Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is a major hill fort overlooking Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, founded by the Rajput ruler Rao Jodha in 1459. The red-sandstone fortress contains a series of palaces, courtyards and temples and is one of Rajasthan’s most prominent forts.

Within the ramparts are ornate palace apartments such as the Phool Mahal and Moti Mahal, plus galleries that display arms, textiles and paintings in a visitor museum. The fort’s massive walls rise from a rocky ridge and provide expansive views across Jodhpur’s densely built old town, a feature that attracts many visitors and photographers.

Mehrangarh was expanded and modified by successive rulers over centuries, adding new gates, palaces and decorative work through the Mughal and later periods. It remains a functioning heritage site with conservation work and a museum that presents the region’s royal history.

The fort sits on a prominent rocky outcrop (Bala Hill) immediately northwest of Jodhpur city centre in Rajasthan, dominating the surrounding arid plain and urban area.

• Founding date: Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, the fort stands on a rocky hill and dominates the cityscape of Jodhpur; it contains multiple palaces and courtyards.
• Viewpoint: Visitors can obtain panoramic views over Jodhpur's old city, often referred to as the "Blue City" because of its painted houses near the fort's base.

What to See #

• Phool Mahal: Phool Mahal - an ornate palace chamber with lavish decoration used for court ceremonies and public audiences.
• Moti Mahal: Moti Mahal - one of the main palace halls within the fort complex, part of the series of royal apartments and reception rooms.
• Mehrangarh Museum: The fort museum - houses collections of arms, textiles, miniature paintings and historical artifacts from the region's ruling families.