Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is a huge ancient fort located in Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. It's one of the largest forts in India and was built in the mid-15th century by Rao Jodha. The fort sits on a rocky hill presiding some 125 meters above the city, with the structure merging with the rock on which it stands. Still run by the Jodhpur royal family to this day, Mehrangarh Fort is filled with a strong sense of history and legend.
Enclosed by thick, imposing walls, the fort complex contains a museum, courthouses, gardens, and several magnificent palaces with vast courtyards and elaborate architecture. Among the royal residences are the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), which was used for dance performances and features beguiling stained-glass windows, and Jhanki Mahal (Queen’s Palace), where there’s a colorful display of the cradles of former rulers.
The approach to the fort is guarded by a series of seven giant gates, some more famous than others. The main entrance is Jai Pol (or Gate of Victory), which was built by Maharaja Man Singh at the beginning of the 19th century to celebrate his victory over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Past the cafe and museum ticket office, the Dodh Kamgra Pol still bears the marks of cannonball attacks, before the route leads through Imritia Pol, and then Loha Pol, with its palm imprints made by the widows of Maharaja Man Singh when they left the palace to commit sati on his funeral pyre.

Practical Info

It’s about a 300-meter walk or a very winding auto-rickshaw journey from the old city to the entrance of Mehrangarh Fort.