General
Information
Population: About 4 lakhs people reside in this
historic city.
Main Languages:
Rajasthani, Hindi & English.
Location: Rajasthan
Founded By: Rao Bikaji
Tourist Attractions: Junagarh Fort,
Lalgarh Palace
Best Time To Visit:
October To March |
|
The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore
prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of
Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of
his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild
country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city
of Bikaner came into existence.
A seven-kilometres wall
with five entrances was built to protect the city from
vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. The city
flourished as an important trade centre between Gujarat
seaports and West Asian countries. The unbroken line of
descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got
Independence. Bikaner is known for good breed of riding
camels, which are among the best in the world. The Camel
Festival held every year is famous all over the globe. Bikaner
has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone
that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike
other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve
its traditional aura of the medieval era, which makes a
visitor come here year after year.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND
PALACES
Junagarh Fort:
One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh
Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built
in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals
of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
MUSEUMS
The Ganga Golden Jubilee
Museum: This small museum has a large collection of
pre-Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich collection of
pottery, carpets, paintings, armoury and coins make this
museum one of the best in Rajasthan. The Bikaneri miniatures,
which are displayed in a sepetrate section for local arts,
makes visit to the museum a must.
Lalgadh
Palace: Designed by a
Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a
magnificient blend of Oriental and European
style.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples:
Five kms from the city, these temples are the oldest
surviving monuments of aesthetic heritage. These were built by
two brothers and the temples carry their names. The mirror
work and the gold leaf paintings in the temple are noteworthy.
The temples are dedicated to 23rd Jain teerthankar,
Parsvanathji.
WILDLIFE
Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary: 32
kms on the Jaisalmer Road is located the Gajner Wildlife
Sanctuary. Wooded hills and lakes surround the lush green
forest. One can easily spot a Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck
or flocks of Sand Grouse and Wild Boar living in the
sanctuary.
Archaeology
Kalibanga: One
of the major archaeology sites of the Harappan civilisation.
This place houses immense treasure of our past and is of
particular interest to archaeology enthusiasts.
CITIES
Kolayat: 54-km from
Bikaner, it is a picnic spot.
OTHERS
Camel Breeding
Farms: Take a ride on one or watch the calves gambolling,
or submit to a Raika or a Rebari from traditional camel
breeder, over a cup of camel's milk at the camel breeding
farms just eight kms away from the city. This farm is the only
of its kind in Asia.
Devi Kund: This is the royal
crematorium with a number of cenotaphs. The 'chhatri' of
Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. One cannot miss the
spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings. 8 kms from
Bikaner.
HOW TO
GET THERE
Air: The nearest
airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
Rail: The Indian
Railways connects Bikaner with cities like Delhi, Calcutta,
Agra, Jaipur, Allahabad etc. The gorgeous 'Palace on wheels'
also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of
Rajasthan.
Road: Though the unfriendly desert sands
surround Bikaner but the city is well connected by roads.
There are local and inter-state bus services for
Bikaner.
PLACES TO STAY
Bikaner is counted among one of the major cities
of the Rajasthan state and is well equipped with varied hotel
options, which include luxurious and budget
hotels as well as tourist
lodges.
FAIRS
& FESTIVALS
Camel Festival:
In the festival, one can see the 'Ship of the Desert' at its
sporting best. The festival is held in January every
year.
Karni Mata Fair: Held twice in a
year--April/ May and October/ November-- the fair is
celebrated on the ninth day of the Navratri. Devotees throng
the temple to worship Goddess Durga and her incarnations on
this day.
SHOPPING
A
stroll down the King Edward Memorial road and inside Kote Gate
will reveal the shopping pleasure in Bikaner. The purses,
slippers made from the camel hide are worth a bargain. The
camel skin also ends up as cushions and lacquered lampshades.
The local carpets and the woodwork are very popular among the
tourists. And who can forget the world famous Bikaneri Bhujias
and sweets. Wide range of accomodation facilites are available
to meet the requirements of tourists. There are Palace hotels
like the Bhanwar Niwas, Karni Bhawan, Gajner Palace Hotel.
Also, available are the small but cosy comfortable private
hotels. The government approved Paying Guest system is very
popular among the visitors.
CLIMATE
Bikaner
has got extreme desert type of climate with high temperature
difference and low rainfall. The best season to visit Bikaner
between October and March
