The royal
fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State,
the city is dotted with many sand dunes.Bikaner retains the medieval splendor
that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called "the camel country,
the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the
desert is an inseparable part of life here .Be it pulling heavy carts,
transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The
wells of Bikaner –an important source of water are the other attractions of
the city. These are built on high plinths and slender minareted towers on each
of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Bikaner’s history
dates back to 1488 A.D., when a Rathore Prince,
Rao Bikaji – a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 A.D.), 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 called ‘Jangladesh’ and
transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’s
name.The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came
from west/Central Asia made it a prime trade center in the times of the
yore.Bikaner stands on slightly raised grounds and is circumscribed by a
seven-Km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, created with delicacy in reddish – pink sand stone, bear testimony to
its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful
bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
PRIME SITES: 
Junagarh: Built in 1593 A.D. 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 the courtyards, balconies, kiosks and
windows dotted all over the structure. The Suraj Pol 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 marvelous
paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels and the Phool ornate with glass
and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal Karan Mahal,
Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal. Gigantic coloumns,
arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within. The Har Mandir is
the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshiping their gods and
goddesses. Timings:10.00 hrs to 16.30 hrs.
Entry fees :
Rs. 50.00 for complete museum with guide, Rs.10.00 for part of the museum. Rs.5.00 for students and military officials Rs.30.00 for camera. Rs.50.00 for movie camera
Lal
Garh Palace: The architectural masterpiece
in red sand stone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory
of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has a 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. The
museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved
old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Timings:10.00 hrs. to 16.30
hrs.Entry fee:Rs.3.00 (Closed on Friday).The museum has a separate section
displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.Gardens and Parks: Ganga
Public Park with a zoo, Ratan Bihari temple Park and Tessitory park are some
of the lovely parks in the city.Surely worth a visit.
EXCURSION
Bhandasar Jain Temple(5 Km): Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parsavanathji.
Camel Research Farm(8Km.): Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding center – one of its kind in Asia. Timings : 15.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. (Closed on Sundays and Government holidays). Photography Prohibited. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid lands and is managed by the Central Government. The Came 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 ( 8 km ): A royal crematorium with
several ormanted cenataphs or ‘chhatris’ built in the memory of the Bika
dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh’s chhatri is the most imprresive of all,
created entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the
ceiling. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km) : The lush foliage of woods on the
Jaisalmer road are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and
floaks 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.
Entry fee into the palace area Rs. 100/- per head.
Shiv Bari temple (6 km) : Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple in the surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
Deshnok’s Karni Mata Temple (30 km) : The famous
600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road 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 thing
about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum
of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees
owing to belief thet they will be reincarnated as holy men.Kolayatji (50 km) :
A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to kapil Muni(saint).
The
temple id the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct. –
Nov.) when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip
in the holy waters of the kolayat lake on the 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.Kalibangan (205 km) : The extensive
remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place in
Hanumangarh district, are of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.
FESTIVE FUN
The Camel Festival (January) : A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel aerobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part of the celebrations.
Kolayat Fair (November) : Coincides with Pushkar fair
when pilgrims take a holy dip in the kolayat lake on the full moon day in the
month of Kartik.
Gangaur Festival (April) : Dedicated to Goddess Parvati – the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand processions of the deity accompained by dancing women are a part of the eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi (March) : Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actual day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
How To Get ThereAir : The nearest airport is Jodhpur, 253 km.
Rail : Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and
Howrah (Culcutta). Some important train connections are : Kalka Express (Bikaner
- Jodhpur) Bikaner Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla - Bikaner) Chetak Express
(Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Bikaner).
Road : Bikaner is connected by road with major cities of India. Some important
distance are : Delhi 456 km Jaipur 334 km Jaisalmer 333 km.
Local Transport : Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws and tongas.
WHERE TO STAY : Palace/Heritage
Supplementary Accomodation : Hotel Jaswant Niwas Kishan Palace Desert Wind Sri Ram Guest House Palace View. Paying Guest Accomodation : Approved paying guest accommodation available. For details please contact Asstt. Director, Tourist Reception Centre, RTDc Hotel Dhola Maru Campus, Tel. :27445.Dining :
Phone no.:Bank of
Rajasthan 27646
Central Bank of India 26984
Central Cooperative Bank 27073
Punjab National Bank 27206
United Commercial Bank 23911
State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur 27368, 27034, 27148Shopping : Bikaner has its
own peculiar items, typicalto this region; its articles made of camel-hide,
camel and sheep wool carpets and woollen items, wood and leather products. The
Bikaneri Bhujia, Rasgulla and sweets are popular all over India. Shopping
areas include inside Kot Gate King Edward Memorial Road Khadi Industries
Institute, Station Road Urmil Trust at Junagarh Fort.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area 38.10 sq.Km.
Altitude 237 meters
Cimate Mean max. Mean min.
Summer 41.80C 28.00 C
Winter 23.20 C 5.00C
Rainfall 26-44 cms.
Best season
October-March
Clothing
Summer
Light tropical
Winter
Woolens
Language
English, Hindi, Rajasthani