Bikaner

Medieval Splendor

In 1488 AD, Rathore Prince Rao Bikaji established his kingdom in Bikaner. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’ and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’ name. It is a fortified city in the north of the desert state. Bikaner is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle.

The city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world and is popularly called the camel country. Camel, called ship of the desert, is an inseparable part of life here. The camel pulls heavy carts, transports grains and work on wells. The wells of Bikaner are important source of water. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

With its strategic location on the ancient caravan routes to and from West/Central Asia, Bikaner was once a prime trade centre. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, built with reddish-pink sandstone represent rich historical and architectural legacy of medieval era. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner is a tourist attraction. This architectural masterpiece in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum.

Junagarh Fort, another touristr attraction, was built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. It 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, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

Camel Research Farm, Bhandasar Jain Temple, Devi Kund, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Deshnok’s Karniji Temple are also places to visit.

How To Reach

By Road

Highlights

Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8 km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33 kms.

There are so many express buses to/from Udaipur , Jaipur, Ajmer , Jodhpur , Jaisalmer, Agra & Delhi .

By Rail
There are few express trains to major destinations. The Jaipur-Bikaner Express leaves at 8:30 PM , it takes about 10 hours to reach Jaipur. The Intercity Express departs at 5 AM & reaches Jaipur at 11:55 PM . The Ranakpur Express leaves for Jodhpur at 9:35 AM , it takes about 5 1/2 hours. The Sarai Rohilla Express leaves at 7:45 PM & reaches Delhi at 6:40 AM .

By Air
Nearest airport : Jodhpur Airport i.e. 256 Kms. There are daily fights to Delhi & Mumbai from Jodhpur .

Transportation

• Air : Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.

• Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

• Road: Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.

Places To See

Lal Garh Palace

Other Tourist Destinations

» Ajmer » Alwar » Banswara » Barmer » Bharatpur » Bikaner » Bundi » Chittaurgarh » Deeg » Pushkar » Ranthambhor » Dungarpur » Jaipur » Jaisalmer » Jhalawar » Jodhpur » Kota » Kumbalgarh » Mount-abu » Nagaur » Sariska » Shekhavati

This architectural masterpiece in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum .

Junagarh
Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, 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, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

Camel Research Farm
The farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is managed by the central Government. The camel crops 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) .

Bhandasar Jain Temple
Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 13rd Trirthankra.

Excursions

Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8 km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33 kms.

Suggested Tour Packages
» Colorful Rajasthan Tour	» Rajasthan Pushkar Camel Fair
» Rajasthan Desert Festival Tour	» Rajasthan with Golden Triangle Tour
» Rajasthan Cultural and Heritage Tour	» Royal Rajasthan Tour
» Exotic Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour	» Rajasthan Wldlife Tour