Bikaner, Rajasthan – Dotted with scores of sand dunes, this place still reflects the glorious culture of the Middle ages

Lying on the heart of Thar Desert, the town of Bikaner was constructed in the year 1486 by Marwar king Raja Rao Bikhaji. The city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that is reflected in the city’s lifestyle. Bikaner was the most important commercial city among the west and central Asia. At that time the whole city was fortified with walls. There were five doors made for the entrance of the city. This city also called the camel country, is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an integral part of life here.

Places to see in Bikaner: There are many sight scene spot at Bikaner. Some of them are as follows ..

Junagarh Fort

This fortress built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, remains unconquered and is one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate] that is facing east. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the sun gate. In the fort complex are some magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The premises also house a museum, which has an array of rich collection.

Lallgarh Palace

This grand palace is an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture is a fusion of  Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work, which are the hallmarks of great craftsmanship. The Palace has an amazing collection of well maintained paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillaea and dancing peacocks make for a visual extravaganza.

Bhandeswar Jain Temple

It is a fifteenth century temple and is the oldest monument of Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. Havelis are ancient mansions of the noble and wealthy. They are known for their opulent lifestyle and intricate carvings and craftsmanship along with sprawling courtyards. Bikaner is full of such havelis and the notable amongst them belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. To view these havelis, the suggested route is Gogagate, Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk, Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar Gate.

Ganga Government Museum

Popularly described as the best museum in the State, it displays a rich array of archaeological discoveries from prehistoric Harrapan and early Gupta period. Separate sections put on view paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.

Devi Kund

The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs (Chhatris). Each Chhatri is dedicated to the memory of a ruler of Bikhaji dynasty and issituated on the exact place where each of them was cremated. The Chhatri of Maharaj Surat Singh is a fine example of architecture. The ceilings of the Chhatris display some delicate Rajput paintings.

Nearby attractions from Bikaner: Just 10 km from Bikaner is the camel research centre. Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at the camel research and breeding centres which is only one of its kinds in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Government of India.

Deshnok

Deshnok is a small village situated 32 km south of Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is connected by national highway and rail. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata –said to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga-who lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. Originally, the village was called ‘dus-nok’ meaning ten corners as it was formed by taking ten corners of ten villages. In front of the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum.

Things to do in Bikaner: Don’t miss the camel ride in midst of vast desert in Bikaner.

Best time to visit Bikaner: The best season to visit Bikaner is from October to March.

How to go ?

By Air

The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur, which is nearly 250 km away. This is a domestic airport, connecting to metros in India and some few other cities in North.

By Rail

The city has two railway stations, namely, Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Station. This railway station is well connected to all major cities of India.

By Road

Plenty of bus services are available from Bikaner to Delhi, Jodhpur, Agra, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Udaipur and Kota.

 

Where to stay ?

There are plenty of private hotels and lodges available in Bikaner. Some options are:

Hotel Dholamaru: +91-0151-2529621 Website: www.hoteldholamaru.com
Hotel Marudhar: +91-9828142686, 9351828900 Website: www.hotelmarudhar.com
Hotel Sriram Heritage: +91-0151-2212-8993
Bharat Palace: +91-9831125446 Website: www.hotelbharat.com
Hotel Heeralal: +91-0151- 2205551, 52, 53, 54 Website: www.hotelheeralal.com

Note: Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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