Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in forts. It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India. It is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be reached from the city, 5 kms below, through a circular road.

Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.

Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.

History of Mehrangarh Fort
The history of Mehrangarh Fort is related to Rao Jodha of the Rathore Clan. He ascended as the fifteenth Rathore ruler in 1458. One year after his crowning, the Maharaja was advised to move his capital to a safer place. The 1000-year Mandore fort, the then capital was slowly and gradually deteriorating therefore needed to be abandoned. The search of a new location brought to the isolated hill looming over Jodhpur.

According to legends, the hill on which the mighty fort stands was the home of an ascetic, known as Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. The hermit was the sole inhabitant of the hills. On losing his home, he cursed the land. To appease the jinx, a selfless person had to sacrifice his life. This noble act was performed by Raja Ram Meghwal, who finds mention in tales and on stone carving in the fort. The mighty fort of Mehrangarh fort in Rajasthan, since its erection has never been under seizure. The invincible fortifications still bear cannon marks they had once withstood. Today, this magnificent edifice of Jodhpur is a living testimony that recounts the rich past.

How To Reach Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
You can fly to Jodhpur to explore this stunning fort. Jodhpur has its own domestic airport and is connected through flights to major cities of India. Jodhpur is also attached to different cities via a variety of trains including the lavish ‘Palace on Wheels’. One can also take the government or private buses or travel by road in hired or private cars. Once in Jodhpur, reaching to Mehrangarh is a easy task. You can work with auto rickshaws or take a taxi to the fort since that the frequency of city buses is not really high in Jodhpur. If you remain in old town, the fort is a plain 2 km away and also around 10 km from the city centre.