Junagarh Fort ( Bikaner )

Junagarh Forts Tour( Bikaner )

Standing close to a park with the turrets jutting skywards, Bikaner Junagarh Fort is indeed an imposing edifice. The massive Fort comprises palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies, towers and kiosks, temples and pavilions. The walls of each room are heavily adorned with intricate paintings, marbles, carved stones inlaid with semi-precious stones.

A tour of the Fort will unfold the military intelligence of the general. First, there is a massive tall wall 986 m long surrounding it which is again encircled by a deep moat. Then there are 37 bastions lining the wall and only two main entrance gateways the, Karan Pol and the Suraj Pol. No wonder the Fort was so difficult to penetrate. Karan Pol was the main entry then but the present entry is from Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. Daulatpol is another gate you must not miss if you are interested in the heroic stories of jauhar as it has handprints of the royal ladies who committed sati on the pyres of their deceased husbands.

While the exterior of the Fort reveals military strength, the interior showcases the royalty of the court life of the bygone era. The Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace is the main attraction of the Fort and a visit to the place will tell you why. The walls and ceilings are beautifully decorated with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels. Then there is the chapel for the royal family, Har Mandir, where numerous idols of gods and goddesses are still present. Explore the Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace which is ornamented all over with glasses and mirrors. The Anup Mahal is another impressive multi layered Palace in the Fort complex with ornately lacquered walls covered in red and gold with colored glass inlay and its white plaster pillars are richly adorned with delicate patterns and covered with gold leaf. Do not miss the Karan Mahal built by the Raja to celebrate his defeat of Aurangzeb heavily adorned with decorations of stained glass windows and intricately carved balconies.

Another place worth seeing is the museum. It will inform you on the military wealth of the general through the extensive collection of illuminated and rare manuscripts, jewellery, utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal paraphernalia that are on display.