Mehrangarh Fort
मेहरानगढ़
A Rathore royal fortress perched on a 125-meter-high rock, one of India's best-preserved forts, overlooking the entire Blue City.
Mehrangarh Fort was begun in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, and later rulers kept expanding it. Its walls rise up to about 36 meters, giving it an imposing presence. Visitors pass through seven gates to reach the fort. Beside the Loha Pol, or Iron Gate, the walls bear handprints left by queens before they committed sati. The fort is run by a private trust and is among India's finest museums. The Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) are richly decorated. The galleries display elephant howdahs, palanquins, weapons, miniature paintings and royal costumes. The old cannon platforms on the walls offer the best panoramic view over the Blue City. Tickets come in foreign and domestic rates and include an audio guide. You can take an elevator directly to the upper levels. On the north side of the fort, a Flying Fox zipline crosses the walls and the lake. It needs advance booking.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Ranisar & Padamsar Lakes
- Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell
- Blue City (Brahmpuri)
- Clock Tower & Sardar Market
- Gulab Sagar
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
- Jaswant Thada
- Umaid Garden & Sardar Government Museum