Bikaner
About Bikaner
Bikaner lies in the north west of Rajasthan with international borders separating
it from the adjacent country, Pakistan. The city falls in the desert lands of the
Rajasthan.
Bikaner stands established on elevated arid lands, its old part surrounded by walls
that go for seven kms and marked by fives entrance gates. The place is famous for
its unique culture and outlook, as a trade centre for woolen articles and for its
savoring Rasgullahs, Bhujias and Papads.
The foundation of Bikaner was laid by Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, in the year 1488.
The place at that time was called Jangladesh and featured uninhabited desert lands.
Soon after its foundation, the place developed into a popular city and derived its
name from the founder.
Bikaner is also famous as 'The Camel Country' and offers best camel rides in the
world. The sand dunes, stretched out in artistic patterns; and camels, are a common
sight at Bikaner. Add to this unique music, dance performances and the place turns
out to be fantasy land.
Tourist Attractions in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort:
Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general
in the army of Mughal emperor Akbar, with embellishments in the form of palaces
and Luxurious suites added by subsequent Maharajas.
This fort has a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. The Surajpol
or the 'Sun Gate' is the main entrance.
...more on
Junagarh Fort in Bikaner
Lalgarh Palace:
This palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, is an architectural wonder in the city
of Bikaner. The palace features a medley of Rajputana, Mughal and European architecture
and style of building.
...more on Lalgarh
Palace in Bikaner
Karni Mata Temple:
One of the most renowned temple near Bikaner is Karni Mata Temple, situated in a
small town named as Deshnok, located 30 km in the south from Bikaner on Jodhpur
road. This beautiful town is known for the shrine of Karni Mata.
According to legends, Karni Mata once blessed Rao Bika (founder of Bikaner) to establish
his kingdom here and will always be safe from enemies. This temple is unique in
its own way
...more on Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner
Devi Kund:
Devi Kund is the site of the cenotaphs built in the memory of Bika Royal Family.
The cenotaphs are built in a typical Rajput architecture, featuring open canopies
and a number of tombs, each built for the member of the family. The tomb of Maharaja
Surat Singh is quite interesting and presents Rajput paintings on its ceiling.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary:
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary falls in one of the regions around Bikaner. The sanctuary
is situated about 32 kms from the city, on the Jaisalmer Road.
It is inhabited by wild boars, deer, antelopes, black bucks, desert foxes, hares
and hundreds of bird species. The migratory water birds make up a special feature
of the sanctuary.
Gajner Palace:
Gajner Palace - a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as
' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of
Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake.
The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Both
Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries has been entertained
at this grand palace.
The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with
intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens, the craftsmanship here is amazing.
Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides
shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand
grouse. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.
Kolayat, Famous Pilgrimage of Hindus:
Kolayat is a famous pilgrimage spot for Hindus across the world, nestling 51Km far
from Bikaner on the highway leading towards Jaisalmer.
Its a beautiful religious ground blessed with series of charming marble, sandstone
pavilions, temple with its 32 serene ghats built around an impressive artificial
lake, which never dries in any season.
At the time of Kartik Purnima (Full Moon), huge fair takes place, when hundreds
of Sadhus and pilgrims taking a holy dip in its lake, thus cleanse themselves from
the sins they committed in life. Even the cattle fair takes place at the same time,
one can trade for Camels in the festivals.
Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples:
There are two main Jain Temples "Bhandasar" and "Sandeshwar", located in the south
east end of Bikaner.
The Bhandasar Jain Temple is dedicated to the fifth Tirthankar "Sumtinath" and the
construction of the temple was started in1468 A.D. by a wealthy Jain merchant, Bhandasa
Oswal.
According to myth, it is said, that 40, 000 kg of ghee had been used in laying the
foundation of this temple. It is carved in red sand stone and white marble, famous
for its carvings, paintings, structural beauty and artistically designed statues.
Whereas, the Sandeshwar Jain Temple is adores with the marble image of Sandeshwar
and other Jain Tirthankars. This attractive Sandeshwar Temple is far famed for its
superb carving around the doors, columns and painted pillars.
Camel Research Farm:
This government managed station, 8km from Bikaner is probably unique in Asia. There
are about 230 camels at the National Camel Research Center on Camels and three different
breeds are reared here.
The British army had camel crops drawn from Bikaner during the World War I. There
is not a great deal to see here, unless you have a camel fetish, but you can take
a camel ride, visit baby camels and look around the small museum.
Visiting Hours: 1500 - 1700 (Daily).
How To Reach Bikaner
Fly Away: Direct flights from Delhi or Mumbai to Jodhpur which is the nearest
airport around 200 km from Bikaner.
On Tracks: Convenient overnight trains from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
On Wheels: 1299 km from Mumbai, 754 km from Ahmedabad, 321 km from Jaipur,
and 470 km from New Delhi.
Where To Stay in Bikaner
Please visit our exclusive section on
Hotels in
Bikaner to find the best accommodation in Bikaner.
Where To Shop in Bikaner
Bikaner can only be for the lover of the rustics, antiques and ethnics. City is
renowned for stitched out of camel hide like camel leather shoes, camel leather
chairs, camel fur rugs, camel leather belts, bags, miniature paintings on camel
hides, wooden antiques, Mojari (Bikaneri style), Kundan work (jewelry), 'Nokha Quilts',
beaded and sequined gorbandhs, lac bangles.
Silver and imitation jewelry, hand stitched local wear, colorful beads, sequins
with hand-block printed patterns and metal are enchanting.
The main shopping area lies around Kote Gate (King Edward Memorial Road). The Khadi
Emporium at Mahatma Gandhi Road offers local blankets, rugs, carpets, wood carvings
and lacquer work at reasonable prices. At the entrance of the fort, there is an
excellent craft shop run by Urmul Trust.
