Jaunpur Fort: Experience A Fascinating Glimpse Of The History

The front view of the inner gate of the ancient Jaunpur Fort, located in Uttar Pradesh.

Jaunpur Fort, sometimes referred to as Shahi Qila or Royal Fort and Karar Fort is a well-known fort that was constructed in the fourteenth century in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. It is located on the Gomti River, close to the Shahi Bridge. Ibrahim Naib Barbak, a chieftain under Firoz Shah Tughlaq, constructed the Shahi Fort Jaunpur. The fort is located around 2.2 km from Jaunpur city and is a popular tourist attraction today. The Bhandari railway junction is just 3 kilometres from the Fort, which is 7.3 kilometres from Zafarabad. The Jaunpur Fort is 214 kilometres from Lucknow.

Jaunpur Fort Location

 The ruins of the ancient Jaunpur Fort surrounded by lush green landscape and flowers.

Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons

Jaunpur Fort is situated in Jaunpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It lies on the banks of the Gomti River and can easily be viewed from some distance from the Shahi Bridge. The fort is about 60 kilometres from Varanasi and is very accessible by road and train. The people can have a beautiful ride along the banks of the Gomti River and cherish the views.

How To Reach Jaunpur Fort

Visitors can reach Jaunpur Fort by rail or road transport which is easily available.

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There are many transportation ways to reach Jaunpur Fort, Uttar Pradesh.

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Babatpur is the closest airport, 50 kilometres away.

By Train: Both the Jaunpur City and Jaunpur Jn. railway stations are around 4-5 km away; e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws may get you there.

By Road: Shahi Quila is 2 kilometres from the Jaunpur Bus Stand, and there are numerous local transportation options, including e-rickshaws and auto rickshaws.

Places To Visit In And Around Jaunpur Fort

There are several attractions to explore while you discover Jaunpur Fort to make the most of your time and visit.

1. Shahi Bridge

Witness the ancient architecture of the Shahi Bridge constructed during the Mughal reign.

Photo: Faizhaider / Wikipedia

In 1564, Munyeen Khankhana constructed the well-known Jaunpur bridge under Akbar’s order. With a carriageway at ground level, this bridge is unique in India. With two 3-inch-wide kerfs on either side, the bridge is 26 feet wide. Pillboxes have been built at each intersection of neighbouring spouses. Previously, stores were located in these pillboxes. The centre of the bridge features a massive sculpture of a lion with an elephant beneath its front paws on a square platform. It was carried and placed at the bridge after having previously been placed in a Buddhist monastery. It is a place worth visiting.

Nearby Attractions: Shahi Qila, Atala Masjid

2. Shahi Atala Masjid

Visitors can explore the nearby Shahi Atala Masjid which holds a cultural significance.

Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons

The Shahi Atala Masjid stands in Jaunpur’s centre, a key symbol of the Sharqi dynasty’s heritage. Builders put up this mosque where a temple once stood creating a structure that mixes Mughal and Hindu styles. What catches the eye most is its big middle arch, with two smaller arches on each side. This entrance amazes people who see it showing off the mosque’s splendour. The mosque built in 1408, was meant to be the main Islamic building in Jaunpur. For hundreds of years, it has been a key spot for culture and faith. If you love history or just want to learn about Jaunpur’s past, you should visit the Shahi Atala Masjid.

Nearby Attractions: Shahi Bridge, Sri Trilochan Mahadev Temple

3. Sheetala Mata Dham Mandir

 Experience the spiritual energy in the famous Sheetla Mandir located in Chaukiyan.

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The sacred shrine of Sheetala Mata Dham Mandir in Chaukiyan (Jakarta) near Jaunpur is dedicated to the goddess Sheetalaji, who provides miraculous healing and protection against sickness. It is a place that really has a warm welcome, and people are attracted towards it for solutions to their problems, relief, or comfort. The place is often full of people who come in from the neighbouring towns and villages during festivities and special occasions praying together. It is quite a lively atmosphere indeed. Inside the temple, the idol of Maa Sheetala is dressed in the finest and most beautiful attires and ornamentations.

Nearby Attractions: Shahi Bridge, Sri Trilochan Mahadev Temple

4. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Jaunpur is one of the largest and most extravagant mosques in India.

Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons

The Jama Masjid is the largest and most extravagant of Jaunpur’s mosques. It was completed in 1470 by Husayn Shah (1458-1483), the Sharqi dynasty’s final emperor. The mosque, which stands on a six-metre-high platform, is approached via an impressive flight of steps. Its design, like earlier Sharqi mosques, features a long rectangular prayer hall on the western side of a colonnaded garden. The prayer hall is centred on a square sanctuary covered by an 11.4-meter-diameter dome. The interior of the dome gets light from windows struck into its drum. Barrel-vaulted halls surround either side of the sanctuary, accessible through three arched entrances on the courtyard front.

Nearby Attractions: Shahi Bridge, Atala Masjid

5. Sri Trilochan Mahadev Temple

Take the blessings of Lord Mahadev by visiting the famous Sri Trilochan Mahadev Dham.

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Sri Trilochan Mahadev Temple is among the sacred pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees consider it a great privilege to worship his glory in the form of Trilochan, or “Three-Eyed One.” For centuries, this magnificent temple has been celebrated for its beauty and serenity. The temple is decorated by minute carvings and sculptures of different Hindu gods and goddesses along with scenes of various mythological Hindu activities. Many devotees visit the temple during festivals, especially Maha Shivaratri when the whole atmosphere is filled with devotion and chanting and ritual offerings. The lush greenery encircles the temple, giving people a peaceful secluded area for meditation.

Nearby Attractions: Atala Masjid

Where To Stay

A hotel to stay near Jaunpur Fort offering a cosy and convenient stay for guests.

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There are different accommodations when one goes to Jaunpur. Every place suits a different preference and budget, but one thing about most of them is common: they are hotels with good facilities. Hotel Krishan Kanhaiya is for those in search of an amiable atmosphere. Since it provides many comfortable and clean rooms, it is good for both families and lone wanderers. It has a restaurant, free breakfast, wifi and other amenities. The Hotel Indra includes comfortable accommodations with well-appointed furnishings and, in certain cases, kitchens. Hotel Raghuvanshi is also famous for its peaceful ambience and hospitable staff and would appeal to visitors looking for a tranquil retreat along with free breakfast.

Where To Eat

An image of delicious Chhole Bhature, a famous dish in the city of Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh.

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When visiting Jaunpur, there are several mouth-watering restaurants from where one can try the local cuisine and flavours. Baba Restaurant is the best place specialising in North Indian recipes, particularly in biryanis and kebabs thus making it an evident delight among locals and visitors alike. Those looking for vegetarians have many options at Sagar Restaurant serving some of the tasty and affordable meals from thalis and snacks. For the sweet-toothed, visit Bikanervala; one can indulge themselves in loads of Indian sweets and snacks. Kumar’s Cafe is a warm setting and a fusion of Indian and Chinese dishes make it an excellent restaurant for casual get-togethers with family or friends.

Best Time To Visit

Consider the best time to visit Jaunpur Fort to have a seamless experience on trip.

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The ideal time to visit is between October and March. It is very pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It is ideal for visiting the historic sites and temples of Jaunpur. The winter months also coincide with local festivals and other cultural events, so one can fully enjoy the variety of local festivity and celebrations. In addition, travel during the months will avoid the intense heat and humidity of the summer months of April to June and the monsoon season of July to September, hence making for a better trip time.

Other Factors To Consider

An aerial photograph of parked vehicles in fixed positions along the sides of the road.

Photo: Ashish Choudhary / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

  • Make a list of all the main attractions you want to visit to ensure that you are making the best use of your time and do not miss any essential points.
  • Carry a good-quality camera to click Jaunpur Fort pictures to take back home.
  • Keep yourself hydrated, carry a water bottle and be hydrated, especially during the months when it gets too hot. It will make your whole sightseeing without feeling tired.
  • When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and observe any specific behaviours. It is a gesture of respect to the local culture and increases your overall.
  • Try to maintain and respect local culture and refrain from revealing clothes in religious places.
  • Check for the Jaunpur Fort timings before plannign your visit to make the most of your time.

Jaunpur Fort is one of the great follies, which has astonishing structures and a deep historical background within the Sharqi dynasty. Atmospheric grand gateways, sprawling courtyards, and ancient walls send back in time the visitor to relive the old times. History lovers or folks seeking some really unique holiday moments surely must not miss this place. Plan your trip with TripXL and experience hassle-free travel along with customised itineraries!

Cover Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

In Uttar Pradesh, the Jaunpur Fort is roughly 2.2 kilometres from Jaunpur City.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq's leader, Ibrahim Naib Barbak, constructed the Jaunpur Fort.
Key attractions in the city include Jaunpur Fort, Jama Masjid, Atala Masjid, and Sheetala Mata Dham Mandir, which mostly showcase the rich history and culture of the city.
Spicy chaat, crispy samosas, and Pani Puri are some of the famous street food in Jaunpur that visitors must try.
All kinds of road and rail transport are available to travel inside the city. Visitors can get to tourist attractions by private cab, shared taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.

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