Bikaner - Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort is an impressive fort with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances that was never conquered. Within Junagarh there are 37 palaces, private temples and pavilions constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army for the Mughal emperor Akbar.

The main entrance to Junagarh Fort is through Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate, which takes visitors past the hand prints of 59 wives who performed sati upon hearing of the death of their husbands. The palaces feature courtyards, projecting balconies, lattice screens, oriel windows, kiosks and towers.

The interior of Anup Mahal is the most lavish with painted marble columns, lacquer work and inlaid mirrors. The Phool Mahal, or Flower Palace as it also known, has carved marble panels and decorative paintings. Chandra Mahal is not so lovely but has been maintained for prayer and meditation.

The museum at Durbar Hall within the palace of Maharaja Ganga Singh has fascinating displays of costumes, jewelry and other everyday items from the maharajas and their subjects.