India Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is located on a large rock that overlooks the town of Jodhpur. It was built in the mid 1400s along with the town, by Rao Jodha, the Maharajah for what is now Rajasthan when he wanted a more secure fort than the one he had inherited. With its thick walls and 7 very sturdy gates (one has the imprint of a cannonball) it is still standing and in very good order. Wandering around in it now, it is easy to imagine why it was regarded as impregnable.

Some of the palaces it contains are now well-stocked museums. There are plenty of fabulous rooms and views over the blue city.

There is a steady procession through the place, indicated by arrows. If you see a tour group coming you can work out how much time you have before the join you. Guards don’t seem to mind your going back or doing the whole route again but tripods have to be checked in in a cloakroom near the entrance.

Its quite a climb to reach the entrance so a taxi or tuk-tuk is a good idea. If you go early morning, the light and crowds are better. There is a short-cut back to the town, about 5 minutes’ walk down a wide, steep, cobbled path, from beside the main tourist entrance.