Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur: The royal architectural extravaganza

Every experience comes with its own status. Some are worth remembering, some are easily forgettable. Some you want to share with everyone, some you don’t. Then comes the experience which you really don’t want to share with anyone, you just don’t want because you want to treasure it with yourself throughout your life, you are so mesmerized that you don’t want that moment to go away ever.

You seize the moment and then that moment becomes a memory. A memory so worthy that when you start to write it down after a long gap, you still remember each of those goose bumps you had five years back.

Yes, I am talking about all those nostalgias, all that excitement I had during my precious visit to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur during December 2010. Jodhpur was the capital of famous Marwar kingdom of Rajputana. It was a chilly winter afternoon when I reached the area. A gigantic fortress could be seen from far behind on the top of a hillock. A wide meandering road leads to the fort from the plane. The fort is enclosed by thick walls which used to protect the royal family within it from the outside invaders. Several marks of cannon balls from the opponent Jaipur army are clearly visible there.

From outside it looks like any mega structure of medieval India but huge surprise awaits your way when you enter the internal area of the fort. Seven gates are there popularly known as Pol which make the way towards the interior of the fort.

Internal courtyard palaces are the main attraction. Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal to name a few. They are complimented with amazing architectural fabric in the facades. Typical Hindu Architectural forms are reflected from the structures. Jharokha or the hanging balconies add a unique flavour to the overall aesthetics. Arched windows put a whole new dimension to the style. Intricate detailing, floral motifs and geometric jails add the royal richness. The space composition of solid and void throughout creates the extra drama with pale red tone of sunset.

The royal richness quotient will be incomplete if the museum within the fort remains unnoticed. It also acts as a souvenir shop. The museum is interesting in its own rights. It houses several galleries like the turban gallery which comprises of a collection of traditional Rajasthani turbans and head gears. The museum also has collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs and armouries. Dedicated galleries are there which displays typical Marwari and Mughal paintings from the Rathore era of Jodhpur. Local folk singers in traditional attire entertain the tourists outside this museum with their melodious songs.

Huge terraces all across the fort nicely combine the interior architectural extravaganza with the exterior calmness of nature. The serenity is complimented by the all blue surroundings of the old core of Jodhpur city around the Mehrangarh Fort. Small low height but well compacted houses are the heart of the old core. The blue city and its vividly painted blue houses look enigmatic from the top. It emphasizes the richness of the fort. It creates a magic and an everlasting heart wrenching impression forever.

How to reach: The city is well connected with cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore through railways. Jodhpur is the divisional headquarter of North Western Railways. Jodhpur also has a prominent airport. Road connectivity with other cities is also quite good.

Where to stay: Jodhpur has many boutique resort and 5 star hotels. Beside that a RTDC hotel is also there