Mehrangarh Fort is one of the Largest fort in the state of Rajasthan . Total size of the Fort is 1200 acres which was build by Rathor King Rao Jodha in 1459 and transferred his kingdom’s capital from Mandore to Jodhpur . By his name the city is named Jodhpur . He made this fort on a hilltop for strategic and security reasons . This fort is 122 meter high from it’s surrounding plato. There are 7 Gates in the Fort to enter inner Mahal .The roads are windy and steep inside the Fort . This fort is huge which can be seen throughout the city . Lots of the parts of this Fort is not open to the General Public . Mostly it is made of rock block which found near by .
Entry Timing
The fort opens at 9:00 AM and closes on 5 :00 PM
Entry Fees
Entry fees for Adult is 200 INR . On 12th May Entry to the fort is free as it is the foundation day of the city . There is a lift near the Jai pol to reach to the top . Ticket price is Rs 50 for the lift .
How to reach
Mehrangarh Fort is in the Jodhpur city . From any part of the city you can hire a Auto Rishka to reach to Mehrangarh Fort . In jodhpur for public transport only some small buses or Tata magic is available . For reaching mehrangarh by public transport first come to Paota Circle and from there you will get buses toward Mehrangarh Fort . Mehrangarh fort is near to the Blue City and situated above the hilltop.
Jodhpur is 2nd Largest city in the state of Rajasthan . It is connected by Rail , Airport and Road to the rest of the country . It has direct flight to ahmadabad , Delhi , Mumbai and Hydrebad city .
Gates in Mehrangarh
There is seven gates to enter the inner palace . This gates have historical significance and build by different kings for different reasons . The gates tells History and different customs in Marwar society specially the hand prints of sati in Loha Gate .
Jai Pol :
This is the first gate to enter the Fort . Beside the gate there is beautiful painting of Mythology . This gate was build by king Man Singh in 1808 for the memory of magnificent victory over Jaipur Army .
Fateah Pol Gate:
This gate was build by the King Ajit Singh in the year 1709 in the memoir of victory against Mughals .
Lakhna Pol:
It was constructed by Maharaja Maldeo but destroyed in the battle in 1807
Dedh Kangra Pol :
This gate was also build by king maldeo . Near to this gate the mark of Cannon Ball stood .
Amriti Pol
This is also made by king Maldeo
Loha Pol :
This is one of the major and important gate in this fort . Roads goes up from the base and it is very steep road to slow down the army . Doors of this gate is Huge and there is iron spike stick to it . In the gate also some hand printed . This are the Queen become Sati .
Suraj Pol:
Suraj Pol is considered as one of the oldest gates in the Mehrangarh fort . Near to this gate a Marble throne was there in Shringar Chowk .
Palaces in Mehrengarh
There is different places in Mehrangarh for unique purposes of the kings . Some are the bedrooms , some queen rooms and some may be the adalat of the kings . Every palace is designed with picture and intricate curvings , mirrors and unique art work which attracts the eyes of the visitors .
Sesh Mahal:
It is the bed room of king Ajit Singh . In the top there is lots of small mirror and in the walls there is paintings of Shiva , Bishnu , Brambha and other gods which reflected in the mirrors in the candle light . This will make wonderful atmosphere in this palace .
Phool Mahal:
This palace is the Private place of Male members . They enjoy the dance and songs here . This palace is made very beautifully thus came the name Phool Mahal . It’s celing has the gold filigree work . In my opinion this mahal has been the most beautiful in this fort . Windows have colorful glasses and specially the roof art work is mesmerizing .
Moti Mahal
Moti mahal is the biggest palace in Mehrangarh where king made discussion with private audience . This room is decorated with colorful glasses and specially the celing is decorated with mirror , sea shell and gold filigree work . In the wall there is alcoves from where the queen can listen and watch the discussion but outside people can not see them .
Mehrangarh Museum :
The museum is very well preserved . Here mostly the royal ornaments , dresses , lifestyle items of Royal Family , Pictures and different weapons like sword , canons , guns are preserved … specially the weapons collections are must see place . From the base you have to go to the top of the Fort by round escalator . Beside the stairs there is rooms on each floor where this items are preserve . Here every staff in the Fort wear traditional Rajasthani dress which is also in one way live showcase of their dresses .
Palki Collection in Mehrangarh Museum :
In the base room there is huge collection of Palki used by the royal families . This were mainly used by the royal family as a mode of transport or used in marriage ceremony by both Man and Woman .
Howdah collection in Mehrangarh Museum :
Howdah were used to sit above the Elephant by the Kings . It can be used both in the time of voyage or wars .
Weapon collection in mehrangarh Museum :
There is a huge collection of sword , knife , armor and canons in this collection .
Antique collection in Mehrangarh Museum:
Here different used items of the royal family has been shown .
Festivals in Mehrangarh Fort :
In the winter time in Mehrengar some Rajasthani Music festivals have been organished . Here mainly Rajasthani Folk and Sufi music are presented . Festivals organized here are
Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festivals :
It is organished by Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation to make a platform to show Folk Music all over the world . People all over the world come to this place to show their folk music . far from Egypt , iran , Pakisthan , Turkey and central Asia artists come to show their folk music .
Sacred Spirit Festival :
Here that kind of music were presented which will rejuvenate your soul that makes it Spritual . From a long distant Egypt , Turkey , France , Mongolia , China and Pakisthan musician are come to present their Music . Sufi music were heavily present in this festivals .
Conclusion
It is one of the Magnificent Fort in Rajasthan and also India which has more than 500 yrs of history . From my opinion best time to visit this fort will be October to March as summer is unbearable in Rajasthan . Spent one day in the blue city here which will feel you the city . Almost half a day is required to visit this fort .Must visit the hands printed in Loha pol , Palki collection , Howdah collection , Phool Mahal and Moti Mahal ect in the fort .
For traveling the city must hire a bike , cycle or Auto riska as the public transport is very weak and don’t cover the Historical area properly . As the city is famous for tourist foods and accomodation are available in all budget range . People of Jodhpur are very tourist friendly so don’t hesitate to ask for help from strangers . come here to enjoy the Hospitality of the Rajasthani people and this magnificent Mehrangarh .
