Where is the Junagarh Palace?
The Junagarh Palace is located in Bikaner in the northwestern Indian state
of Rajasthan. The palace is popular for its impregnable status, pulling in a
huge number of tourists and travellers from far and wide.
How will you gain access?
The Jodhpur Airport (250 km) is the closest airport from the city of
Bikaner. Bikaner has its own railhead, with all the major trains stopping
here. By rail-route, it has links with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda,
Kalka and Kolkata. It has got a good road-network as well. The Rajasthan
State Transport runs deluxe and semi deluxe buses connecting to places like
Delhi (456 km), Jaipur (334 km), Uttar Pradesh etc.
What are the timings and the entry charges?
The Junagarh Fort remains open from 10-00 hours to 16-30 hours on all days
except Sundays. For Indians, Rs 10 is charged per head as the entry fee and
for the foreign nationals it is Rs 50 each.
What does the past say?
The Junagarh Palace was built by Raja Rai Singh in the year 1593. This is
the only one palace that is not built on a hilltop.
What
goes behind the architecture?
Built in red sandstone and marble, the Junagarh Fort is strikingly
beautiful. The numerous small palaces, that are housed by the fort, are
widely known for their sprawling courtyards and intricate carvings. Fabulous
paintings and stone-carvings can be observed on the walls of the fort. There
are 37 bastions guarding the palace. The interiors bear excellent mirror
work, gold polish, enamel work and lime plaster. There are a number of
beautiful palaces and buildings located in the surroundings of the Junagarh
Palace like the Anup Mahal, the Gaj Mandir and the Darbar Hall Museum. The
Gaj Mandir is popular for its ivory inlaid bed, exquisite swing seats,
silver chairs with polished wooden chests and cupboards.
What are the nearby attractions?
» Lalgarh Palace
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, the Lalgarh Palace is one of the key
attractions in Bikaner. The palace, painted in vibrant red colour, is a
wonderful mix of the Rajput and the European style of architecture.
» Har Mandir
Standing on the turf of the Junagarh Fort, the Har Mandir is no less
attraction for the travellers and visitors. The royal chapel once served as
the site of royal weddings and births.
» Camel Research Farm
At a distance of 8 km from Bikaner is the Camel Research and Breeding Farm.
The farm, one of its kind in the whole of Asia, carries out breeding and
training of camels. The farm is managed by the Government. A visit to the
farm is a must for visitors.
» Shiv Bihari Temple
The Shiv Bihari Temple lies at a distance of 6 km from Bikaner. It
was erected by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. Here, there are
beautiful paintings to be seen and the bronze-made Nandi facing the Shiva
Lingam is no less attraction.
