» Bikaner

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.

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.

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is one of the best museums of Rajasthan with some fabulous collection of antiques and artilleries.

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.

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.

» 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.

» Climate of Bikaner

Bikaner has got extreme desert type of climate with high temperature difference and low rainfall.

» Shopping in Bikaner

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.

» 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.

» Nearby Cities

    » Jaipur: 354 km
    » Jodhpur: 256 km
    » Jaisalmer: 312 km
    » Kalibanga: 205 km
    » Kolyatji: 50 km

» General Information

    »  Area : 193.58 sq. km
    »  Altitude : 251.1 metres
    »  Climate : Summer :Max. - 42.2°C Min. - 29.7°C
                         Winter : Max. - 25.5°C Min. - 11.5°C
                         Rainfall : 88 cms.
    »  Clothing : Summer - Light Tropical
                         Winter: Woolen
    »  Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Bikaner Tour Packages
1. Discover Rajasthan Tour     Destinations : Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner     Duration : 25 Nights / 26 Days	Read More :: Book Now
2. Heritage Rajasthan Tour     Destinations : Mandawa - Jaisalmer - Pushkar     Duration : 17 Nights / 18 Days	Read More :: Book Now
3. Forts & Palaces Tour with Taj Mahal     Destinations : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Jaipur     Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days	Read More :: Book Now
4. Rajasthan Palace Tour     Destinations : Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur     Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days	Read More :: Book Now
5. Rajasthan Budget Tour     Destinations : Pushkar - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur     Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days	Read More :: Book Now
6. Royal Rajasthan Tour     Destinations : Bikaner - Jaipur - Jodhpur     Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days	Read More :: Book Now
7. Rajasthan Desert Festival Tour     Destinations : Jaisalmer - Khimsar - Bikaner     Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days	Read More :: Book Now
8. Thar Desert Safari Tour     Destinations : Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer     Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days	Read More :: Book Now
9. Rajasthan Camel Safari with Taj     Destinations : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur     Duration : 18 Nights / 19 Days	Read More :: Book Now

Hotels in Bikaner
1. Hotel Bhanwar Niwas  { 3 Star }	Read More
2. Heritage Resort  { 3 Star }	Read More
3. Karni Bhawan Palace Hotel  { 3 Star }	Read More
4. Hotel Lallgarh Palace  { 3 Star }	Read More
5. Hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace  { 3 Star }	Read More