Junagarh Fort is located amidst the Thar Desert and was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1594. Located on a sprawling land of 5.28 hectare, this place is studded with temples, palaces and pavilions. Its 986m-long wall, with 37 bastions, is surrounded by a (now dry) moat. Within the vicinity of fort, there are 7 palaces, viz. Bikaneri Havelies, Phool Mahal (“Flower Palace”), Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Ganga Mahal, Badal Mahal and Bikaneri Havelies. Bikaner tour is incomplete without witnessing these grand palace and huge walls.
A temple of the royal family called “Ratan Behari temple” is also housed in Junagarh Fort; this shrine is a must visit during Gangaur festival and Dussehra. There is a museum as well which was established in 1961 by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji. It exhibits many Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts, jewels, royal costumes, farmans (royal orders), portrait galleries, costumes, enamelware, silver, palanquins, howdahs and war drums.
The structure of Junagarh Fort is made of red sandstone and marbles. The fort depicts the grand living style of the Maharajas.
ADDRESS
Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
TIMINGS
10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Open all days
