Founded
in 1488,
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 founder’s 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.
Bikaner’s 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 city’s 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 |
Junagarh
Fort : Revel in the architectural splendour, as you take an intimate
look at this imposing fort, built by Akbar’s 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.
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.
Ganga Museum : The Rajasthani
museum houses some of the richest collections of teracotta ware, weapons,
miniature paintings of Bikaner and coins of different ages are to be found.
The collections in the museum show the splendid masterpieces of the Harappan
civilisation, the Gupta and Kushan era as well as scriptures of the
classical period. The museum also has a separate section displaying
exclusive arts and crafts of the region.
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.
Devi Kund : The royal crematorium
with a number of cenotaphs is situated 8 km east of Bikaner city. The
'chhatri' of Maharaja Surat Singh of the Bika dynasty is the most striking
one amongst them. The spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings and the
Dome of the Kund is extraordinary to watch out for.
| » 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.
Bikaner has got extreme desert type of climate with high
temperature difference and low rainfall.
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.
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.
