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Indian States Rajasthan Travel Guide Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluffcoloured sandstone hill itself, so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. Founded in the 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur (or the region known as Marwar), it is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away. Across from huge courtyards are set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history.
Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to visitors. These consist of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore rulere have been ritually anointed to rule; Jhanki Mahal, the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed: the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his zenana. Also noteworty are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Urn aid Vilas and Maan Vilas, while a large tent seized from the Mughals in . battle is spread for viewing in what has come to be referred to as the Tent Room.
Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprising lightness to it though, once actually within the fort. The builders seemed to want to make up for the stern austerity of its walls with an overwhelming profusion of windows and jharokas at the upper ends. The effect seems to exaggerate its already impressive height.
On the hill of Mehrangarh is Jaswant Thada, the white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1899. The cenotaphs of the other rulers, in the same neighbourhood, are relatively simpler. From the ramparts of Mehrangarh, one can also see the art-deco Umaid Bhawan Palace located on top of Chattar Hill. One of the largest private residences in the world, it had been designed by Sir Edwin Lancaster, and is now home to the erstwhile royal family as well as a luxury hotel.
Jodhpur is 336 km from Jaipur and 249 km from Bikaner, and is connected both by air and rail. Good quality accommodation and restaurants are part of the facilities in this historic town.
*
Note : Tailormake this itinerary to
suit holiday duration and budget - Click Here.
* Note : Toughness: Moderate
Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to visitors. These consist of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore rulere have been ritually anointed to rule; Jhanki Mahal, the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed: the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his zenana. Also noteworty are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Urn aid Vilas and Maan Vilas, while a large tent seized from the Mughals in . battle is spread for viewing in what has come to be referred to as the Tent Room.
Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprising lightness to it though, once actually within the fort. The builders seemed to want to make up for the stern austerity of its walls with an overwhelming profusion of windows and jharokas at the upper ends. The effect seems to exaggerate its already impressive height.
On the hill of Mehrangarh is Jaswant Thada, the white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1899. The cenotaphs of the other rulers, in the same neighbourhood, are relatively simpler. From the ramparts of Mehrangarh, one can also see the art-deco Umaid Bhawan Palace located on top of Chattar Hill. One of the largest private residences in the world, it had been designed by Sir Edwin Lancaster, and is now home to the erstwhile royal family as well as a luxury hotel.
Jodhpur is 336 km from Jaipur and 249 km from Bikaner, and is connected both by air and rail. Good quality accommodation and restaurants are part of the facilities in this historic town.
*
Note : Tailormake this itinerary to
suit holiday duration and budget - Click Here.* Note : Toughness: Moderate
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