Rudyard Kipling once described Mehrangarh Fort as, “A Palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun.”

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in India. This wondrous beauty sits on the rugged cliff with an entire view of the blue city. From Historians, photographers to the Bollywood; this incredible fort interests one and all.

Let’s take a look at what is it actually like visiting world’s oldest and only living fort:

History of Mehrangarh Fort

The fort has been a home or headquarters for the Rathore clan for over five centuries. Rathores moved to Pali in Marwar (now central Rajasthan) after their defeat by Afghanistan invaders. They began to settle and expanded their powers in Marwar. Their aim was to protect the Brahmin villages, which was one of the superior tasks in that time) in this region.

Rao Jodha ruled from 1438-89. He built Mehrangarh fort in around 1459. He chose an elevation on a rock for the fort. Mehrangarh means ‘fort of the sun’ and it got its name from the clan’s fabled descent sun-god.

The fort was not built just to protect the clan or as a military base. Inside it, it has a complete palace life for the ruler and his wives.

The fort has seen many centuries. It has gone through royal fighting, invading, different cultures and influences. The current head of the Rathore clan, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, has preserved the fort that had protected his predecessors..

Is it free to enter inside the Mehrangarh fort?

No, it is not. For Indians, the ticket costs 100 rupees (180 rupees with an audio guide and headphones). For foreigners, it costs 600 rupees (this includes an audio guide and headphones).

What to see in the Mehrangarh Fort?

Mehrangarh Fort is a collection of ancient royal culture, tradition, and history. Everything is safe and still alive here.

1. Mehrangarh museum

The best way to know about the history of the fort is by taking a walk through the galleries of its museum. These galleries express about the tough time, culture, lifestyle, royalty, and glory.

The galleries that you must visit are listed below.

  • Daulat Khana
  • Elephant’s howdahs
  • Palanquins
  • Armoury
  • Paintings
  • The Turban Gallery

2. Palaces in the fort

Palaces speak about the royal lifestyle of the kings who lived in this fort. The palaces you shouldn’t miss in Mehrangarh fort.

  • Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace
    This is an extravagant party room of those times. This golden palace was built in the 18th century. Maharaja Abhay Singh used this palace for his leisure activities.
  • Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace
    This is the largest room in the fort which is supposed to be a meeting room. It is said that the Raja Sur Singh had his meetings here.
  • Jhanki Mahal
    This is a place from where royal women or queens saw royal proceedings.

3. Mataji temple in the fort

It is said that Rao Jodha was a firm believer in goddess chamunda. He placed an idol of the goddess which he brought from Mandore in 1460. Now the People of Jodhpur also worship this goddess. On every Dussehra, people gather and offer prayers in this temple.

What makes Mehrangarh fort so special?

To conclude, Mehrangarh Fort is the world’s only living fort in India. Its beauty speaks for itself. It is a blend of culture and historical fables. It fetches attention from all over the world.