Introduction
When Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Akbar, founded a more fortified Bikaner, he strategized and the offshoot was Junagrah fort constructed during 1588 to 1593. It is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. The successive rulers of Bikaner adorned the fort by adding palaces and lavish suites thereby the present fort is a remarkable tourist attraction on the tourist map of Rajasthan. Your opulent journey to the fort will be an episode marked with happiness sprinkled with traces of history. The fort has never been conquered till date except a brief invasion by Kamaran that did not last even for 24 hours. It was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the prime minister of Raja Rai Singh. The fort is also called Bikaner Fort. Architecture of Junagarh Fort :
The fort is designed well designed and executed and so the tourists marvel at its architecture. It is not perched on the hill top but that does not make less imposing. The fortifications of the fort are guarded by mammoth wall and deep moats. There are 37 fortifications that guard the fort with only two gates which are the entrance pathway to the fort, the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. Just like the bastions there are 37 red sandstone wonders in the fort complex. The palaces have intricate carvings windows, delicate balconies, towers and kiosks, temples and pavilions and are adorned with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels.

Attractions of Junagarh Fort :
A myriad of attractions awaits your visit to the Junagarh fort. You will lov eto see the gold painted ceilings of the Diwan – e – khas (Hall of private audience) the silver gaddi (throne) is still preserved in the fort. The Italian tiles on the courtyards are very lovely to see. The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Badal Amhal, Gaj Mandir and Hawa Mahal are worth appreciating.

If you wish you turn the pages of history, then visit the museum in the fort which has interesting collection of huge bore guns, pistols and swords used during wars. The three enormous arches, a sandalwood throne, 56 kg suit of armor, with chains and images of Krishna are a prime attraction here.

Places to visit near Junagarh Fort :
Jain Temples: To the south east of the city one will find two Jain temples named Bhandasar Jain Temple and Sandeshwar Temple. Where the former one is devoted to the fifth Tirthankar, Sumtinath, the latter has image of Sandeshwar with some smaller marble statues.

Lakshminath Temple: The temple is situated close to Bhandasar temple. Lakshminath was the patron God of Bikaner and so the temple was built for him during the kingdom of Rao Lunkaran.

Lalgarh Palace: Lalgarh Palace is a red sandstone marvel built by Maharaj Ganga Singh in to commemorate the death of his father Maharaja Lal Singh.