Mehrangarh (Mehran Fort)

A must-visit in Jodhpur and a main feature of virtually every city tour, imposing Mehrangarh features stained-glass windows, a museum full of artifacts, and seven gates. Its gates include the Dodh Kangra Pol, which still bears the marks of cannonball attacks, and Loha Pol, which bears palm imprints from the widows of Maharaja Man Singh, left on their way to throw themselves on his funeral pyre in a tradition known as committingsati.

• Mehrangarh is a must-visit for those with an interest in history and architecture.

• Remember to wear good footwear and sun protection.

• Audio guides in English are available to rent.

• An elevator leads from the path to the fort’s roof, but narrow hallways and uneven surfaces make navigating the fort itself challenging for travelers with compromised mobility.

Mehrangarh stands on a hill overlooking Jodhpur, about a 25-minute winding walk from the old city through charming lanes lined with blue houses. At the fifth gate, accessible by foot or by car, is an elevator to the fort itself. It’s also possible to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the old city. Umaid Bhawan Palace is a 15-minute drive away.

Mehrangarh is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm throughout the year. It's best visited either first thing in the morning, when temperatures are coolest, or toward the end of the day, when you can see the sun set over Jodhpur. If you happen to be around in October, don't miss the annual Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), a music festival with the titular Maharaja of Jodhpur and Mick Jagger as its patrons.

Intrepid travelers wanting to get a bird's-eye view over the city of Jodhpur and Mehrangarh's lakes and battlements can sign up for a zipline adventure. There are six ziplines in total, the longest of which—the Magnificent Marwar—measures almost 1,000 feet (300 meters) and flies over two lakes. The zipline ticket office is located inside the fort, and ziplining includes fort admission.