Rajasthan is famous for its forts.
These are not forts as we might think of them. These are huge fortress walls enclosing the Maharajah’s palace, a temple and an entire army. There are often gardens to go with the palace, vegetable gardens to feed the army as well as live animals.
The Junagarh fort at Bikaner is one of the lesser known forts but is one of the biggest and often considered to be the most beautiful. Most forts are known for their intricate sandstone carved walls. But the Bikaner fort is known for it’s incredible frescoes and decorations. Building began in the 16th century and the last additions were made in the early 1900’s
Inside the fort walls, the attraction is the Maharajah’s Palace.
The palace walls are white
with some decoration
But inside the rooms are covered with frescoes and ornate painting
It is the only palace that features flora and fauna rather than animals and people. The walls are covered with paintings
the ceilings are painted
as are the doors
The Maharajah’s “throne” room really sets the Fabulosity Meter off again
the arch above his seat is encrusted with precious stones
Then there are the shrines, the walls of which have been created with willow pattern china from England.
Vast quantities of china were purchased in England, shipped to India and then smashed into pieces to make the tiles for the shrines.
Even I find that a little excessive.
But if it’s excessive you want, nothing quite matches what is to follow.
Stay tuned
Andrews Fabulous Travel Blog 
And now for the history lesson… Bikaner 80 years ago – http://www.colonialfilm.org.uk/node/1774
Thanks Robin. Only you would be able to lay your hands on that movie in an instant. Fascinating stuff. And nothing much has changed. The buildings, people, street scenes all look the same. The only diffrence is the cars were older and there were a ;lot more trees around The Maharajah’s Palace.
And here for all to see…a very happy birthday Andrew!! (Even if it’s a day late.)
Between Robin and Andrew I am learning a lot about India. The written word I am sure cannot convey the enormity of some of these places, but it is wonderful to read. Happy Birthday, belated I gather, Andrew.
Beautiful is the only word I can use to describe this art work. Thanks for sharing
Not to be overly nitpicky so near to your birthday, Andrew, but “fauna” means animals. We loved the Road to Bikaner installment almost as much as the installment describing peeing in the Amazon jungle several years ago. Keep up the good times,
Thanks for not being nitpicky!! That’s why I have an editor. He may not be doing his job well but he sure looks cute!
Feliz compleanos mi Amor y Esposo antes.
Muchos Gracias!
xoxox
I enjoyed the pictures and the comments and also the film. Thank you.
Thank you for this fabulous blog with amazing photos . Bikaner is a vibrant, dust-swirling desert town with fabulous forts. It’s less dominated by tourism than many other Rajasthan cities, though there are many places to visit in Bikaner full of amazing flora and fauna to explore.