Junagarh Fort is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort.
The fort complex was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD. Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1589 and was completed in 1594. It was built outside the original fort of the city, about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the city centre. Some remnants of the old fort are preserved near the Lakshmi Narayan temple.
One of the most impressive structures in the Junagarh fort complex is the Anup Mahal. Its elaborately decorated walls are covered in red and gold with colored glass inlay. The Anup Mahal is a multi-storied palace and was the governance chambers for the rulers. Its beautifully decorated rooms display the valuables of the royal family. In the Badal Mahal or the clouds palace White plaster pillars are decorated in delicate patterns and covered with gold leaves. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace's walls are painted with a fresco of rain clouds. In the rain fresco photograph there is a painting of Krishna and Radha surrounded by the blue cloud motifs.
Junagarh fort is surrounded by high walls and deep moats. There are 37 bastions that guard the fort and the fort is accessible through two Gates. The Suraj Pol or the Sun gate is the main entrance to the Junagarh fort. It is interesting to note that the Junagarh fort remained almost unconquered throughout its history. Inside the Junagarh fort there are 37 palaces, temples and pavilions. All these structures are marvels in red sandstone. The palaces inside the fort have elegantly carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon palace are worth having a look. Another fascinating palace inside the fort, the Phool Mahal or Flower palace was decorated with glasses and mirrors. Other interesting places to watch in the Junagarh fort are the Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijay Mahal and Rang Mahal. Junagarh fort has a museum, which has an extensive collection of various things belonging of the past.
