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, |
History Of Bikaner
The city of Bikaner came into being in the 15th century when it was founded by Rao Bikaji , a descendent of Jodha (founder of Jodhpur). Placed strategically on the ancient caravan routes that linked Asia to North India to the Gujarat seaports, Bikaner's prosperity drew attention to it from many quarters, most of it unfavorable.
Bikaner also has its own glorious past to talk about. It has examples of courage, motivation and happiness. It was in 1488 that a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji (a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji), established his kingdom here. It has faced many foreign intrusions and fought a number of wars with the Mughals and the British.
Tourist Attraction 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. A major feature of this
| fort and palace is the superb quality of stone carving. The handprints which can be seen close to the Daulatpol commemorate the wives of Rajput soldiers lost in battles, who committed sati on their husbands' funeral pyres. Some places of interest inside the fort are Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or Palace of pleasure. In Har Mandir, a majestic chapel, the royal family worshipped their gods and godesses. |  |
Lalgarh Palace :
The beautiful city is dotted with the some of the most exotic monuments that adorns the beauty of the city that is centuries old. The city is known for its numerous forts and palaces that narrate the story of princely legacy of the state. The Forts and
 | Palaces in Bikaner in India are one of the major attractive propositions of the city that allures the tourists to the city. One such marvelous creation of the city that has been the cornerstone of attraction of the city is the Lalgarh Place, Bikaner. Bikaner Lalgarh Palace is a unique blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture on the outside. At the same time, the interior of the palace has a touch of oriental architecture. Adorning the palace is some |
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.
| Deshnok is actually a village 30km south of Bikaner along the Jodhpur road. A visit to Deshnok's fascinating temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Durga, is not far for squeamish. Here the holy rodents are considered to be incarnations of the storytellers, and run riot over the temple complex. The Karni Mata temple is thronged not only by the Rajasthanis. Rather, devotees from all over India & |  |
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) & |  |
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.
It’s 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). |  |
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.
Shopping 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.
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