Fort & palaces · Bikaner

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

A fort built on the plains rather than a hill, with some of Rajasthan's most richly painted palace rooms inside.

LocationCentre of Bikaner

Built1589–1594, Raja Rai Singh

Famous forPainted palace rooms

Time needed1.5–2 hours

The story

A little history.

Junagarh was built between 1589 and 1594 by Karan Chand, prime minister to Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner. Unlike most Rajasthan forts it stands on flat ground, protected by a moat and massive walls, and it was almost never taken by an enemy.

Successive rulers added palaces over 400 years, so the interior ranges from mirror work and gold leaf to European touches from the early 20th century.

What to see

Don't miss.

Anup MahalA coronation hall decorated in gold leaf and lacquer, among the finest rooms in Rajasthan.
Phool MahalThe Flower Palace, with mirror work and painted floral designs.
Badal MahalThe Cloud Palace, painted with blue clouds and rain, a precious sight in the desert.
Karan MahalA hall for public audiences built to mark a military victory.
The museumWeapons, palanquins and a First World War de Havilland biplane.