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Bikaner City Travel Guide
Bikaner City Travel Guide
Location : Rajasthan
Founded By : Rao Bikaji
Tourist Attractions : Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace
Best Time To Visit : October To March
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.
Lalgadh Palace: Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace isplays a magnificient blend of
Oriental and European style.
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.
Excurions -
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.
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 Reach 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.
Rajasthan
Tour Itinerary
