It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat.

This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujrat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort. A contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jehangir, he held a very high rank in the Imperial court. As a reward for this services as military commander, he was granted fields of Gujrat and Burhanpur by the Emperor. During his tenure in imperial service he traveled far and wide which gave him vision and great ideas about art and architecture and we can see how meticulously these ideas were incorporated in the architectural styles of his building in Junagarh fort.

» Other Attractions in Bikaner

The Old Palaces : The old palaces of Junagarh fort start from Suraj Parol the passage to the old palaces leads through TRIPOLIA, a first reception court. In the past, the palaces guards were accommodated here. Tripolia was got built by Maharaja Dungar Singhji. It is a huge three way structure resting on gigantic stone arches. On entering Tripolia, on the right side, the stairs of VIKRAM VILAS (VIKRAM was the sanskrit name of Rao Bika) durbar hall can be seen which are beautifully carved out of red sand stones from Bikaner. Next comes a ramp that leads to HARMANDIR CHOWK or ZORAWAR MAHAL courtyard and an array of courtyard after courtyard with palace rooms and hall starts, displaying intricate work of art. It is the result of building activity of 16 rules who ruled Bikaner from here for 325 years. The residence of royal family was shifted to Lallgarh Palace when Laxmi Niwas was completed in 1902 A.D.

Karan Mahal : Karan Mahal (Public Audience Hall), the first monument of Bikaner and second oldest in Rajputana is based on the classic Mughal style, the plan for the construction of which were conceived during the reign of Raja Karan Singhji. It was erected in about 1690 by Maharaja Anup Singhji as a memorial monument of his father Raja Karan Singhji. This monument is also a tribute to the restoration and elevation of the status of Bikaner State. Karan Mahal is covered with rich Rajput elaboration of Mughal style in terms of the purity of white marble and stucco design. The exquisite economic design is so characteristic of classic Art like Diwan-I-Khass, Rang Mahal and Mumtaj Mahal at Delhi. It has the same wooden ceiling resting on a board cornice and a surrounding Gallery behind a row of cusped arches resting on short bellied columns of the type of fashion under Aurangzeb.

Phool Mahal ki Sal : This is oldest part of the palaces and was built by Raja RAi Singhji. Its decoration with motifs of trays, flower vases and rose water sprinkles reminds of the decoration popular in Jehangirian period. Inside the rooms the interior walls are decorated with stucco work and glass inlay work.

Chander Mahal : See splendid remnants of the grandiose Mughal rule in Ajmer as you tour the rooms and sections of Akbar's Palace or the Ajmer Museum with Indian Horizons. Akbar's Palace is located close to the railway station in Ajmer and is a grand way to learn more about the romantic yet tumultuous history of desert Ajmer. See ancient and medieval weapons and armory on display and gaze wonder eyed at a glorious collection of stone sculptures, objects d' art and delicate miniature paintings. See the choicest collection of Rajput and Mughal armor on display at the Akbar's Palace .

Gaj Mandir : This mandir embodies the then know refinements and luxuries of architecture and tasteful decorative arts, lavished on the private apartment of Maharaja Gaj Singhhji and of his two chief Queens, Phul Kanwar and Chand Kanwar. This fairy world was built under the supervision of an architect whom the Maharaja had personally brought from Jaipur. The wall are covered with elaborate Mughal niches and panels enclosed by a framework of marble plaster slabs, which are carved into various Mughal open-work floral design behind which mirror have been placed.

» Places to Stay in Bikaner

There are several budget hotels and paying guest accommodations available in Bikaner.

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» Best Time to visit Bikaner

The climate of Junagarh is mild with temperature ranging between 20-28'C in winters and 28-34'C in the summers. Although the place can be visited throughout the year, the best season to do so is winter (October-March).

» How to Get there

Air : The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, around 300 kilometers from Junagadh. From Ahmedabad, one can take regular flights for other cities of India including Mumbai and Delhi.

Rail : Regular trains run between Junagarh and Veraval, Ahmedabad, Sasan Gir, Delwada, Una, Diu, and Rajkot.

Road : Junagarh can be reached from most of the important cities in Gujarat as well as neighboring states. One can get to Junagarh from Rajkot (100 km), Porbandar (107 km), Ahmedabad (320 km), Veraval, Una, and Jamnagar (184 km)..

» Climate of Bikaner

Climate Mean Max.Summer 38.1degree C 27.7 degree C Mean Min. Winter 23.3 degree C 05.5 degree C .