SIGHTSEEING

Junagarh Fort: Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611AD), an outstanding general of Mughal emperor, Akbar, built this impregnable fort. It is encircled by moat and contains palaces make of red sandstone and marble with kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure of intervals. Suraj Pol, of the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. Har Mandir is the majestic chapel where the royal weddings and births were celebrated. The palaces worth visiting are Arup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure and some of the most beautiful palaces are Chandra Mahal or the Mood Palace which has exquisite paintings on lime plaster walls, and Phool Mahal of the flower Palace is more elaborately decorated with inset mirror work. Maharaja Gaj Singh built these palaces. The palaces within are adorned with gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens. The façade of the monuments visible above the high invincible walls, offer a splendid view of pavilions protruding out, a row of balconies kiosks and towers at intervals from a distance.

Lal Garh Palace: This museum is housed in the upper storey of sadul Niwas building of Lal Garh Palace, which was donated by late His Highness Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh Ji of Bikaner to Maharaja Sri Ganga Singh Ji Trust Bikaner, in the year 1972. Princess Rajyashree Kumari of Bikaner, Chairperson of the Trust played a very important role in the establishment of this museum.

A spellbinding piece of dexterous carving in red sandstone marked brilliantly by intricate filigree work. There is a marvelous collection of old photographs and trophies of wildlife, well preserver and exhibited in the old banquet hall. Nature too has enhanced the beauty of this monument. The sprawling lawns are dotted with dancing peacocks and blooming bougainvillea. Part of the palce today has been renovated to serve as a hotel and the remaining parts are open to the visitors.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: A museum that has an amazing collection. In fact it is one of the best museums in Rajasthan. There are brilliant examples of Harappan civilization, the Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. It houses a rich collection of terracotta, pottery, carpets, paintings, antique Rajput weaponry and coins. There is a separate section for arts and crafts of this region.

Gardens and Parks: There are many pretty parks in city: Ganga Mahal Public Park, Ratan Bihari Temple Park, Laxmi Park, and Nathji Park. All these places deserve inclusion in the itinerary

Haveli’s : This camel country abounds in beautiful havelis and mansions belonging to the business houses of those times. These are beautiful structures in red sand stone, richly decorated with intricate carvings. The notable havelis belong to the Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaidyas and Dagas.