Junagarh Fort is a historic fort complex in Bikaner, Rajasthan, known for its palaces, courtyards and museum. Its present form dates to the late 16th century, while foundations at the site go back further; plan around the stated visiting hours and check current details before setting out.
- Location: Junagarh, Bikaner, Rajasthan, PIN 334001.
- History: Rao Bika laid foundations at the site in 1478; the present fort was unveiled in 1589.
- Fort hours: Open daily
- Museum entry: Rs. 50, with separate camera charges.
Where is Junagarh Fort, and how do you reach it?
Junagarh Fort stands in Bikaner, Rajasthan, at Junagarh, Bikaner, Rajasthan, PIN 334001. Bikaner Airport and Bikaner Railway Station are nearby transport points for the attraction. The fort museum is 1 km from Bikaner Bus Stand, and regular bus services connect the city.
If you’re planning a route through the old part of town, the walk through Bikaner’s historic centre gives you another way to explore the city’s heritage.
What can you see at Junagarh Fort?
Junagarh Fort’s complex brings together palaces of red sandstone and marble, courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. As you move through the site, look for its named gates and palace buildings, including Suraj Pol, Daulat Pol, Karan Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Other notable features include Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Ganga Mahal. Ganga Mahal houses a museum about the fort’s history, so you can pair the architecture with a closer look at the site’s past.
What is the history of Junagarh Fort?
Junagarh Fort’s story begins at the site in 1478, when Rao Bika laid its foundations. Rajasthan Tourism dates construction of the fort to 1588, when Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s generals, built it. Incredible India gives 17 February 1589 as the date the fort’s present form was unveiled.
The fort is described as never captured. Its palaces, courtyards and defensive architecture reflect the scale of the complex that developed at Bikaner over time.
What are Junagarh Fort’s hours, tickets and facilities?
Incredible India gives the fort’s hours as 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM, but does not specify opening days. The Museum of India gives Junagarh Fort Museum hours as 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and says it is open all seven days. Because those schedules differ, check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–16:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Museum of India gives museum entry as Rs. 50, an ordinary-camera charge of Rs. 30 and a movie-camera charge of Rs. 100. Photography and videography are available. These are museum charges, not a general admission price for the fort; the official fort and Rajasthan Tourism pages do not provide a current general fort entry price.
Those official pages also do not provide separate gallery charges, parking details or accessibility arrangements. If any of those details affect your visit, confirm them with the site before travelling.
How much time should you allow for a fort visit?
Allow time to see the courtyards and palace buildings as well as the museum in Ganga Mahal. The opening schedules differ, so check the relevant hours before planning how to divide your visit. You can make the historic centre part of the same outing if you want to see more of Bikaner’s heritage.
For a simple nearby base, Tanisha Heritage Haweli is about a 4-minute walk from a three-star property in Bikaner.
FAQs
Where is Junagarh Fort?
It is in Bikaner, Rajasthan, at Junagarh, Bikaner, Rajasthan, PIN 334001.
When was Junagarh Fort built?
Rao Bika laid foundations at the site in 1478. Raja Rai Singh constructed the fort in 1588, and its present form was unveiled on 17 February 1589.
What are Junagarh Fort’s opening hours?
Open daily. Check the official site before your visit.
How much are Junagarh Fort Museum tickets?
Museum entry is Rs. 50, with separate charges for ordinary and movie cameras.