Junagarh Fort is one of the most impressive and well-preserved forts in Rajasthan, India. It is a magnificent example of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Bikaner, a city that was once a flourishing trade center and a powerful princely state.
Junagarh Fort is not only a historical monument, but also a living museum that showcases the art, architecture, and lifestyle of the rulers and people of Bikaner over the centuries. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort is a must-visit destination for you.
History of Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort was built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner and a general in the army of Emperor Akbar. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was surrounded by a moat. It was later renamed Junagarh, meaning “Old Fort”, after the royal family moved to a new palace called Lalgarh in 1902.
Junagarh Fort witnessed many battles and sieges in its history, but it was never conquered by any enemy. It remained the seat of power and the residence of the rulers of Bikaner until the 20th century. The fort also hosted many distinguished guests, such as Emperor Jahangir, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Lord Curzon, and George V.
The fort complex consists of several palaces, temples, museums, and gardens that were built by different rulers over time. Each structure reflects the distinct style and taste of its builder, ranging from Mughal to Rajput to Gujarati to European influences. The fort is also adorned with exquisite paintings, carvings, frescoes, mirrors, and inlays that showcase the artistic skills and craftsmanship of the local artisans.
Architecture of Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is a marvel of architecture that combines beauty and strength. The fort covers an area of about 5.28 hectares and is enclosed by a high wall with 37 bastions and seven gates. The main entrance to the fort is through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate), which faces east and is decorated with paintings of the sun god. The other gates are Daulat Pol (Wealth Gate), Chand Pol (Moon Gate), Karan Pol (Karna Gate), Fateh Pol (Victory Gate), Phool Mahal Pol (Flower Palace Gate), and Lakshmi Nath Pol (Lakshmi Nath Temple Gate).
The fort has several courtyards that connect the different structures inside. The most prominent courtyard is Dungar Niwas Chowk (Hill Residence Square), which is surrounded by four palaces: Karan Mahal (Karna Palace), Anup Mahal (Anup Palace), Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), and Ganga Mahal (Ganga Palace). These palaces are known for their lavish interiors and ornate decorations.
The fort also has several temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, such as Har Mandir (Lord Vishnu Temple), Ratan Behari Temple (Lord Krishna Temple), Lakshmi Nath Temple (Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi Temple), and Shiv Mandir (Lord Shiva Temple). These temples are places of worship as well as showcases of religious art and sculpture.
The fort also houses several museums that display a rich collection of artifacts, weapons, costumes, jewelry, paintings, manuscripts, and other items related to the history and culture of Bikaner. Some of the museums are Prachina Museum (Ancient Museum), Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum (Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum), Durbar Hall Museum (Court Hall Museum), Badal Mahal Museum (Cloud Palace Museum), and Shikar Mahal Museum (Hunting Palace Museum).
Also check out: Junagadh Fort: a cultural architectural amalgamation
Structures Inside Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort has many structures inside that are worth exploring and admiring. Some of the most notable ones are:
Karan Mahal: This palace was built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1680 to commemorate his victory over Emperor Aurangzeb. It is one of the oldest palaces in the fort and has a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles. It has a beautiful courtyard with fountains and a pavilion with painted ceilings.
Anup Mahal: This palace was built by Maharaja Anup Singh in 1690 as his private residence and audience hall. It is one of the most splendid palaces in the fort and has a multi-storeyed structure with intricate carvings, mirrors, gold leaf, and inlay work. It also has a throne room with a red sandstone throne and a coronation hall with a silver throne.
Chandra Mahal: This palace was built by Maharaja Gaj Singh in 1713 as his royal chamber and treasury. It is one of the most elegant palaces in the fort and has a white marble facade with delicate lattice windows. It also has a luxurious bedroom with a bed made of ivory and gold, and a vault with a huge collection of jewels and coins.
Ganga Mahal: This palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1926 as his residence and office. It is one of the most modern palaces in the fort and has a fusion of Rajasthani and European styles. It also has a Durbar Hall with a crystal chandelier, a library with rare books, and a museum with antique weapons and armors.
How to Reach Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is easily accessible by different modes of transport from various parts of India. The nearest airport to Junagarh Fort is Jodhpur Airport, which is about 250 km away.
The nearest railway station to Junagarh Fort is Bikaner Junction, which is about 2 km away. The nearest bus stand to Junagarh Fort is Bikaner Bus Stand, which is about 1 km away. You can also hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Junagarh Fort from any of these places.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Junagarh Fort is in winter, between November and February. The cooler temperatures and enjoyable weather make this the ideal time for travelers to roam around the fort, palaces, and bazaars at leisure.
The winter season also coincides with some of the famous festivals and events in Bikaner, such as the Camel Festival, the Kolayat Fair, and the Gangaur Festival. These festivals showcase the colorful and vibrant culture of Rajasthan and offer a lot of fun and excitement for visitors.
Best Places To Stay Near Junagarh Fort
Some of the best places to stay near Junagarh Fort that are premium hotels and resorts. These are:
Laxmi Niwas Palace:
This is a heritage hotel that was once the residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh. It is located about 3 km from Junagarh Fort and offers a royal and luxurious experience to its guests. It has 60 rooms and suites that are decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and chandeliers. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a swimming pool, and a garden. The hotel organizes cultural events, folk dances, puppet shows, and camel safaris for its guests. The price range for this hotel is between INR 7,000 to INR 15,000 per night.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Gajner Palace:
This is another heritage hotel that was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge. It is located about 32 km from Junagarh Fort and is situated on the banks of Gajner Lake. It has 44 rooms and suites that are divided into four wings: Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas, and Champa Niwas. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a wildlife sanctuary. The hotel offers activities such as boating, cycling, birdwatching, and nature walks for its guests. The price range for this hotel is between INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 per night.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Bhanwar Niwas:
This is a heritage hotel that was built by Bhanwarlalji Rampuria, a wealthy merchant of Bikaner. It is located about 2 km from Junagarh Fort and is an example of the Indo-European architecture of the 20th century. It has 24 rooms that are named after the famous personalities of Bikaner and are furnished with period furniture, paintings, and artifacts.
It also has a restaurant, a bar, a library, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel arranges cultural programs, folk music, dance performances, and puppet shows for its guests. The price range for this hotel is between INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 per night.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Things to Do in and around Junagarh Fort
There are many things to do in and around Junagarh Fort that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Some of them are:
1. Explore the fort complex and admire its architecture, art, and history.
2. Visit the museums and learn more about the culture and heritage of Bikaner.
3. Enjoy the light and sound show that narrates the story of Junagarh Fort every evening.
4. Shop for local handicrafts, such as carpets, pottery, leather goods, and lacquerware at the nearby markets.
5. Sample the local cuisine, such as bikaneri bhujia, dal baati churma, ghevar, and lassi at the nearby restaurants.
6. Visit the nearby attractions, such as Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Rampuria Havelis, National Research Centre on Camel, etc.
7. Stay at one of the heritage hotels near Junagarh Fort, such as Laxmi Niwas Palace, Gajner Palace, Bhanwar Niwas, etc.
Also read: CHINTAMANI FORT - BIKANER
Junagarh Fort is a majestic heritage of Bikaner that offers a glimpse into the glorious past and the vibrant present of this city.
It is a place where you can experience the beauty, diversity, and richness of Rajasthan’s culture and history. If you are planning to visit Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort should be on your itinerary.
