Junagarh Fort is a true icon of Royal Bikaner & Royal Rajasthan! Redstone fort was known as Chintamani until the royal moved out to Lalgarh Palace.
Junagarh means Old Fort. The name became popular when royal family shifted to the palace. Bikaner city is grown around the fort. One of the prominent forts of Rajasthan, Junagarh looks mighty and beautiful in red color.
Interesting History Junagarh
Maharaja Rao Jodha, a great ruler from Rathore clan, founded Jodhpur. His second son was Bika. Being second child, he was not supposed to get the crown of Jodhpur, so he decided to establish his own kingdom. He concurred an area called ‘Jungladesh’, an oasis of Thar desert and established his rule. The kingdom was named after it’s founder Bika, became Bikaner. Bika built a red sandstone fort which was further replaced by Chintamani fort during 15th century.
The fort remained unconquerable except for a day.
Read – Today’s Bikaner was Jungladesh, an oasis of Thar desert
Grand Karan Prol (or Pol), the gate, is an entrance to the fort campus. There is a nominal fee which is worth for what you experience inside the fort walls. Once entered you will see an open compound, a ticket window and another entrance to inner fort, Fateh Pol. Fateh pol got a small temple. Having god at guarding your door is kind of good omen for a home.
You realize why this fort is an important among the others. The palace compound, the canons are just amazing. Well designed and carved windows are real signs of royalness. Marble flooring, various wooden furniture are excellent example of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Clean and neat fort campus is well managed. The fort also house a museum inside.
Read about my motorbike trip to Bikaner
