Junagarh Fort, Bikaner

Built

1589–1594

Built by

Raja Rai Singh

Best time

September to March

Ideal time needed

2–3 hours

Nearest railway station

Bikaner

What to see

Inside the walls is a series of palaces added by successive rulers. Karan Mahal was built to mark a victory and has richly decorated halls. Anup Mahal is known for its gilded and painted interiors, Badal Mahal for its walls painted with blue clouds, a rare sight in the desert, and Durga Niwas for its courtyard. Carved stone balconies, mirror work and coloured glass appear throughout.

• Anup Mahal and its gold work
• Karan Mahal
• Durga Niwas courtyard
• Badal Mahal
• Fort museum

The museum

Part of the fort houses a museum of arms and armour, royal costumes, palanquins and other objects belonging to the Bikaner rulers. It gives a useful picture of court life and Rajput military traditions, and it is worth taking a guide or audio guide to follow the stories.

Best time to visit

September to March is the comfortable season, as Bikaner summers are very hot. Go in the morning, when the courtyards are cooler and quieter. Winter nights can be chilly, so carry a light jacket if you stay on for the evening.

Timings and tickets

An entry ticket covers the palaces and museum; camera charges and rules can vary, and photography is not allowed in some rooms, so follow the signs. Allow two to three hours for an unhurried visit. Hiring a guide at the gate is worthwhile, since many rooms have little signage.

How to reach

The fort is in the centre of Bikaner, a short auto ride from the railway station. Bikaner has direct trains from Delhi and Jaipur. We can include Bikaner in a desert circuit with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Other sights in town include Lalgarh Palace and the camel research farm on the outskirts.

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