There are many great fortresses all over Rajasthan, but very few can compare with the sheer majesty of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. Seemingly growing out of the rocky cliff on which it is perched, it has a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. In fact, we could see the Kumbhalgarh Fort, some 80 miles (130 kms) away.

What we liked most about the impressive Mehrangarh Palace complex were the delicately latticed, overhanging jharokhas (balconies) - the stone latticework here is so fine, it actually resembles lace! And the throne room Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) with its ceiling gorgeously embellished with mirror-work and gilt - it's said that nearly 80 pounds of gold was used!

Mehrangarh Fort. Click to enlarge.

The Fort Museum is one of the finest in Rajasthan... and certainly the best laid out. There is the Palanquin section followed by the Howdah section, with perhaps one of the finest collections of ornate elephant howdas in the world.

The Armoury section has one of India's finest collection of weapons, particularly swords (including that of the Mughal Emperor Akbar himself). But my vote goes to Rao Jodha's enormous khanda, weighing over 7 pounds. Phew! The guy must've had some wrists!!

There's also a very interesting collection of over a hundred different types of turbans from various parts of Rajasthan. Incidentally, the Jodhpuri turban is considered to be superior to all of 'em.

On the way down from the fort, we stopped at Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Jodhpur's maharajas.