Junagarh Palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan is known for its impregnable status. The beautiful complex of Junagarh Fort consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions and balconies, which are exceptional in art and fine carvings.
Built by Raja Rai Singh in 1593, the Junagarh Palace of Bikaner is the only
fort in Rajasthan which are not built on the hilltop. Surrounded by moats
and a high wall, the foundation of Junagarh Fort (now called as Junagarh Palace)
is very strong. The palace hosts best designed buildings and "
Mahals"
such as Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal, the major places to visit
here.
One of the famous and oldest temples of all time "
Har Mandir"
is also located in the vicinity of the fort. The temple was basically constructed
for the use of the royal family to worship their Gods and Goddesses.
Architecture
Built in red sandstone and marble, the Junagarh Palace is one of the most striking monuments in Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort houses many small palaces, known for their sprawling courtyards and intricate carvings. The walls of the Junagarh Palace are engraved with beautiful paintings and carved stones that gives picturesque look to the entire structure of the building. There are 37 bastions that guard the Palace and prevents it from all sorts of skirmish. Junagarh Palace's interiors are designed using state of the art technologies enrichhed with high quality materials like mirror work, gold polish, enamel work and lime plaster.
There are many beautiful Palaces and buildings located in the surroudings of the Junagarh Palace like Anup Mahal, Gaj Mandir and Durbar Hall Museum.
Anup Mahal
Anup Mahal is one of the famous Palace on the turf of Junagarh Palace and popularly known for its rich interiors. The magnificent doors of the "Mahal" are the major attraction for the tourists, and is beautifully designed using raised lacquer work studded with opaque glass work.
Gaj Mandir
The temple is known for its ivory inlaid bed, beautiful swing seat, silver chairs with polished wooden chests and cupboards.
Other Attractions
Lalgarh Palace : Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year
1926, Lalgarh Palace is painted in vibrant red colour and known for the Rajput
and European architectural style.
Fort Museum : The Fort Museum is located in Ganga Mahal,
one of the palaces of Junagarh Fort, known for the rich collection of antiques,
weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide shields and inlaid handguns.
The Har Mandir : Situated on the turf of Junagarh Fort, Har
Mandir is one of the major tourists attractions in Bikaner and considered
as a majestic chapel.
How to get there
Air : Jodhpur airport is the nearest of all and situated
at a distance of 250 kilometers from Bikaner.
Rail : Bikaner railway station is the nearest railway station
and all the major trains stops here.
Road : Bikaner is properly connected by motorable road to
all the major locations of India. Rajasthan State Transport runs their deluxe
and semi deluxe buses to all the major location like Delhi, Jaipur, Uttar
Pradesh etc.
More Rajasthan Forts & Palaces :