Location:
Rajasthan
Founded By:
Rao Bikaji
Tourist
Attractions: Junagarh
Fort, Lalgarh Palace
Best Time
To Visit: October To
March |
Tourism in
Bikaner
This Royal walled city is a part of
the desert tourist triangle and lies on the
northern tip of the triangle. The city was
founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince,
Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji
was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son
to establish a kingdom of his own. The
challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the
wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory
and thus the city of Bikaner came into
existence.
A seven-kilometres wall with five entrances
was built to protect the city from vagaries
of the desert and any external aggression.
The city flourished as an important trade
centre between Gujarat seaports and West
Asian countries. The unbroken line of
descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till
India got Independence. Bikaner is known for
good breed of riding camels, which are among
the best in the world. The Camel Festival
held every year is famous all over the
globe. Bikaner has many magnificent
buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone
that transcends the surrounding barren
wilderness. Unlike other cities of
Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve
its traditional aura of the medieval era,
which makes a visitor come here year after
year.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
Junagarh Fort: One of the most imposing
forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort--
has remained unconquered till date. This
fort was built in 15th century by one of the
most able and trusted generals of Akbar,
Raja Rai Singh. more...
Lalgadh Palace: Designed by a Britisher for
Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a
magnificient blend of Oriental and European
style. more...
MUSEUMS
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: This small
museum has a large collection of pre-Harappan,
Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich
collection of pottery, carpets, paintings,
armoury and coins make this museum one of
the best in Rajasthan. The Bikaneri
miniatures, which are displayed in a
sepetrate section for local arts, makes
visit to the museum a must. more...
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples: Five kms
from the city, these temples are the oldest
surviving monuments of aesthetic heritage.
These were built by two brothers and the
temples carry their names. The mirror work
and the gold leaf paintings in the temple
are noteworthy. The temples are dedicated to
23rd Jain teerthankar, Parsvanathji.
WILDLIFE
Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary: 32 kms on the
Jaisalmer Road is located the Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary. Wooded hills and lakes
surround the lush green forest. One can
easily spot a Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black
Buck or flocks of Sand Grouse and Wild Boar
living in the sanctuary.
Archaeology
Kalibanga: One of the major archaeology
sites of the Harappan civilisation. This
place houses immense treasure of our past
and is of particular interest to archaeology
enthusiasts. more...
CITIES
Kolayat: 54-km from Bikaner, it is a picnic
spot.
OTHERS
Camel Breeding Farms: Take a ride on one or
watch the calves gambolling, or submit to a
Raika or a Rebari from traditional camel
breeder, over a cup of camel's milk at the
camel breeding farms just eight kms away
from the city. This farm is the only of its
kind in Asia.
Devi Kund: This is the royal crematorium
with a number of cenotaphs. The 'chhatri' of
Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. One
cannot miss the spectacular Rajput paintings
on the ceilings. 8 kms from Bikaner.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
Rail: The Indian Railways connects Bikaner
with cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Agra,
Jaipur, Allahabad etc. The gorgeous 'Palace
on wheels' also covers Bikaner in its
eight-day tour of Rajasthan.
Road: Though the unfriendly desert sands
surround Bikaner but the city is well
connected by roads. There are local and
inter-state bus services for Bikaner.
PLACES TO STAY
Bikaner is counted among one of the major
cities of the Rajasthan state and is well
equipped with varied hotel options, which
include luxurious and budget hotels as well
as tourist lodges.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Camel Festival: In the festival, one can see
the 'Ship of the Desert' at its sporting
best. The festival is held in January every
year. more...
Karni Mata Fair: Held twice in a
year--April/ May and October/ November-- the
fair is celebrated on the ninth day of the
Navratri. Devotees throng the temple to
worship Goddess Durga and her incarnations
on this day. more...
SHOPPING
A stroll down the King Edward Memorial road
and inside Kote Gate will reveal the
shopping pleasure in Bikaner. The purses,
slippers made from the camel hide are worth
a bargain. The camel skin also ends up as
cushions and lacquered lampshades. The local
carpets and the woodwork are very popular
among the tourists. And who can forget the
world famous Bikaneri Bhujias and sweets.
Wide range of accomodation facilites are
available to meet the requirements of
tourists. There are Palace hotels like the
Bhanwar Niwas, Karni Bhawan, Gajner Palace
Hotel. Also, available are the small but
cosy comfortable private hotels. The
government approved Paying Guest system is
very popular among the visitors.
TOURIST INFORMATION
CENTRES
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
Ltd. (RTDC) - Tourist Centre, Hotel Swagatam,
Office Annexe Near Railway Station, Jaipur -
302 006 (Rajasthan) India .
CLIMATE
Bikaner has got extreme desert type of
climate with high temperature difference and
low rainfall. The best season to visit
Bikaner between October and March.
NEARBY CITIES
Kolyatji: 50-km
Kalibanga: 205-km
Jodhpur: 256-km
Jaipur: 354-km
Jaisalmer: 312-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: About 4 lakhs people reside in
this historic city.
Main Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi & English
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India
Travel Guide / States / Rajasthan / Cities / Bikaner Travel
