Meharangarh Fort, Meharangarh Museum and Mandore Garden

Steeped in Rajasthan history, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most important destinations in Jodhpur. It was built in 1459 by the great ruler Rao Jodha but later many additions were made to it by the other rulers to enhance its beauty. It is located on a hill which is 150 m in height.

In the past the brave Mehrangarh Fort saw cruel battles whose scars can still be seen on its second gate.

The fort also houses a cenotaph of brave Kirat Singh Soda who gave his life while defending the fort during the battle against Amber.

Meharangarh Museum is the classiest museum of Jodhpur located in Mehrangarh Fort displaying a rich collection of royal possessions. The fort has many galleries which are unique in their own way. Each gallery is dedicated to a different theme. The fort also houses several little shops selling beautiful handicrafts of Rajasthan.

The distinctive galleries in the museum display Elephant Howdas (a wooden framed seat fixed on elephant's back) on which the Maharajas used to sit comfortably while traveling. The Howdas showcased here are of the finest quality and are studded with gold and silver.

Do not miss the beautifully decorated Palanquins (Palki) in which the royal ladies used to travel. One of the Palkis named Rajat Khas, is made of silver.

Other attractions are arms, textiles, decorative arts, manuscripts, paintings, sword of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the Maha Dol Palanquin, embroidered tent hanging, woven tent screens and the printed Jama (coat), shields adorned with rubies, emeralds and pearls, and many beautiful paintings.

Mandore Garden is a peaceful landscape which can be reached by covering a distance of five miles from Jodhpur. It is located in Mandore, a former capital of the Maharaja of Marwar. Here you can see the unusual Cenotaphs (chattris) which are unique and look like a Hindu temple. The most impressive is the Cenotaph of Maharaja Ajit Singh who ruled from 1678 to1724. Each cenotaph occupies a special place in the beautiful garden.

Other attractions in Mandore are the Hall Of Heroes and the Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods.