In the desert state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is one of the metropolitan cities in the area with a rich heritage behind it. This is where you can find one of India’s largest forts, Mehrangarh Fort. It was built around the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, who is believed to be the founder of Jodhpur. Majestically sitting on a clifftop 125 meters (410 feet) above the city, the architecture of the ancient structure just blends so well with the rocks and soil underneath that you will first think the fort sprouted out from the very land it sits on. With its name roughly meaning citadel of the sun god, the fort is also surrounded by a lot of legend and myths that have become part of Jodhpur’s heritage. From the top you will be treated to a panoramic view of the city of Jodhpur and once you go inside much more interesting sights await. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about the city’s heritage. Read on to find out more in our guide to Mehrangarh Fort.
Things to do / highlights
Cultural experiences
Enter a fascinating cultural world through Mehrangarh Fort’s several gates, with the main one being Jai Pol at the northeast section. This is where you can enter if you’re coming from the city’s central market. Inside the fort, there are different beautiful palaces you can check out. Some of the notable ones are the Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and the Zenana Deodi. Each palace has its own significance and distinct features. The fort museum is also worth visiting as it showcases a variety of collections related to the royalty and heritage of Jodhpur. You may also get to enjoy a cultural performance of locals in traditional costumes while singing and dancing to folk numbers.
Temple visits
Just like many forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort is also home to some temples. The first one is the Chamunda Mata Temple, which is located at the top of the fort. It’s dedicated to the Devi Chamunda Mataji, whose image was brought by Rao Jodha, who is also known for building the fort. Since the temple is on a high spot in the fort, the views here are amazing, especially during sunrise. The second temple you should check out is the Nagnechi Ji Temple, which was the family temple of the Rathores during the Rathore dynasty. It is dedicated to the Kuldevi, a type of deity in Hinduism.
Ziplining
If you’re into something a little more extreme, you might want to consider taking a zipline to the fort. Yes, it’s a crazy way to see the city of Jodhpur but Flying Fox offers you a one-of-a-kind experience through its one and a half hour zipline activity. Even if you’re afraid of heights, you should consider this and check it off your bucket list because many people have said that it’s one of the best experiences on their trip. Flying Fox guarantees nothing but a safe and professional process with an unforgettable experience.
What to eat
Mehran Terrace
Mehran Terrace is a fancy restaurant located within the premises of Mehrangarh Fort. They specialize in authentic Indian food and they also serve vegetarian options. Though the price is a bit on the expensive side, tourists delight in coming here to relax among its well-decorated ambience and its hospitable staff.
Chokelao Restaurant
Another popular restaurant within Mehrangarh Fort is Chokelao Restaurant. They offer Indian and Asian selections on their menu and they also have options for vegans as well. However, people flock here not only for the delicious food but primarily because it gives great views of the Blue City, Jodhpur. If you’re lucky to get a table up on the rooftop terrace, you’ll surely enjoy the view especially if you go at night. People usually come for dinner mainly because of the beautiful views. It’s definitely a must-visit!
Things to buy
Shopping in Jodhpur is quite a popular activity especially among tourists. In a city with a rich heritage like the Blue City, you’d want to take a piece of the city with you. Your best bet for this is the Mehrangarh Museum Shop. They offer everything from clothes, jewelry, accessories, and stationary to your usual souvenirs like mugs or fridge magnets. Everything bears a little something of Jodhpur’s culture, so you should check one out for yourself.
Travelers tips
Clothing and accessibility
Typical days at Jodhpur are usually hot or humid. One of the best ways to maximize your visit to Mehrangarh Fort is to make sure you’re in comfortable clothing. Put on something fit for a trip to the desert, and try to bring a hat if you can as the heat can be harsh around these parts. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes too! The ideal way to reach the fort is by climbing up the stairs from the central market of the city. It might not be an easy way for some people though so you can opt for an auto-rickshaw ride for a fee.
Best time to visit
The weather in Jodhpur and in Rajasthan, in general, is almost always hot. Being a desert state, there are definitely more dry months than wet ones. To avoid experiencing the dry and hot months, we’d recommend you go around October to March, which is technically the “winter” season in India. Obviously, don’t expect it to snow, but you can expect much cooler temperatures compared to other months of the year thus it will make your tours more bearable and comfortable.
Maximize your visit
The fort is open from 9am to 5pm daily, and it is one of the best things to do when in Jodhpur. So you should opt to maximize your visit by exploring every nook and cranny of the fort. Don’t miss out on the amazing views it will give of Blue City, either! Take photos and take in the beauty of this magnificent fort.
How to get there
Mehrangarh Fort is probably the most famous attraction at Jodhpur, so it’s impossible for locals to not be able to point it out to you. Besides, the sight of the fort alone can’t be missed if you’re coming from the city, so you’ll eventually find it one way or another. If you prefer to get there conveniently, you can hire an auto-rickshaw for about 120 INR or roughly 2 USD. On the other hand, a more worthwhile experience would be to climb the steps from the city’s central market.
If you’re coming outside of Jodhpur, the city has connecting flights from international airports such as New Delhi or Mumbai. Jodhpur is also connected by railway to these major cities in India, so it’s quite accessible for any tourist.
How to book tickets
Admission to the fort itself is actually free. You may visit the fort any time at your convenience from 9am to 5pm. However, the Mehrangarh Fort Museum requires ticket charges for visitors. These may be purchased on-site only. Indian nationals are charged 60 INR or about less than 1 USD while foreigners are charged 400 INR or about 6 USD. If you happen to visit on May 12, which is the Jodhpur Foundation Day, entrance is free to everyone.
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur information
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Address: P.B # 165, The, Fort Rd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Official website: Mehrangarh Fort
Department of tourism: Visit Rajasthan
Jodhpur Private Tour with Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada
Duration: 8 hours
History
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