Bikaner

Bikaner was founded in 1488 AD, by the Rathore prince, Bika the eldest son of Rao Jodha of Marwar, this is true desert country and situated directly on the ancient caravan routes which linked west/central asia and North India with the seaports of Gujrat, making Bikaner a flourishing tade centre in the medieval period. The town still preserves the aura of medieval times.

Bikaner is a city famous for it's work on carpets and namdas(coarse wollen rugs) and lately for it's Papad, Namkin Bhujia and Spongy Rasgullas. The master craftsmen of Bikaner have perfected the art of gold work on camel hide which is done nowhere else.

The places of interest are :

• BIKA KI TEKRI(old fort)

  In the amidst of the magical landscape that Rao Bika started the construction of this fort in 1485 .Situated on the rocky ground south west of the city, the fort preceded the city by three years. The fort is now in ruins, but is nevertheless, an eloquent reminder of the valour of its founder.

• JUNAGARH FORT

  This fort was constructed by Rai Singh. The foundation of the fort was laid down in the year 1589and the work was over in 1594. The fort has a circumference of 985 meteres. Being on ground level, a moat was constructed around the fort as security cordon. The fort complex is considered as an architectural feat. The important portions of the fort are Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Durbar Hall, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Chini Burj etc. but Anup Mahal is the best place to be viewed.

• LALGARH PALACE

  The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has 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 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.5.00(closed on Wednesday).

• GANGA GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM

  It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.3.00(closed on Friday).

  The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

• TEMPLES.

  The most noteworthy of the temples of bikaner are those of Bandeswar and Sandeswar Jain Temple built by two brothers whose names they carry. The temples belong to the 14th centuary and are famous for mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.

Other Sight Seeing Places :

• National Reasearch centre on Camels (8 kms)

  This is the only centre in the country for research on camels, a animal which is an integeral part of life in desert .The efforts are being made to breed camels with longer, thicker eyelashes to offer greater protection during sandstorms.

• Devi kund (8 kms)

  There are cenotaphs of the rulers of Bikaner at the place. The tank makes the place attractive.

• Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok (32 kms)

  The temple is dedicated to the. Charan woman Karni who is believed to have blessed Bika when he was still to establish the state. The main gate of the temple has attractive carvings. The most surprising aspect of the temple are the rats which roam about unharmed. There is a belief that the souls of the devotees of the Karni Mata resides in rats and hence nobody ever think of causing any harm to them. It is considered auspicious if one sees a white rat.

• Gajner (32 kms)

  Wildlife sanctuary is situated here.The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands, the imperial sand grouse from siberia being most important of these. It is considered the prettiest place in the district with a lake, a palace, wooded hills and gardens. The palace served as a resort.

• Kolayatji (50 kms)

  It is a hindu place of pilgrimage famous for the holiness of it's tank and considered one of the most sacred places in the country. It is associated with Kapil Muni who is believed to be the originator of the sankhya system of Indian philosophy. It has many maginificent marble temples with sandstone Pavilions & Ghats (bathing places) which are located around an artificial lake.There is an annual fare at the place.

• Kalibanga (205 kms)

  A archaeologists delight, the findings of the remains of pre-Harappan and Harappan civilisation has generated immense interest. It is almost as large as Harappa and mohenjodaro, and designed on the same plan.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS FUN

• The Camel Festival (January)

  A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics, 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 Koplyat take 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 accompanied by dancing women are aprt 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.

HERITAGE / PALACE HOTELS

• Hotel Basant Vihar Palace 528288
  

• Hotel Bhanwar Niwas 71043 / 529323
  
• Gajner Palace Hotel,Gajner (32 km) (01534)5060 to 5070
  
• Karni Bhawan Palace Hotel 524701 to524710
  
• Hotel Lallgarh Palace 523963 Fax.- 522253

RESTAURANTS

• Metro, Near Junagarh Fort ...528986
  
• Admiral Restaurant...527169

• State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Ambedkar Circle, 1200 to 1600 hrs 26821
  

• State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Public Park Branch,1000 to 1400 hrs 27368, 528035
  
• Bank of Baroda, Railway Station Branch, 1000 to 1400 hrs 27360

NOTE : Banks are closed on Sundays and notified bank holidays, Saturdays are half working days.

• Delhi : 510 km. Via Dungarpur, Sardarshahar, Sadulpur and Hissar, 490 km .via Jhunjhunu
            and Rewari
  

• Jaisalmer : 335 km. Via Phalodi and Pokaran
  
• Jaipur : 354 km. Via Dungarpur, Ratangarh, Fatehpur & Sikar
  
• Jodhpur : 256 km. Via Deshnoke, Nagaur

• Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur (252 km)
  

• Rail : Bikaner is well connected with regular train services from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda,    Kalka and Howrah.
  
• Road : Regular bus services are available for Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, Delhi    etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 38.10 sq. km.
Altitude : 237 metres
Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min
Summer : 41.8 degree C 28.0 degree C
Winter : 23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
Rainfall : 26-44 cms.
Best Season : October to March
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
Winter Woolen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.