Junagarh Fort & Palace, Bikaner

An unconquered desert citadel renowned for its lavish gold-leaf Anup Mahal and red sandstone courtyards.

Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Best time: October to March

How to reach: Bikaner Railway station is 2 km away. Jodhpur airport is 250 km.

Unlike most Rajasthan forts built on elevated hilltops, Junagarh Fort was constructed on the desert plains of Bikaner in 1589 by Raja Rai Singh. Encircled by a deep moat and 37 bastions, its interiors house breathtaking palaces like Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Badal Mahal adorned with Italian tiles and gold leaf.