Bikaner
Brief
A citadel of culture and camels, this royal fortified city has a timeless
appeal. Dotted with many sand dunes, Bikaner is an oasis. The rocky outcrop
in a barren landscape, provides a dramatic setting for the Junagarh Fort,
one of the finest in Rajasthan. The old walled city, also retains the medieval
splendour, that pervades the lifestyle of the city. More popularly called
the camel country, the city is renowned, for the best riding camels in the
world, which is an inseparable part of life here. The magnificient forts
and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony
to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating bazaars and
bright cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
History

History of Bikaner dates back to 1488 AD, when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji
- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (Rao Jodhaji), established his
kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons, but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising
of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness and called it Jangladesh and
transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the name of
the founder.
Culture
Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed, by a
seven km long embattle wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony
to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful
bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
It is extremely hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. Bikaner
lies on the northern tip of the desert triangle, at an altitude of 237
meters. It is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by a seven km
long embattled wall marked by five gates.
How to Reach
Bikaner is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport
is Jodhpur at 253 km. By rail, Bikaner is the main railhead and is connected
with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howrah (Kolkata). Bikaner
is connected by road with the major cities of India. Some important road
distance are Delhi 456 km. Jaipur 334 km, Jaisalmer 333 km.
Tourist Places
Junagarh
Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar,
the fort is a formidable structure, encircled by a moat and has some beautiful
palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make
a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted
all over the structure.
Lal Garh Palace
Maharaja Ganga Singh, in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh,
built the palace, which is an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone.
The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns
with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks, has been converted into
a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul museum. The museum covers
the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs
and trophies of wildlife.
Camel Research Farm
Spend a day, with the indispensable ship of the desert, at their camel
research and breeding centre - one of its kinds in Asia. The farm extends
over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government.
The Camel Corps of Bikaner were a famous fighting force, during the Raj,
and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through
the Border Security Force (BSF).
Devi Kund
A royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or chhatris, built
in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh's chhatri
is the most impressive of all, created entirely in white marble with spectacular
Rajput paintings on the ceiling.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road, is a haven to nilgai,
chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse. The
Gajner palace, a summer retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the
lake and has been converted into a hotel.
Deshnoks Karni Mata Temple
The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road, is dedicated to Karni
Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately
carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The most
interesting things about the temple, are the rats that scamper freely
within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred
and are fed by priests and devotees, owing to the belief that they will
be reincarnated as holy men.
Kolayat
A famous pilgrimage spot, with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (Saint).
The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik
(Oct. - Nov.), when thousands of devotees,, gather in large numbers,,
to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake ,on full moon
day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels, is a part of
the festivities. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.
Other
BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE - A beautiful 16th century AD Jain temple, dedicated
to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshavanathji.
GANGA GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM - It is the best Rajasthan museum, having
one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature
paintings of Bikaner school and coins.
KILIBANGAN - The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations,
found at this place, in the Hanumangarh district, causes immense interest
to archaeology enthusiasts.
SHIV BARI TEMPLE - Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century.
The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings
and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
THE SURAJ POLOR OR SUN GATE - It is the main entrance to the fort. Among
the notable of these palaces,are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal
or the Moon Palace with marvellous paintings, mirrors and carved marble
panels and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace, ornate with glass and mirrors.