Bikaner

Set admits the rich panoply of royal splendour, deep in the desert, is the glittering jewel that is Bikaner founded in 1488A.D. by Rao Bikaji, the second oldest son of Rao Jodhaji. It stands like a gem on the eternity. This is true desert country with few sand dunes. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization at Bikaner.

This gorgeous city known not only for its fairs and festivals, picnics and outings, temples and havelies, kite flying and its proud and fearless people but also for their ornaments, colorful costumes quaint customs, sheep’s wool, camel races, awesome sunset and Sawan - Bikaneri.


“ In Bikaner, one thing that I remember is Camel Safari. Covering the golden sands on camel hump makes your foray to Bikaner a humble experience. You would come across the varied topography of Rajasthan destination . The rustic villages were great in looks and the time I spent there was just awesome.” said Vinny from Australia.


Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 - 1593, has a 986-mt-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above 700 feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings

Lalgarh Palace
This palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated some 3 km north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework.

Camel Research and Breeding Farm
8 km from Bikaner, the government-managed Camel Research and Breeding Farm is only one of its kinds in Asia. The farm carries out breeding and training of camels.

Gajner Palace
The place located on the bank of the lake was the summer resort of the former kings. Today it has been converted into a hotel.

“ There were innumerable number of attractions in Bikaner which made the city a much liked place in Rajasthan . Attractions like Junagarh fort, Lalgarh Palace and Gajner palace were beautiful pieces of history. People like me who are dir heart friend of architecture enjoyed seeng them.” added Vinny from Australia.


Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Just 32 kilometres from Bikaner, the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wild animals. The adjoining lake that reflects the charming pink sandstone palace and gardens contrasts very well with the surrounding scrubland where black back, chital, sambhar, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, rabbits, partridges, quail, and Indian bustard wander.

Devi Kund 8 km east of Bikaner lies Devi Kund, the site of a royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or chhatris built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. The white marble chhatri of Maharaja Surat Singh is very imposing structure of Bikaner.

• Enjoy Bikaner eateries: For food lovers Bikaneri bhujia and Bikaner sweatmeat are the best buys
  
• Shopping : Camel leather belts,miniature paintings, rugs, bags, in camel hides, beaded and sequined gorbandhs, lac bangles are few irresistible pieces of Bikaner. We bet you would love to spend money on them. .
  
• Camel Festival : Don’t forget to attend Camel Festival, perch yourself on a camel and ride to brilliant desert stalls aglitter with local crafts
  

“ Everything is Bikaner seemed to be glorified. The entire ambiance was very royal and I felt as the regal ambiance surrounded me. Walking through the winding lanes of Bikaner was an experience as each step I took added a new chapter into my life.” concluded Vinny from Australia.


Location : Set on the northwest part of India.
Language : Rajasthani, Hindi
Climate : desert like climate
Festival : Camel Festival, Kite Festival
Getting there
Bikaner is well connected by Air, Rail and Road network.
By Air : The Jodhpur Airport is the nearest Airport. Jaipur the State Capital city is well connected by regular flights from all the Metros ie. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
By Rail : There is regular train service to Jodhpur. The city is also well linked by road network. National highways and State Highway link the City with rest of the cities and metros of India.
Excursions From Bikaner: Ajmer, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur

Related Storie(s)
Udaipur-The Heart of Rajasthan- By Kitu Bhardwaj
Sariska- The Tiger Reserve- By Albeena Abbas