Jodhpur is a royal city known to have remained the capital of the Marwar kingdom in the 15th century. Today, it's a popular tourist destination and an emerging metropolis. The rich history of the Rajput rulers is well preserved in the palaces, temples, and forts that stand tall within Jodhpur, even centuries later.
If you’re planning a trip to this beauty, you cannot leave without visiting its many forts. While some of these palaces and forts of yore remain tourist spots, others have transitioned to luxury and heritage hotels. Whether it's a staycation at one of these magnificent forts you envisage or a gram-worthy picture with a grand fort behind you, we’ve got you covered! Check out these seven Jodhpur Forts from the times of Maharajas that will leave you feeling a bit royal!
Here are the Jodhpur forts for the perfect trip and stay
1. Mehrangarh Fort
One of the most renowned forts in town, the Mahendragarh Fort Jodhpur, popularly known as the Mehrangarh Fort, is the former abode of the Rajput kings. Standing tall since the 15th century, this fort is perched on a hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the city. The fort has seven magnificent gates, each built by a different ruler. The Mahendragarh Fort Jodhpur houses the palaces of the different kings who ruled the city over the centuries and proudly preserves the majestic carvings on the ceilings, pillars, and walls that make the fort a paradise for history enthusiasts. A museum inside the fort also displays the commodities and relics used by soldiers and rulers. Take a heritage walk across the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Phool Mahal in the Mehrangarh fort to witness the mesmerising and exquisite display of adorned panels, lattice windows, and intricate wall carvings.
Location: Fort Rd, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Entry fee: Rs 100 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Khimsar Fort
Close to the Great Thar Desert is the Khimsar Fort Jodhpur. This unique architectural brilliance dates back to the 16th century and has valiantly preserved the scars from the glorious battles of yore. The sheer grandeur that rests within the walls of the Khimsar Fort Jodhpur and its location amidst the rural, untouched dunes make visiting this fort an unforgettable and magical experience. The Khimsar Fort, like many others in Jodhpur, is now a luxury hotel. However, a part of the fort still shelters the 20th-century royal lineage, being served by the descendants of the royal courtiers from centuries ago. The rooms here are available at a starting price of Rs 12,000, and the impeccable services ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay! The Khimsar Fort Jodhpur has also hosted several VIP weddings, the most recent being Smriti Irani's daughter Shanelle’s wedding to Arjun Bhalla.
Location: Khimsar, Lalawas, Rajasthan
Entry fee: NA
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
3. Umaid Bhawan Palace
The grand sets of Bollywood movies come to life at the majestic and royal Umaid Bhawan Palace. Rooms here are available at a starting price of Rs 1 lakh, and there is no luxury in the world you can't have in this earthly heaven. Standing tall in all its glory and bringing modern-day amenities to you at the press of a button, the Umaid Bhawan Palace needs no introduction. Run by the premier Taj chain of hotels, the luxury hotel at Umaid Bhawan Palace has hosted VIP weddings of the likes of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar, and Rishika Lulla and Aditya Singh. The palace's beauty is surreal, and if it's not a staycation you’re looking for, there is also the provision of visiting the Umaid Fort Jodhpur for a nominal entry fee. You can visit the museum within Umaid Fort Jodhpur to get a glimpse of the royal families' lives there or perhaps grab a bite at the open-air cafe!
Location: Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Entry fee: NA
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
4. Mihir Garh Fort
Mihir Garh Jodhpur is not a usual fort - it is one built by a passionate 21st-century couple who saw something so beautiful in the golden desert of Rajasthan that they decided that the world had to see it. Mihir Garh Fort of the ‘Fortress of the Sun’ is a result of this vision seen by Sidharth Singh and his wife, Rashmi. With the cooperation and creative brilliance of a huge team of over 100 artisans, carpenters, and craftsmen, the Mihir Garh Fort came to life in 2009 and stands tall, facing the beautiful Rajasthan desert. The fort has nine luxury suites of over 1700 square feet each. The words ‘luxury’ and ‘indulgence’ get redefined as you enter one of these magnificent suites with their private jacuzzis or plunge pools. With grand lounges, alcoves, and common areas with breathtaking views, the place is all about giving you a memorable and comfortable stay. Mihir Garh Jodhpur is one of the best luxury boutique hotels; you cannot miss visiting this beauty!
Location: Village, Khandi, Saji, Rajasthan
Entry fee: NA
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
5. Khejarla Fort
Khejarla Fort Jodhpur is another magnificent piece of architecture that epitomises the rich culture of the Rajput kings. This 400-year-old fort of red sandstone is now a luxury hotel nestled in a serene landscape just 85 km from the city. With just the right balance of modernity, the pristine touch of nature, and the splendid remains of the Rajput era, this Jodhpur fort offers luxury rooms at a reasonable starting price of Rs 6,500 per night. An ideal wedding venue, a luxury resort, and a perfect holiday destination, the Khejarla Fort is a must-visit on a Jodhpur trip!
Location: Hotel Fort Khejarla Village Khejarla, Tehsil Bilara, Distt, Khejarla, Rajasthan
Entry fee: NA
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
6. Jaswant Thada
Built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II (the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur), Jaswant Thada is a spectacular marble cenotaph monument. It now serves as a mausoleum for the kings of Marwar and should be on your Jodhpur travel list! This 100-year-old architectural landmark amuses visitors with little performances by local musicians and folk dancers as they climb up the steps to the fort. Often called the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar,’ the Jaswant Thada is a Jodhpur fort attracting tourists from across the globe! Having finished your heritage walk through the fort, you can stroll in its well-maintained garden or enjoy the soothing view of the serene pond!
Location: Lawaran, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Entry fee: Rs 30 per person for Indians & Rs 50 for foreigners
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
7. Fort Chanwa
Fort Chanwa is a marvellous architectural structure emitting elegance, royalty, and grandeur in Luni, a town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Fort Chanwa was constructed by Maharaja Manish Soni and has now been converted into a luxury heritage hotel by its proud present owners - Maharaja Dalip Singh and Rani Madhu Devi. with perfectly manicured gardens and the Thar Desert for view, the rooms in Fort Chanwa are available at a starting price of Rs 6,500 per night. Witness royal services, and exquisite views, as you savour the delicious meals prepared just for you at the Fort Chanwa Hotel. A modern-day royal living experience doesn't get better than this! The other places you can visit nearby include the Mehrangarh Fort, Flying Fox, Urban Haat, and Luni River.
Location: Luni, Rajasthan
Entry fee: NA
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm