Hill fort · Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

A colossal fort rising from a sheer rock above the blue city, home to one of India's finest palace museums.

LocationAbove the old city, Jodhpur

Founded1459, Rao Jodha

HeightAbout 120 m above the city

Time needed2–3 hours

The story

A little history.

Rao Jodha, the Rathore ruler of Marwar, founded Mehrangarh in 1459 when he moved his capital to Jodhpur. Its walls, up to 36 metres high in places, rise straight from the rock, and later rulers filled the interior with delicate palaces.

The fort is run by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, and its galleries of palanquins, howdahs, paintings, arms and textiles are among the best kept in India.

What to see

Don't miss.

Jai PolThe Victory Gate, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 after his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner.
Loha PolThe Iron Gate, beside which are the handprints of royal women who committed sati.
Phool MahalThe Flower Palace, a lavishly gilded and painted hall used for celebrations.
Sheesh MahalA mirrored chamber decorated with religious images.
Museum galleriesRoyal palanquins, elephant howdahs, cradles, weapons and miniature paintings.
Chamunda Mataji TempleThe temple to the fort's guardian goddess, with views over the city.