Junagarh Fort – Bikaner, Rajasthan

Jungarh Fort is located in Bikaner. One of the most imposing forts of Northern India and one of the finest of Rajput monuments. Raja Rai Singh, Akbar's contemporary started building Junagadh Fort in 1587. Often attacked, Junagarh is one of the few forts in India, which was never conquered. It consists of 37 palaces, pavilions and temples built by different Kings stand protected by massive ramparts and round towers.

About Junagarh Fort

A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort, Surajpol and Sun Gate. Surajpol is the main entrance gate while Sun Gate is significant for it houses the imprints of royal ladies who burnt themselves on the burning pyre of their dead husbands. The Sati Stambh was the place where these ladies gave up their lives mostly to save their honor from the invading Muslim armies. The Junagarh Fort has defied all the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours.

Inside the fort is a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for eyes. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was adorned with glasses and mirrors. The victory over Aurangzeb was celebrated by building the Karan Mahal.

The multi-storeyed Anup Mahal was the governance chambers for the rulers. The beautifully maintained rooms now display the treasures of the Royal family. Also worth visiting are the Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijay Mahal, and Rang Mahal.

This fort and it's palaces were built between 1588-1593 by raja Raj Singh, a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It has a 96 mt long wall, with 37 bastions and 2 entrances. The main entrance of the fort is Suraj pol or sun gate. The fort encompasses many palaces amongst which the most spectacular ones are the Chandra Mahal or Moon palace, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace, both ornated with carved panels and mirrors and the Karan Mahal.

Karan Mahal was built in remembrance of the celebration of the grand victory over Aurangzeb. Durga Niwas, a fabulously painted courtyard and Ganga Niwas which housed a finely carved red sandstone front, are the other places of attraction in this fort.

The fort also houses a museum having an impressive collection of the items used by the royals. These costly items throw light on the lavish lifestyle of the royals. The collections include illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, carpets, arms and weapons used by the royals. Even treaties signed and farmans (orders) issued by the royals have been well preserved and displayed.

How To Reach junagarh Fort:-

Air:- Jodhpur (243 Km) is the nearest Airport while Jaipur (321 Kms), the capital of Rajasthan is well connected to the metros cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

Rail:-Bikaner is connected by rail to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad

Best Time To Visit junagarh Fort:-

October to February