Junagarh Fort, Fort in Bikaner, India

Junagarh Fort is a red sandstone fortress in Bikaner that sits on flat ground and combines palaces, temples, and courtyards within a large walled enclosure. The complex displays carved stonework, marble inlay, and painted decoration across halls and corridors arranged around several central courtyards.

Raja Rai Singh began building the fortress in 1589 and it was completed within five years. Later rulers added new palaces and sections, expanding the site over several generations.

Today's layout leads through one chamber after another, each named after a ruler or a concept, and visitors walk a fixed route. People follow the path through rooms lined with mirrors, gilded work, and painted panels that show how wealth was displayed in courtly life.

The museum inside displays weapons, manuscripts, and paintings from the royal collection and is reached through a main entrance gate. Visitors walk through several buildings and courtyards, and comfortable shoes are helpful as there are many staircases to climb.

Junagarh Fort was taken only once, for a single day, when Kamran Mirza, second son of the Mughal emperor Babur, attacked Bikaner in 1534 during the reign of Rao Jait Singh. The fort standing today was built later, on flat ground rather than a hilltop, and was never captured again.