JUNAGARH FORT

Situated in the heart of Bikaner, Junagarh Fort stands as an example of the architectural brilliance and grandeur of Rajasthan. Unlike the other forts of the state, it was built on 5 hectares of plain land by Raja Rai Singh between 1571-1611 AD.

Also known as the ‘Bikaner Fort’, Junagarh Fort was first named ‘Chintamani Fort’. It is a stunning fort with architectural diversity, offering a blend of Rajputana, Mughal and Gujarati styles. Initially, it was a ruin which was turned into the grand Junagarh Fort with the help of thousands of labourers. The fort mainly has two prominent colours, red and gold, which gives it an attractive appearance. The red sandstone that was used to build the fort was specially brought from Jaisalmer.

Junagarh Fort also has vast landscaped gardens where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. There are spacious courtyards which provide plenty of opportunities for photography and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Highlights

• Marvel at the grandeur of Rajputanas at the gem of Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort. 
• Admire the stunning architecture of the fort which offers a perfect blend of Rajputana, Mughal and Gujarati styles. 
• Explore its various sections and temples like Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and Har Mandir.
• Learn about the fascinating history of the fort and Bikaner at the museum and galleries, displaying a remarkable collection.
• Attend the light and sound show for a visual representation of the history of the fort under the night sky. 

How To Reach

By Road: Junagarh Fort is located at a distance of around 1.5 km from the city centre of Bikaner. You can easily reach the fort in approximately 7 minutes via the Bikaner-Napasar-Ladnun Road. You can either drive yourself or take a taxi that will drop you off at the entrance of the fort.

By Auto: For a more budget-friendly option, you can choose to travel by a local auto. You can either take a shared auto or book a private one, both of which are easily available from any corner of the city.

By Foot: Junagarh Fort is located in the heart of the Bikaner city and can be easily covered by foot. You can enjoy a 20-minute walk to the fort through the old city lanes, covering around 1.5 km. 

Best Time To Visit

Junagarh Fort is a popular tourist attraction of Bikaner which you can visit throughout the year.

Best Day of the Week: It is advisable to visit the fort on the weekdays if you wish to peacefully enjoy and explore with fewer crowds. 

Best Time of the Day: You can either visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and peacefully explore the fort at your own pace.

Other Essential Information

• Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking to explore the fort. 
• Apply sunscreen properly and carry a hat to protect your skin from heat and skin burns. 
• Remember to carry a water bottle as well as fill it up from the water stations to remain hydrated throughout the day.
• Check for restrictions or ask security before taking pictures inside the fort as some sections do not allow photography.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the environment and avoid littering inside the fort. 
• Avoid touching any displayed items at the museum or gallery as per the rules and regulations.
• Remember to take off your shoes before entering the temples to respect the local traditions. 
• Consider opting for a guided tour for a better and enriched experience of the fort.