Junagarh Fort is an ancient fort at Bikaner city in Rajasthan, India. Rao Bika was founded in 1488. He was the first ruler of the new kingdom established by himself.

Junagarh Fort

This fort is not on a hilltop, unlike other major forts in the state. The city is developed around this magnificent fort. Maharaja Raja Rai Singh constructed this fort. He was the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who reigned from AD 1571 – 1611. The work was started in 1589 and was completed by 1594. This fort was built at one and a half kilometers from the old fort. The ruins of the old fort can be seen near the Lakshmi Narayan temple.

Except for a single day, Bikaner has never been defeated by enemies. Kamran Mirza, the second son of the First Mughal Emperor Babur, occupied this fort in 1534, during the reign of Maharaja Rao Jait Singh. It was before this fort was constructed when the old fort was there.

There are many palaces, temples, pavilions, etc., in the fort complex. They are of a mixture of architectural styles.  The total area of the fort is around 5.28 hectares. The fort and the city of Bikaner are situated in the arid region of the Thar desert.

This fort was renamed from Chintamani to Junagarh Fort (which means “Old Fort”), after the Royal family moved from Junagarh Palace inside the Junagarh Fort to Lalgarh Palace, outside this fort. Lalgarh Palace is an extended place constructed between 1902 and 1926. It is an extension of Laxmi Niwas Palace built between 1898 and 1902 and commissioned by His Highness Sir Ganga Singh Ji in 1904.

Luxury Heritage Palace Hotels Outside Junagarh Fort

Laxmi Niwas Palace is the former residence of the reigning family. It is one of the most beautiful structures in the Indo-Saracenic style of Architecture in India. This Palace is now a luxury hotel. It is managed by Golden Triangle Fort & Palace Pvt. Ltd., which was incorporated on the 16th of March 1999.

Lalgarh Palace is also constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. This palace is named after  Maharaja Lall Singh, father of  Maharaja Ganga Singh who reigned from 1881–1942.  Lalgarh Palace is also a luxury heritage hotel. Lalgarh Palace Hotel is now known as The Lalgarh Palace.

Lallgarh Palace is owned by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji Trust, established in 1972. This trust was established by Karni Singh, former titular Maharaja of Bikaner and son of Maharaja Sadul Singh, the last reigned Maharaja of Bikaner. It is now under the guidance of  Rajyashree Kumari, daughter of Karni Singh.

How Do I Go to Fort at Bikaner?

Junagarh Fort at Bikaner is at the heart of the city. This fort city is around 330 kilometers northwest of  Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

Bikaner Junction railway station with station code BKN is the railway station in the city.

The city is well connected by roads. N.H.  11, 15, and 89 meet at Bikaner. The airport at Bikaner connects the city with Jaipur and Delhi, daily.