Rajasthan Holidays - Rajasthan Fort & Palaces - Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

Imposing and enchanting, the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner overwhelms you with its historic charm and monumental splendor. Tour the grand network of public halls, kiosks, colonnades, frescoed rooms, royal quarters, towers, steep stone stairs, Jharoka balconies and screen windows on your tours to the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Constructed in between the years 1588 and 1593, the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner was built by Raja Rai Singh. Raja Rai Singh was a general in Mughal Emperor Akbar's army. The 986-metre stonewall that encloses the magnificent Junagarh Fort has 37 bastions that give it a formidable yet impressive character. The deep moat that encircles the stonewall made it almost impossible for enemy armies to attack Junagarh. In fact the fort remained unconquered during the course of its history.

The two important gates that lead to the stately Junagarh Fort in Bikaner are known as Surajpol and Daulatpol. Surajpol was the main gate to the fort. The Daulatpol is historically significant as you can see handprints of the royal ladies who committed sati on the pyres of their deceased husbands on the Sati Stambh. The other gates that lead to the Junagarh Fort interiors are the Karan Pol, Chand Pol and the Fateh Pol. The lavish Zenana quarters at the Junagarh Fort exhibit exquisite artistic skill. Though the women played a very important role in the regal household they were far removed from the affairs of the state. Women interacted with outsiders through carved stone screens. You can see these intricately carved marble and sandstone screens even today and marvel at the royal lifestyle of the days of the yore.

A profusion of mirror work, paintings and lacquer work greet you on your tours to the captivating interiors of the majestic Junagarh Fort with Rajasthan Holiday.