Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Junagarh Fort is counted among the most popular tourist attractions of Bikaner. This inaccessible fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in the year 1593. The fortress is surrounded by a moat and houses several beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Rang Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.

Anup Mahal is famous for the mesmerising gold leaf paintings. Chandra Mahal is adorned with exquisite paintings, which are made on the lime plaster walls. Tourists can see attractive inset mirror work in Phool Mahal. Karan Mahal was constructed to commemorate the victory of the kings of Bikaner over the Mughal king, Aurangzeb. These palaces have been constructed using red sandstones, which are also known as Dulmera.

The fort has 986 longwalls, 37 bastions and two entrances. Tourists can enter by the main gateway, the Karan Pol, to the fort. There is a majestic chapel, Har Mandir, located inside the fort. It was used for the worship of gods and goddesses by the royal families of Bikaner. Durbar Hall, Gaj Mandir, and Suraj Pol are the other famous attractions of the fort.