Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Built

From the 15th century

Timings

9 am to 5 pm, daily

Best time

October to March

Ideal time needed

3 hours

Nearest railway station

Jodhpur

Nearest airport

Jodhpur

What to see

The climb up through a series of massive gates leads to palace courtyards covered in carved sandstone screens and balconies. From the ramparts, the old city spreads out below in shades of blue. The light on the walls shifts through the day, so late afternoon is a lovely time to be on top.

Museum, period rooms and galleries

The fort museum tells the story of the Marwar region and its rulers. It is split into period rooms, each restored to show royal life, and galleries devoted to particular collections.

• Period rooms: Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takhat Vilas, Phool Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Sardar Vilas and Deepak Mahal
• Galleries: Howdah, Palanquin, Daulat Khana, Paintings, Textiles and Arms

Timings and experiences

Gates open at 9 am and close at 5 pm, every day of the week. Audio guides are available at the entrance and are well worth taking. Folk musicians and dancers in traditional dress often perform in the courtyards, and a sound-and-light show narrates the history of Mehrangarh.

Tips for your visit

There is a steep walk up from the lower gates, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat and light clothing, and carry water, especially from April to June when Jodhpur gets very hot. Allow at least three hours to see the museum properly. October to March is the most pleasant season.

How to reach

The fort is a few kilometres from Jodhpur railway station, and autos and taxis climb to the main gate. Jodhpur has its own airport with domestic flights, and the city is well linked by road across Rajasthan. We can add Mehrangarh to a Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur circuit.

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