Mehrangarh Fort, the pride of Jodhpur, stands tall on a cliff, dominating the skyline of the city. The fort is an example of overwhelming grandeur, and it’s among the best-preserved forts in India. It’s a major tourist attraction of Jodhpur, visited by tourists from all over the globe. Rudyard Kipling has called Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur, the work of giants. It’s truly one of the most impressive forts in all of Rajasthan. It’s also one of the largest. Inside the boundaries of the fort are several palaces and a museum showcasing the elegance and extravagance of the past days. Mehrangarh Fort and Museum are a mirror of the artistic and cultural history of Rajasthan. The fort was constructed by Rao Jodha, a Rajput ruler. And every ruler of Jodhpur since, has contributed to the making of this fort. It’s surrounded by walls that stand strong even today. You can see the cannon marks on the walls from the battles it withstood and survived. Today, Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is a splendid tourist destination that delights everyone. You can also get a panoramic view of the “blue city” Jodhpur from various points in the fort.
Palaces in Mehrangarh Fort
1. Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal (or Palace of Mirrors) was once a part of the private apartment of Maharaja Ajit Singh. It’s a room filled with elaborate and alluring works of mirrors and glass. And it also has a European glass chandelier suspended on its wooden ceiling.
You can still see the carved interiors of Mehrangarh Fort Sheesh Mahal, adorned by beautiful flower motifs. The walls also have paintings of various scenes from Indian mythology.
2. Phool Mahal
Phool Mahal (or Palace of Flowers) is a vibrant room full of colours. The room was built by Maharaja Abhay Singh to entertain his private audience. Carpeted floors, dazzling ceilings and glasswork windows give this room a royal sheen.The walls are adorned with portraits of the royal family. They also have paintings representing the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga.
3. Jhanki Mahal
Jhanki Mahal is recognised for its characteristic lattice windows. It used to be the quarters for the queens and princesses of Jodhpur. Maharaja Takhat Singh constructed it during his reign.Jhanki means glimpsing at something. And the small, mesh-like windows allowed the women to view the proceedings of the courtyard below.
4. Dipak Mahal
Dipak Mahal was once the administrative center of the fort. The Diwans and other officials used it to oversee administrative matters and other issues. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh and renovated by Maharaja Takhat Singh later.
5. Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal (or Pearl Palace) is one of the oldest surviving rooms in the fort, and it’s the largest palace room. It was built by Sawai Raja Sur Singh, and it used to be the place where the king listened to common people and other public guests.
6. Takhat Vilas
Takhat Vilas used to be the bedroom of Maharaja Takhat Singh. He was a great patron of the arts, and the room is decorated from ceiling to floor with paintings on a variety of subjects. Even the floor carpet is painted.
7. Sardar Vilas
Sardar Vilas is a beautiful palace room with an elaborate display of woodwork. The room has beautiful woodwork plated with gold and wooden doors and windows. These woodwork arts were also decorated lavishly with ivory, lacquer and paint.
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Entry Tickets
| Ticket | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| International Guests (includes the audio) | 600 |
| International Guests (Students) | 400 |
| Domestic Guests | 100 |
| Domestic Guests (Sr. citizen, Student, Para Military personnel) | 50 |
| Photography Permit : Still | 100 |
| Photography Permit : Video | 200 |
| Elevator (one-way) | 50 |
| Tour Escort Fee | 120 |
| Audio Guide | 180 |
| Audio Guide (Concession) | 120 |
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Guide Fee: Pax
| Pax | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| 01 to 04 Pax | 300 |
| 05 to 15 Pax | 400 |
| 16 to 30 Pax | 500 |
| 31 to 50 Pax | 600 |