission charge. The museum inside the fort, on the other hand, has a fee to enter. At the time of entry, this can be confirmed. Prepare yourself with all of the necessary information and the location of the Mehrangarh Fort, and plan a visit soon to witness the royal splendor of Jodhpur’s rulers.
