Junagarh Fort, one of the popular monuments in Bikaner, was built between 1588 and 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611), one of Akbar`s generals. Initially it was called Chintamani. The present name was given to the edifice when the rulng family shifted to Lalgarh Palace. Junagarh is one of those forts that have remained unvanquished even today. Despite the successive wars and invasions the fort of Junagarh could not be conquered. Till date this fort remains one of the most massive structures of north India. Today it stands as one of the most important places of attraction in Bikaner.

As far as the Junagarh Fort is concerned, the outer walls are 3,205 feet in circuit, reinforced with thirty-seven pavilions silhouetted against the skyline. Lines of windows and balconies impart a harmonious domestic character and fragment the austere strength of the structure. The main entrance of the fort is through the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate (1593), in front of which in the courtyard is the Joramal Temple. Royal weddings and births were celebrated in the Har Mandir chapel. On the nearby walls can be seen two groups of suttee hands. Two great warriors, Jaimal and Patta, mounted on painted stone elephants, guard the gateway. Within the walls are a series of palaces built by successive rulers. The fort and palaces are beautifully preserved and well maintained. Each palace contains particular treasures.

In the second courtyard lies the Karan Mahal (1631-9) which was built by Karan Singh. This palace leads to Durgar Niwas. It is a beautiful enclosure with painted walls and a white marble tank, filled with coloured water during Holi. Lai Niwas, with its richly painted floral motifs, is the oldest apartment and was constructed in 1595 AD. The Gaj Mandir is located over the Karan Mahal. This was built between 1745 and 1787 AD as a suite of royal apartments. The Chatra Niwas is a small pavilion on the roof of the Gaj Mandir, built by Maharaja Dungar Singh (1872-87) and decorated with English plates embedded in the plasterwork which depict scenes from a series of English prints of `Oriental Field Sports`.

Chandra Mahal or Moon Palace, built together with the Phul Mahal and Gaj Mandir by Gaj Singh (1746-87), is beautifully painted. The Phul Mahal or Flower Palace has elaborate inlaid mirror work. This contains Bhika`s bed, a tiny resting-place. Anup Mahal built between 1669 and 1698 and decorated later by Maharaja Gaj Singh, is an exquisite building with a stunning Coronation Hall in red and gold. The Raj Tilak Hall, as it is known, is enriched with ornamental lacquer work and opaque glass inlay. One antechamber is vivid aquamarine blue inlaid with gilt. Another room contains the famous hindola or swing, a rare specimen. The Anup Mahal is the epitome of all the gorgeous exoticism of the East, the fabulous treasure-house of a desert prince.

Other palaces include the Chetar Mahal and Chini Burj of Dungar Singh (1872-87). The Ganga Niwas, with its fine carved sandstone facade and beautiful audience hall, was added in the late 19th century by Ganga Singh (1887-1943).

The Junagarh Fort has an excellent library of Persian manuscripts and ancient Sanskrit books and an impressive armoury. However, Junagarh fort is one of those rare forts in Rajasthan that have not been constructed atop a hill.