Rising sheer out of a 125 m high rock, Mehrangarh is perhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts. Described by an awestruck Rudyard Kipling as “the creation of angels, fairies and giants”, Mehrangarh’s forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, the sandstone fort was added to by later rulers, mostly between the mid 17th and mid 19th centuries. The royal apartments within the fort now form part of an outstanding museum.

Exploring Mehrangarh Fort Museum

The Mehrangarh Fort Museum is justly regarded as the best of the many palace museums in Rajasthan. Its rich and varied collection includes a golden throne, fine miniature paintings, traditional costumes and fascinating weapons. Particularly magnificent are the skillfully restored royal chambers, which present a vivid picture of princely life and culture in Rajasthan.

The entrance to the museum is through the Suraj Pol on the fort’s southeastern side. Inside, to the right, is the Palki Khana with a collection of richly gilded palanquins. Along with the impressive elephant howdahs on display in the Howdah Gallery next door, these reflect the importance of grand processions in courtly life. Particularly impressive is a 17th century howdah made of solid silver, a gift from the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Another treasure is a spectacular palanquin covered in gold leaf, dating to 1730. This stands in the Daulat Khana, just before the Sileh Khana with its superb collection of weapons.

From here, steps lead up to the Umaid Mahal which exhibits miniature paintings of the Jodhpur School. Heavily influenced by the Mughal style, these paintings provide fascinating vignettes of Mughal life at court- the rulers riding camels with their courtesans, playing polo and leading ceremonial processions. Here too is a grand silk canopy that was used by the rulers for outdoor camps.

The next chamber, on the floor above, is the splendidly gilded, 18th century Phool Mahal, the Hall of Public Audience.

How to reach Mehrangarh Fort

By Air
Jodhpur Airport is connected by IA, which flies three times a week from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Jet Airways has daily flights from Mumbai and flights four days a week to Delhi.

By Rail
Jodhpur Junction is connected by Mandore and Intercity expresses from Old Delhi; and by Rajasthan Sampark Kranti from Sarai Rohilla, which runs on alternate days. Suryanagari Express from Bandra, Mumbai, is the best option via Ahmedabad and it runs on alternate days; also Ranakpur Express from Bandra via Ahmedabad and Surat and the Howrah-Jaipur Express.

By Road
Travelers from Delhi should turn off NH8 onto NH11 at Beawar. At Bar, turn right onto the state highway to Jodhpur via Pilara.