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| Bikaner
, lies in the north of the desert state. Bikaner
is gorgeous city known not only for its festivals
and fairs, temples and havelies, picnics and
outings, kite flying and its proud and fearless
people but also for their ornaments, colorful
costumes quaint customs, sheep's wool, camel
races, awesome sunset and Sawan. This is true
desert country with few sand dunes. The imposing
palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples
of red and yellow sand stones in Bikaner display
some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization.
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Bikaner is also called the camel country,
the city is distinguished for the best riding
camels in the world and hence boasts of having
one of the largest Camel research and breeding
farm in the world. It is also the birthplace
of the world famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen
(a salted snack made of lentils). 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. |
| Brief
History |
| Bikaner
, situated in the northern part of Rajasthan,
was founded in 1488 AD by the Rathore prince,
Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner . Bikaji
was second oldest 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 7 kms 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 West Asian Countries and Gujarat
seaports. The unbroken line of descendants
of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence
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| How
to reach |
Bikaner can be easily
accessed through air, train or road.
By Air : The nearest airport
is Jodhpur 240 kms.
By Rail :
Bikaner is well connected to Delhi , Jaipur,
Culcutta and Allahabad etc.
By
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.
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| Climate
& Season |
| Being a
desertscape, the summers are very hot in Bikaner
. Bikaner has high temperature difference
and low rainfall. The best season to visit
Bikaner between October and March when the
weather remains cool and tolerable. |
| Language |
| Rajasthani
and Hindi |
| Best
Attractions |
| Undulating
lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful
folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
Today, Bikaner is a major tourist attraction
in the country. We list below a selection
of major attractions of Bikaner – |
| Junagarh
Fort : The first impression of this
fort is very impressive. A pretty cool place,
Junagarh Fort is one of the most imposing
forts of northern India . This fort was built
in 15th century by one of the most able and
trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
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Lalgarh Palace
: Built by Maharaja
Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh
Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city.
Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace
is quite imposing with overhanging balconies
and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming
bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor
to the palace. |
| Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary : Gajner Wildlife
Sanctuary is home to a variety of wild animals,
Just 32 kilometres from Bikaner . The animals
commonly found here are desert foxes, wild
boars and antelopes. Imperial sand grouse
migrate here during the winter.
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Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples
: These temples are the oldest surviving
monuments of aesthetic heritage situated just
5 kms from the city, were built by two brothers
and the temples carry their names. The gold
leaf paintings and mirror work in the temple
are noteworthy. The temples are dedicated
to 23rd Jain teerthankar, Parsvanathji. |
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