Also known as the ‘Palace of Clouds’, Badal Mahal is located in the impressive Junagarh Fort, Bikaner. The fort was built in the year 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner.
Also known as the ‘Palace of Clouds’, Badal Mahal is located in the impressive Junagarh Fort, Bikaner. The fort was built in the year 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner. It is a well-preserved fort that has stunning architecture and an array of museums, temples and mahals. One such prominent section of the fort is the Badal Mahal. It is an extended part of Anup Mahal which was the administrative headquarters of the entire kingdom. It got its name ‘Badal Mahal’ from the remarkable painting of clouds on its roof.
The interiors of Badal Mahal are adorned with frescoes, paintings, lattice and mirror works. It is one of the most beautifully decorated mahals of the fort, showcasing the grandeur and vibrant decor of Rajasthan. Admire the beautiful paintings on the walls of people paying respect to the king as well as people standing on nails and saws, reflecting the punishment system of that era. You will also get to see a few stunning paintings of Lord Krishna with Radha.
Highlights
• Admire the stunning architecture and gorgeous interiors of Badal Mahal, decorated with frescoes, paintings and mirror works.
• Explore the splendid Junagarh Fort and learn about the intriguing history of the Rajputana era.
• Witness a mesmerising sunset from the fort which is a truly remarkable experience.
• Visit the museum of the fort which displays the royal costume, jewellery, manuscripts and palanquins.
• Offer your prayers at Har Narayan Temple and Ratan Behari Temple, two eminent sections of the fort.
How To Reach
By Road: Badal Mahal is located at a distance of around 1.5 km from the city centre of Bikaner. You can easily reach your destination in approximately 20 minutes via the Junagarh Fort Road. You can easily book a taxi or drive yourself if you have a vehicle. Another pocket-friendly and convenient option is to take an auto-rickshaw which is easily available from any corner of the city. Make sure to bargain the prices if you choose to travel by auto.
Best Time To Visit
Badal Mahal is an all year round destination, offering unique experiences throughout the year.
Best Day of the Week : You can plan your visit to Badal Mahal during weekdays to avoid the heavy crowds of the weekend.
Best Time of the Day : Plan your visit to Badal Mahal during late afternoon so that you can witness the mesmerising sunset from the fort.
Other Essential Information
- Wear breathable clothes and comfortable footwear as you will be required to walk a lot to cover the fort.
- Make sure to carry sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Remember not to litter in the premises of the fort to maintain the cleanliness of the environment.
- Apply and carry sufficient sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun of Bikaner.
- Park your vehicle in the spacious and secured parking space which requires a very minimal fee.
Explore other mahals
As you enter the Junagarh Fort, you will see that it is divided into separate sections. Karan Mahal was built by Maharaja Karan Singh to celebrate his victory over Aurangzeb. This is one of the grandest mahals of the fort with beautiful gardens and balconies. Chandra Mahal is the most royal and luxurious mahal of the fort. Another important section of the fort is the Anup Mahal which was the administrative headquarters of the entire kingdom. Last one is the Phool Mahal which is beautifully decorated with floral patterns on the walls and the ceilings.
Visit the museum
Another must visit section of Junagarh Fort is its museum. It was built in 1961 by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh, the last official ruler of Bikaner. It is a huge museum that displays royal items like royal costumes, jewellery, dresses of gods and palanquins. Additionally, you will also get to see official paper works like royal orders as well as manuscripts in Sanskrit and Persian. You will also get to see various kinds of armoury like swords, hand guns, daggers and long barreled guns. This museum offers you a glimpse into the royal family of Bikaner.
Seek blessings at the Temples
Your tour of Junagarh Fort is incomplete without visiting its popular temples and offering your prayers. One of the temples is the Har Narayan Temple which is dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess Laxmi. It is a beautifully built temple which used to be the private temple of the royalties. The other temple is the Ratan Behari temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple allowed access to the general public as well and features Indo-Mughal architectural style.
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