Junagarh Fort



Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Information on Junagarh Fort (Bikaner, Rajasthan) - History & Architecture


Junagarh Fort is situated in Bikaner City of Rajasthan State, India. It is located in the western part of India. It is nearby to the beginning of 'Thar Desert', which is the largest desert in India, and Pakistan is just 80 km from here. This is a few old forts built on the land surface. Since, all most many forts have been built on hill top. This fort is built under the design of Mughal architecture and looks very beautiful to see. This fort was built in 1594 by the 6th King of 'Rajput Clans' named 'Maharaja Raja Rai Singh'. To reach here from major city junction are, from Delhi it is 448 km, from Mumbai it is 1255 km, from Jodhpur it is 251 km and from Jaipur it is 331 km. The city is well connected by trains, roads and airports.

Junagarh Fort Architecture

Junagarh Fort is of great cultural and architectural values. It belongs to 16th century architectural work pattern of Rajputana and Mughal style of designs. This massive fort is built in the area of five hectares of land. In Rajasthan it is the only fort built on plain land areas. The entire structure is made of red sandstone and marbles. There are large rooms, pavilions and hall with carved pillars, windows and doors. Apart from it there are woods and glass arts and crafts, which are well carved and placed on the windows. There are colorful paintings inside the walls of this fort. Marble works are so fascinating to see that, one can't believe it was done manually by artisans. There are seven gates of entry to this fort. Inside the fort there are Hindu and Jain temples which are unique in construction followed to respective religions. There are vast gardens inside the fort.

Junagarh Fort History

Junagarh Fort is as important as its history. Since the Bikaner city is surrounded by this fort. The initial planning of this fort was done by a court minister named 'Karan Chand'. He planned in such a way that it was near to the great desert alongside the Arravalli hill ranges. This fort's original name is 'Chintamani Fort' and this place surrounded by fort was called 'Jungladesh'. This fort was named 'Junagarh' which means 'The old Fort' when the royal clans shifted to the 'Lalgarh Palace' in the beginning of 20th Century AD. The construction of this fort was started from 1589 AD with two thousand labors and artisans. It took around five years to complete and royal settlement took inside the fort from 1594. The Mughal Emperor named 'Kamran' invaded this fort in 1534 and was in his passion for one day only. Since, he was defeated by 'Maharaja Rao Jait Singh'.

Junagarh Fort Tourism Importance

Junagarh Fort is surrounded by 3 Star, 4 Star, Heritage and budget hotels. The most importance related to tourism is Rajasthan's heritage monuments and forts. The state tourism has converted most of its monuments into heritage hotels. You can have a feel of the olden history with modern luxuries is those hotels. It's also a pride to stay in those heritage palaces for unforgettable movements in life. The Rajasthan State Tourism and Development Authority have taken special care for its large flow of foreign tourists in its state and world class amenities are delivered to cater the need of all kinds of tourist. Many of the tourists come here for camel safari. If you come here, you can see a vast desert, the very old mountain ranges and plain land surrounded by Bikaner. The ripest time to visit Rajasthan is from the months of August to February, where the climates are very favorable to all kinds of peoples.