Bikaner is a desert built on
an elevation and surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates.
A magnificient fort built betwen 1588 & 1593 by Raja Raj Singh
dominates the city. Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city
of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert
cities, Bikaner is a beautiful medival town.
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a Rathore prince, Rao
Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called Jangladesh
and transformed it to a charming city called Bikaner, after the
founders name. Its location on the ancient caravan routes, which
linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports, made Bikaner
a bustling trade centre in the times of yore.
Bikaners
Forts, Palaces and Temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow
sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and
architectural legacy. One can feel the medieval aura pervading the
citys lifestyle. Not only do the traditions come alive here in
colourful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best
riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned camels at the
spectacular Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.
»
Major Attractions of Bikaner |
|
Lalgarh Palace : The magnificent fort in
red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and
European luxury that leaves you truly mesmerised. Designed by Sir Swinton
Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost -90 years ago, this is an
extraordinary monument. The palace has a billiards room, a library, a cards
room and a smoking room. Belgian chandeliers, cut - glass ornaments, oil
paintings and lamps, all adding to its charm.
Junagarh
Fort : Revel in the architectural splendour, as you take an intimate
look at this imposing fort, built by Akbars contemporary Raja Rai
Singh. Within the fort are thirty seven palaces and pavilions. Suraj Pol or
the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The most beautiful palaces in
the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal.
The
palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with
mirror work, carvings and paintings. An array of kiosks and balconies
embellish the fort at intervals, breaking the monotony. A museum with
valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the
Junagarh Fort.
Camel Festival : Held in the
month of January every year on the full moon night, the festival is
dedicated to the indispensable ship of the desert. A fascinating spectacle
of camel performances. Camel races, camel dances and camel rides, along with
the joy, colour and vigour unique to Rajasthan, make this a joyous event.
Bhandeshwar Jain Temples : Beautiful 16th century
Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Other
important temples of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv
Bari, and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji Temple at Kodamdesar, about 40
kms from Bikaner, is another noteworthy temple.
Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary and Palace : Watch flocks of imperial sand grouse, as
you wander through the lush foliage of woods located on the Jaisalmer road.
Gajner is also home to nilgai, chinkara, wild boar and black buck. Gajner
Palace, a summer resort of kings built on the beautiful lake along the
sanctuary, is a spot worth visiting.
»
Places to Stay in Bikaner |
|
Bikaner has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate its
guests. The price range varies noticeably to meet the demand for various
levels of tourists. Most tourists plan daylong trips to Bharatpur. However,
there is good accommodation available at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Forest
Guesthouse and Saras Tourist Bungalow. All the three have multi-cuisine
restaurants. Accommodation is also available at the Circuit House, Hotel
Golbagh Palace, Shanti Kutir, and the Tourist Lodge near the sanctuary's
Mathura gate.
»
How to Get there |
|
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.