Location
: Bikaner
Built By: Rao Bika
Built in : 1587 AD
Highlights : Anup Mahal and exquisitely carved windows
Perfect Time to Visit : September to February
Located in Bikaner, Junagarh Fort is a magnificent fort and one of the
finest of Rajput monuments. Encircled by a high wall, the fort is surrounded
by deep moats and 37 bastions, owing to which this fort has never been
conquered. It has two gates Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate, which is the main
entrance to the fort and the Karan Pol, which faces the east. The Junagarh
Fort is a huge complex housing a number of fascinating palaces. There are 37
palaces, temples and pavilions made in red sandstone. Apart from that, there
are also several public court buildings and intimate zenanas that were meant
to hide the women in the court from the vision of the courtiers. The
interiors of Junagarh fort have been accentuated with beautiful Rajput
paintings, amazing mirror-work and awe-inspiring lacquer-work.
The palace encompasses multi-storeyed
Anup Mahal, which was the
governance chambers for the rulers. The well preserved rooms display the
treasures of the Royal family. The fort also has a
Moon Palace,
which adorns paintings and carved marble panels that are a 'must see' for
every visitor. The fort also has a Phool Mahal, which has mirrors, paintings
and carved marble panels. The victory over Aurangzeb was celebrated by
building the
Karan Mahal.
The
fort museum has an extensive collection of illuminated
manuscripts, jewelery, jars, carpets, arms, weapons, treaties etc. There is
also a chapel inside the fort,
Har Mandir that was the place of
worship of the the royal families. Also worth visiting are the
Ganga
Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal and Rang Mahal.
How to Reach
Air : The nearest airport from Junagadh are Keshod, which is 40 km
away from Junagarh
Rail : The railway station of Junagadh lies on Ahmedabad-Junagadh
and Rajkot- Junagadh line and connects it to the major cities of the
country.
Road : State transport buses link the city with all the major cities
of the state.
