Did you ever enter a room where each wall was telling a story of kings, adventures and their braveries? Well, Junagarh Fort will provide you with that. It is one of the few Rajasthani forts that are located outside the hill, but it remains a solid and proud structure. The visit to the fort is not just a destination; it is like a journey to the world of royal courts, glittering palaces and old mysteries.
The fort can be said to have everything that will make you say WOW!, from the carved windows to the wide courtyards. The Junagarh fort museum demonstrates the wealth and might of the rulers in Bikaner. Locals also have this myth that ghosts haunt some portions of the fort, which makes them feel more adventurous when they visit it. So, let’s not wait anymore and get started with the exploration of this mighty fort.
History of Junagarh Fort
The history of the Junagarh fort is really interesting. This structure was constructed in the year 1594 by the sixth king of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singh. It was initially called Chintamani. The family relocated to Lalgarh Palace later on, but changed its name to Junagarh, which translates to Old Fort. This fort is constructed on desert plains, unlike most forts in Rajasthan, which are usually constructed on hills and was never captured. Amazing, isn’t it?
Raja Rai Singh was a warrior and a good ruler serving Emperor Akbar. He spent the money from his wars in adorning the fort with mirror work, Italian tiles, and gold-polished walls and beautiful courtyards. As the years went on, the kings also added more palaces and temples, blending Mughal, Gujarati and Rajasthani architecture. Stories of wars, love, celebrations and traditions are echoed in every corner.
There are also some spooky stories of a few locals, which make the Junagarh fort haunted, attracting thrill-seekers and explorers. Whether you love history or just want to visit it out of curiosity, there is a feeling that the fort is a living time capsule of royal India.
Essential Information About Junagarh Fort
This fort is unique. It is not built on a hill, as most Rajasthani forts are. It demonstrates the courageous nature of the rulers of Bikaner. And hence, visiting this unique fort requires some basic information that you must know for a smooth trip.
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
Junagarh Fort Bikaner Ticket Price: Approximately ₹50-₹300 per person, depending on nationality and age
Junagarh Fort Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Junagarh Fort Distance: It is located about 2 km from the Bikaner city centre.
Built By: Raja Rai Singh Ji (1589‑1594)
Architecture Style: Rajput, Mughal, and the Gujarati influences.
Approx. Duration: 2‑3 hours
Camera: Allowed. With some additional fee (depends on the site)
Guides & audio Tours: They are available at the entrance.
Nearest Station: Bikaner Junction (2km).
Best Time to Visit Junagarh Fort
It is best visited between October to March. During winter, the desert wind is cool, which makes sightseeing enjoyable. The gentle light of the sandstone walls will make it the ideal place to slowly check out the palaces, the courtyards and the museum.
During summer, the desert becomes a hot place, and it is hard to walk out in the desert; the weather is above 40°C most of the time. Also, Winter is another season of fairs, festivals and performances that make the city alive too. You have to visit the fort in winter, though, to see it as a living history.
If you are a photographer, then you must not miss visiting in the early hours of the morning when the sunshine on the walls of the fort makes it look stunning. Additionally, during evenings, you can get to capture the surreal beauty of the sunset skies for those perfect shots
How to Reach Junagarh Fort
Getting to the grand Junagarh Fort is not difficult and is easily accessible from the big cities of India:
By Air
The closest airport is Bikaner ( BKB ), which is 15 km away from the fort. Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur have regular flights to the area.
By Train
The Bikaner Junction (BGKT/BKN) is the nearest train station situated just 2 km away, facing the fort. It is among the most convenient means of transit.
By Road
Jaipur (330 km), Jodhpur (250 km) and Delhi (450km) have good highways. It can be reached by bus, by taxi, or you can even self-drive with your vehicle.
By Local transport
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and taxis will drop you directly to the main gate. When you arrive, your royal journey begins.
Top 5 Things To Do in Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Bikaner. Visiting Junagarh Fort is not just about sightseeing; rather, it comes with a lot of different things which you can enjoy there.
1. Visit the Grandeur of the Anup Mahal
The palace is a bright one with gold leaf, mirrors, and beautiful wooden ceilings. It used to be the king’s courts. All of it narrates stories about royal gatherings, celebrations, and political meetings. Don’t miss having a look at the brilliantly carved balconies that show the intricate growth of art in the Rajput courts alongside warfare.
2. Visit the Prachina Museum
Take a glance at the royalty, and see how they dressed, and their jewellery, old weapons, small paintings, and glasswork in this museum. The museum demonstrates how the desert kings managed to remain brave, beautiful, and clever over several centuries, making it one of the best things to do in Bikaner.
3. Witness the Throne Room of the Maharajas.
In the Karan Mahal, you can observe where the leaders used to sit. The painted walls, stained glass windows and marble floor depict a blend of Mughal art and Rajput bravery. History lovers would find it quite fascinating to envision politics and poetry coexisting.
4. Go inside the Historic Arsenal Gallery
The gallery has a huge collection of vintage swords, armour, muskets, and even early aircraft weapons. It illustrates how Bikaner struggled and overcame challenges and how the kingdom became modern without losing its traditional status.
5. Take Photographs of the Royal Courtyards and Ramparts at the Fort.
There is plenty to capture good pictures with finely adorned courtyards to sweeping defence walls. Take the shots of shifting shadows, the reddish light of the sandstone reflecting, and the loveliness which seems eternal. Photos of sunsets are particularly pleasant and should not be missed.
Tips For Visiting Junagarh Fort
Want some hacks to make your trip to the Junagarh fort more relaxing and enjoyable? Follow these tips for a hassle-free visit.
Go in the morning when there are a few people and the sun is not too hot.
Wear comfortable shoes since you are likely to walk a lot.
Always keep water and sunscreen with you (the desert may get dry).
A guided tour is extremely useful for learning about the history.
No-go zones will help preserve valuable heritage.
Rules in photography can be altered; inquire at the ticket booth.
Take at least 2 hours to visit everything.
Conclusion
Junagarh Fort is not just a random structure to sightsee, it is a poem carved in stone, where its history echoes in the courtyards and traditions are like the wind in the desert, which makes this place one of the best tourist places to visit in Bikaner. After you get in, you can see more than a fort; you can see a kingdom that never bent or ever broke and always stood proud. It is not a mere tourist destination, but it is a taste of Rajput pride, Mughal art and Bikaner's life-long spirit of Bikaner. Free up your schedule, book your tickets and plan a trip now to this amazing fort.
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