One of the most well-preserved forts of its kind in India, Junagarh Fort is an architectural marvel in Rajasthan’s Bikaner. Junagarh Fort, unlike most of the other forts that are located on hilltops, is situated on the plains and has never been conquered, thus it is a well-known landmark of India’s richer heritage, Rajasthan. For all who are planning to visit this historical wonder, here’s a complete guide on Junagarh Fort.

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1 Junagarh Fort, Bikaner History

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner History

Bikaner Fort, also known as Junagarh Fort, is a palace fort located in the northwest region of India near the Thar desert built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth raja of Bikaner in 1589, under the orders of Mughal Emperor Akbar. As opposed to most of the forts in and around Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort was built on the barren desert plains instead of that in the hills. It has since been extended and altered by subsequent monarchs, with Mughal, Rajput, and British commercial fashions all making their mark. It has survived countless assaults but remains unconquered, a testament to its resilience.

Junagarh Fort’s Architecture And Structure

Surprises await you inside Junagarh Fort which boasts a mix of Rajput, Mughal and European style architecture. The fort complex covers an enormous area, its massive sandstone walls encircling ornate palaces, temples, courtyards and gardens. Among the main attractions within the fort are:

Karan Mahal – An intricately designed palace with delicate glasswork.

Phool Mahal- The oldest part of the fort, decorated with colorful frescoes.

Anup Mahal- A multi-storeyed building used to be the governance chamber here.

Chandra Mahal – A lavish palace with gold leaf motifs and mirrors.

Ganga Mahal – Contains the museum that features artifacts, weapons and manuscripts.

Surprising Facts About Junagarh Fort, Bikaner 🏰

Fort on Plains– When most Rajasthani forts are constructed on hills, Junagarh Fort is built on the desert plains.
Unconquered Fort – This massive fort has never been captured despite several attempts.
Founded by Raja Rai Singh – Constructed in 1589, the stronghold was founded by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar.
Mughal Impact – The influence of Mughal architecture is quite notable in the fort as Raja Rai Singh was quite associated with the Mughals.
Blended Architecture — The fort’s unique charm is attributed to a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles
Grand Palaces – Contains beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Beautiful Frescoes – Colorful frescoes covering the walls pastel and glasswork detail.
Har Mandir – Inside the fort is the royal family’s temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan.
Fort Museum – Has an rare collection of royal stuff, weapons and costumes.
Grand Gates – The entrance gates such as Karan Pol, Daulat Pol and Chand Pol are huge and richly sculptured.

Junagarh Fort Highlights

This beautiful place is actually more of a big experience than just a historical site. Here are the main attractions inside the fort:

The Palaces – You would be amazed to see Rajputana Royalty through the lavish palaces within the Fort.
Har Mandir — A temple of Lord Lakshmi Narayan worshipped by the royal family
Fort Museum – Very rare collection of weapons, manuscripts, paintings and royal costumes.
Grand Gates– The fort has some of the huge gates such as Karan Pol, Daulat Pol and Chand Pol.
Cave Wall Murals and Frescoes – Enjoy the great paintings of a glorious past.

Junagarh Fort Timings and Entry Fees

Hour of Operation: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (All days open)

Entry Fees:

Indians: ₹50 per person

Foreigners: ₹300 per person

Children (5-15 years): ₹30

Camera Fee: ₹50 (still) / ₹150 (video)

When to Visit Junagarh Fort

The ideal time to visit Junagarh Fort is in the winter months (October to March), where the climate is pleasant and great for sight seeing. You should not visit from April to June as Bikaner gets really hot.

Getting to Junagarh Fort

– By Air: The closest airport is Jodhpur Airport (250 km away). From there, you can take a taxi.

– By Rail: The nearest railway station is Bikaner Junction which is widely connected with metro cities of India

By Road: Bikaner is well-connected by roads, and you can find reliable buses and taxis easily.

Junagarh Fort Local Food Around it

The spicy, delectable Rajasthani cuisine is a signature of Bikaner. Some must-try dishes include:

Dal Baati Churma – A traditional Rajasthani food.

Gatte Ki Sabzi — Dumplings of gram flour in a neighborhood-rich curry.

Bikaneri Bhujia – A crunchy, zesty snack that everyone loves.

Rasgulla and Ghewar – Popular Rajasthani Desserts.

Kachori and Samosa — famous street food items.

Shopping Around Junagarh Fort

Bikaner is a shopper’s paradise with traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. ShoppingThe best places to shop include:

Kote Gate Market – Renowned for textiles, camel leather goods, and jewelry.

Lalgarh Palace Market – Renowned for beautiful Rajasthani crafts.

Station Road Market – The place for spices\, sweets and miniature paintings\.

Photography Tips

Take close-ups of the frescoes and carvings within the fort.
If you want to capture this site in its best light, visit it first thing in the morning.
Shoot wide-angle of the lofty courtyards and palaces.
The sunset views from the fort are gorgeous — don’t miss them!

Additional Tips

Dress your feet right for a good walk because the fort needs a lot of exploring all over.

Bring water bottles, sunglasses and sunscreen, particularly in the summer months.

Get a local guide to share cool stories and historical facts.

Visit the fort during non-peak hours to have a less crowded experience.

Final Thoughts

When you are in Bikaner, Junagarh Fort is a must-see place. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and royal heritage, London is a must-visit for all history lovers and travelers. So, if you are an architecture buff, a photography geek, an explorer with a penchant for semi-heritage sites or just someone looking for sights, promise Junagarh Fort will give a little to all.

Tourist Places to visit in Bikaner Nearby

After touring the Junagarh Fort, other famous places to visit in Bikaner include:

Lalgarh Palace – The royal palace endowed with mixture of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles.
Here are the must visit places in Rajasthan: (Karni Mata Temple – Also known as the ‘Rat Temple’, it is famous for hosting thousands of rats.)
Gajner Palace & Lake — A tranquil getaway with spectacular views
National Research Centre on Camels – Learn all about camels here and try out some camel milk products too.
Rampuria Havelis – Stately havelis that reflect Bikaner’s rich heritage.

So, are you ready to explore the majesty of Junagarh Fort? A visit to this royal kingdom will take you back in time letting you feel free the royal style of The Bikaner.