Junagarh Fort – A Royal Hunting Ground of the Past

As alluring as the history and grandeurs of Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singh. Unlike most of the forts in Rajasthan, this glorious fortress was constructed in the plains and was initially called ‘Chintamani’. Serving as the royal residence to Bikaner’s rulers, it was later renamed as ‘Junagarh’ or the ‘Old Fort’ when the royal family made Lalgarh Palace as their official residence.

Built in a mixed essence of architecture, ornate with details sculptures and carvings, the construction of Junagarh Fort took around five years. Such was the glory of this historical fort that it went to the hands of other rulers only for one day. It was in the year 1534, when the second son of Mughal emperor Babur conquered Junagarh Fort, but only for one day!