Once an unattractive stone Fort, was later built into Chintamani by Rao Bika in 1478. It was renamed Junagarh meaning Old Fort in 20th century when the royal family moved to Lalgarh Palace. Ranked as the number one tourist spot in Bikaner, it stands as a symbol of invincibility while it stood unconquered by several attacks!
Within the Old Fort built from red and golden sandstones with stone carvings, stands a number of palaces made from marbles and red sandstone, temples, old monuments, amazing pieces of art attracts tourists from across the globe.
Some of the palaces within the fort have been transformed into museums which preserve the royal items till date! Junagarh has been through sixteen long generations and each ruler has added to the charm and vigour of the invincible fort in their own way.
Places to visit around Junagarh Fort:
The much talked about places in the fort are below for you to explore:
Uperkot Fort
Jami Masjid, Buddhist pillared caves, the two step wells and irrigation tanks have their own story tell you while you reach the 66 feet high fenced Uperkot Fort.
Ashokan Edicts
Situated on the foot of Mount Girnar, the inscriptions speak of Lord Buddha’s teachings as well as Ashoka’s greatness, as we all know!
Mallinath Temple
A pilgrimage spot for both the Jains and Hindus, this is a favourite for the ascetics especially during Kartika Purnima festival around the end of the year. Owing to complex Jain disciplines, men are allowed to offer respect to the deity only in unstitched clothes!
Junagadh Zoo Museum
Build by the Nawab in 1863, it has been home to several birds and animals, is a must visit in Junagarh!
Gorakhnath Temple
About 4km east of Junagarh, is a Jain marble temple with black marble statue of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara who lived here for 700 years.
Amba Mata Temple
If you want a happy marriage, Temple of Amba Mata is a must visit, as believed by the people. The beautiful scenery from the mountain top is definitely mesmerizing!
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
It stands here since times immemorial and nothing precise has been mentioned for this place. However the well-known Bhavnath Fair held around January-February is when devotees visit the place from every city and country.
Durbar Hall Museum
2900 artefacts and historically owned items from rulers and princes is what you see here.
Best Time to Visit
Summers are very hot and you feel very uncomfortable, with the maximum temperature reaching upto 34 degrees Celsius. November to February are the best time to visit Junagarh, owing to the pleasant weather in winters.
Entry Timings
Junagarh fort is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with fees of 50 INR for Indian tourists and 300 INR for foreigners. If you wish to take some snaps of the Old Fort, fees are 20 INR for still and 150 INR for video photography. Also, there are certain junctions within the forts and museums of Junagarh where photography is completely prohibited. Be careful!
How to Reach
Air
You need to reach either Rajkot or Porbandar airport and then you may avail buses, auto-rickshaws or taxis.
Train
Junagarh Railway Station is where you need to reach! Then you may take buses or autos to the fort. Either you can travel through Palace on Wheels train that can make your journey more luxurious.
Road
Well connected by buses, taxis and autos, Junagarh is easily accessible by all the cities.
Come, listen to their story of invincibility from history. Plan your trip to Junagarh now!
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