The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand sunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city’s lifestyle. More popularly called-the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner-an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Bikaner’s history dates back to 1488 A.D., when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji – a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur ( 1459 A.D.) , Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rai Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’ and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’s name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade center in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

Jungarh: Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble.

The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate: It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvellous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels and the Phool Mahal or flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal. Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses.

Lal Garh 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.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.

Gardens and Parks: Ganga Public Park with a Zoo, Ratan Bihari Temple Park and Tessitory Park are some of the lovely parks in the city. Surely worth a visit.

Bhandasar Jain Temple ( 5 km ): Beautiful 16^th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 23^rd Tirthankara, Parsavanathji.

Chamel Research Farm ( 8 km ) : Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding center-one of its kind in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government. The Camel Corps of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the ‘Raj’ and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through the Border Security Force ( BSF).

Devi Kund ( 8 km ): A royal crematirium with several ornamented cenotaphs or ‘chhatris’ built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh’s chhatri is the most impressive of all, created entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceiling.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary ( 32 km ): The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse. The Gajner Palace, a summer retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel.

                              Shiv Barj Temple ( 6 km ): Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19^th century.

Deshnok’s Karni Mata Temple ( 30 km ): The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur orad dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are gegarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Kolayatji ( 50 km ): A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (aint).

Kalibangan ( 205 km ): The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place are of interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

FESTIVE FUN:


The Camel Festival ( January ): A spectacular event of camel performance, 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 Kolayat lake 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 a part 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.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur 253 km.
By Rail: Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howrah ( Culcutta ). Some important train connections are: Kalka Express ( Bikaner – Jodhpur), Bikaner Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner), Chetak Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner), Bikaner Mail ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner).
By Road: Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities of India. Some important distance are Delhi 456 km, Jaipur 334 km, Jaisalmer 333 km.

BHANWAR NIWAS, BIKANER
Bhanwar Niwas was built in the early 20th century by Seth Bhanwarlalji Rampuria and is one of the most interesting havelies located within the walled city of Bikaner. The haveli follows no particular style of architecture, instead it is a pot-pourri of Indian and Western styles.

Recently converted into a hotel, Bhanwar Niwas has some rather elegant rooms like the blue drawing room, entrance hall, grand staircase and the library. The bar is a converted Baori, or underground rain water tank. Local musicians perform in the splendid courtyard and invite guests to unwind in the evenings.

Special Features: The haveli is located in the city making it convenient to take walking tours, savour the sights and get a feel of the local flavour. Karni Mata Temple and Camel Breeding Farm are some of the other sites of interest.

Facilities available: 12 double rooms and 2 single. Restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese.

By Road: Jodhpur 250 kms.
By Train: Bikaner 15 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur 250 kms.

GAJNER PALACE, GAJNER ( BIKANER )
Gajner Palace has often been described as ‘an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert’. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the palace stands on the embankment of a lake. The palace was used by the Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as internationl, Viceroys and other dignitories have been entertained at this grand palace.

The architecture of Gajner Palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens, the craftsmanship here is amazing.

The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary, which provides shelter to chinkara, blackbuck, neelgai and wild boar.

Even today the rooms in the palace retain their touch of royal comfort.

Special Features: Staying in Gajner is like being a royal guest. Authentic game recipes have been adopted to create non-vegetarian dishes.

Facitilities available: 25 rooms with attached bathrooms. Sumptuous meals.

JASWANT BHAWAN, BIKANER
Hotel Jaswant Bhawan was construced in 1926 A.D. by Rai Bahadur Jaswant Singh, the last Prime Minister of the former state of Bikaner. Built in a colonial style without any elaborate or decorative deatures, it has a straight and neat look.

The rooms are alrge and spacious and tastefully furnished. The lounge has a good collection of old family portraits.

Special Features: the hotel provides a home-away-from-home kind of atmosphere and a guest can spend a comfortable and relaxed holiday here. Camel rides folk music and dances can be organised.

Featuress available: 12 rooms with attached bathrooms. Simple fixed menu.

LALLGARH PALACE, BIKANER
Built between 1902-1926 by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, Lallgarh Palace is an imposing red sandstone structure. This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of the lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this jewel of the desert.

Each room here is a suite with period furniture – four poster beds, chaise-lounges and exquisite carpets. The walls of the palace are full of reminders of the past-vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The palace is a treasure trove where the guests can spend hours ‘walking in the past’.

Special Features: The palace has its own museum and library ( the fourth largest in the world ), clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting facilities at adjoining ranges. Excursions to Gajner lake, Deshnoke temple, Kolayat and camel breeding farms can be arranged.

Facilities available: 38 rooms, sspacious lawns, banquet hall, conference hall, tennis, billiards and croquet. Multicuisine restaurant.

By Road: Jodhpur 250 kms.
By Train: Bikaner 3 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur 250 kms.

KARNI BHAWAN, BIKANER
Karni Bhawan was built by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh of Bikaner in the Art Deco style which was very popular in the 40s. The rooms here are large, well-decorated, comfortable and provide guests with all modern amenities. The palace is surrounded by large sprawling grounds and lots of shady trees which attract different species of birds.

Karni Temple is just half an hour away from the palace.
Special Featurer: The palace is also convenient for an overnight stopover on the way to Gajner and Nagaur.

Facilities available: 15 rooms with attached bathrooms. Simple Rajasthani meals.