Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

 Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh, also known as Mehran Fort, was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha in Jodhpur and is one of the largest forts in the country. It is located on a 410-foot hill and is guarded by massive walls. It is one of the most easily recognisable forts in Jodhpur and has featured in many Hollywood and Bollywood productions such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises and the more recent film Thugs of Hindostan. The entrance to the fort, which is perched on a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate and finally Loha Gate. Each of these gates was built at different times and serves a very specific purpose. While one still has traces of cannonballs hitting it, the other is spiked to protect it from elephant and animal attacks. The Victory Gate, on the other hand, was built to commemorate Maharaja Man Singh's victory over the Jaipur and Bikaner armies. The fort also has opulent palaces like the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) and Phool Mahal (Rose Palace).

The intricate carvings on the walls of the fort, the spacious courtyards, the impressive history, the impressive palaces, museums and galleries attract tourists from all over the world. The fort also has one of the best-equipped museums in Rajasthan. There are six different galleries in the Mehrangarh Museum: Elephant Hawdahs, Palanquins, Daulat Khana, Armoury, Paintings and the Turban Gallery. The National Geological Monument, Nagnecha Mataji Temple, Chamunda Temple and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park are the tourist attractions in Mehrangarh Fort.

The city of Jodhpur has well-developed rail, road and air links to all major cities in India. Railways: Jodhpur railway station is well connected to major Indian cities and trains run there daily. The nearest railway station is Rai ka Bagh railway station. Air connectivity: Jodhpur is one of the major airports in Rajasthan and is in the process of being developed into an international airport. There are daily flights from different parts of the country. Road Transport: The city of Jodhpur is connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan as well as those of the neighbouring states through the road network. There are luxury and express buses to the city. In the city, one can travel by auto-rickshaws, buses, cycle-rickshaws or taxis.