Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort is one of the few major forts in India that is not built on top of a hill. Its real name was Chintamani Fort. In the early 20th century, the ruling family of the Bikaner dynasty moved to the Lalgarh Palace and the fort was renamed Junagarh (juna = old, garh = fort) meaning "old fort".

The city of Bikaner was founded by a Rathor ruler named Rao Bika who was the second son of Maharaja Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. According to tradition, the first son of Rao Jodha i.e. the elder brother of Rao Bika inherited the Kingdom of Jodhpur and the title of Maharaja. Respecting his brother and father, Rao Bika decided to establish his own kingdom away from Jodhpur and hence the city was named Bikaner in his honour.

About 100 years later, Bikaner flourished under Raja Rai Singhji , the sixth ruler of Bikaner. He built the Junagarh Fort on a flat land with an average height of 230 metres.

The later rulers added new buildings to the fort complex. Karan Singh got Karan Mahal built. Anup Singh built a royal residence for women. He renovated Karan Mahal with Diwan-i-Aam and called it Anoop Mahal. Gaj Singh built Chandra Mahal. After him, Surat Singh decorated the audience hall with stained glass and vibrant paintings. Dungar Singh got Badal Mahal built. Ganga Singh built the Ganga Niwas Palace. He also built a new palace, Lalgarh Palace, to the north of Junagarh Fort and shifted his residence from Junagarh Fort to this palace in the year 1902. Junagarh Fort has now become a museum.

The various charges applicable at Junagarh Fort are as follows-

• entrance fees:
  • Indian tourists: Rs 50 per person
  • International Tourist: INR 300 per person

• Camera Fee:
  • Photo Camera: Rs.30 per camera
  • Video camera: Rs 100 per camera