Junagarh Fort
The unconquered fort of Rao Bika's desert capital
Overview
Junagarh Fort is a 16th-century fort in the centre of Bikaner, India, built between 1589-1594 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in Akbar's army, on the site of an earlier 1478 fort. Uniquely among major Rajasthan forts, it sits on the plains rather than on a hill, its 986-metre wall (5.5 m thick, in places) compensates for the lack of elevation. The fort was never conquered. Its 37 palaces, courtyards, and temples preserve some of the finest stone-carving and miniature painting in Rajasthan. MyTripMyTravel includes Junagarh on the standard Bikaner day with vetted heritage-guide context.
Junagarh Fort is unusual among the great forts of Rajasthan, it sits on flat ground in the middle of Bikaner, not perched on a hill. The 986-metre wall, 5.5 metres thick in places, compensates for the geographic disadvantage. In 400 years it was never conquered.
Raja Rai Singh built it between 1589-1594 on the foundation of an earlier 1478 stone fort. Rai Singh was a senior general in Akbar's army; the fort reflects his Mughal exposure with later additions by his successors continuing through the 18th century.
Inside the wall sit 37 palaces, temples, and pavilions. The Anup Mahal, gold-and-lacquer-worked walls, is among the finest small palatial spaces in Rajasthan. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Karan Mahal, Badal Mahal (with rain-cloud frescoes), and the Ganga Mahal (with miniature paintings of the Bikaner school) round out the principal circuit.
MyTripMyTravel includes Junagarh on the standard Bikaner day with a vetted local heritage guide, Bikaner's painting school and the Anup Mahal's lacquer work specifically deserve scholarly reading, not a generic walk-through.
At a glance
Junagarh Fort in brief
What to see
Highlights
Anup Mahal
Gold and lacquer-worked principal hall, among the finest small palatial spaces in Rajasthan.
Phool Mahal (Flower Palace)
Glass-mosaic and floral-painted interior, the queen's quarters.
Karan Mahal
Built in 1631 to commemorate a Mughal victory; rich red-and-gold interior.
Bikaner-school miniature paintings
The fort holds one of the most important collections of the distinctive Bikaner-school miniature tradition.
First World War aircraft
Curious museum exhibit, a complete WWI biplane gifted to Maharaja Ganga Singh by the British.
Visitor information
Our tips
Allow 2 hours minimum for the principal circuit.
Pair with Karni Mata Temple (30 km) and the Camel Research Centre on a full Bikaner day.
Photography permitted with a camera fee.
Good to know
Junagarh Fort, your questions
Why is Junagarh on flat ground?
Bikaner sits on the open Thar desert without a hill suitable for the standard Rajasthan fort placement. Raja Rai Singh compensated with a 986-metre wall and a moat, and the fort was never conquered.
How does it compare to Mehrangarh Fort?
Mehrangarh is the marquee Marwar fort, on a hill, monumental in scale. Junagarh is the desert-court counterpart, on flat ground, with arguably finer interior craftsmanship at the smaller scale.
Is the WWI aircraft real?
Yes, a 1920 Sopwith biplane gifted to Maharaja Ganga Singh by the British, displayed inside the fort.
Best time to visit?
October to March for desert weather. Mornings are quieter than afternoons.
More in Bikaner
Visit with us
See Junagarh Fort, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Junagarh Fort into a wider Bikaner and Rajasthan Escapes itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
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