BIKANER - Citadel of Camels

BIKANER
Founded in 1488 AD, by the Rathore prince, Bika the eldest son of Rao Jodha of Marwar. The fortified town still preserves the aura of medieval times. harsh desert has left it untouched by outside influence. The lofty houses with excellent carvings still survive oavering to the craftsmanship and prosperity of the people. The town is famous for food items like Rasgullas, Bhujias & Papad which are popular throughout the country.

The fort, 500 years ago, offered Bikaner's populace safety from invaders, while the rulers designed some beautiful apartments within, which still echo that opulence. Nearby is Deshnoke where, in a marble-fronted temple, rats are offered sanctuary as they are considered sacred.

Area :	38.10 sq. km.
Altitude :	237 metres
Climate :	Summer 48.8°C (MAX) - 28.8°C (MIN)	Winter 23.2°C (MAX) - 5.0°C (MIN)
Rainfall :	26 - 44 centimeters
Best Season :	October - March
Clothing :	Summer - Light tropical	Winter - Woollen
Language :	Rajasthani, Hindi, English

JAISALMER	320 km	JODHPUR	260 km
DELHI	488 km	JAIPUR	330 km
AJMER	280 km

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, pavilions Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The palaces worth visiting are 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.

The Lalgarh Palace is magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truly mesmerized. 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 add to its charm. (CLOSED ON SUNDAY)

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 of 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.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, It is one of the best museum in Rajasthan, having one of the richest collections of terracotta were, weapons, carpets, coins, miniature paintings of Bikaner school an coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilisation. Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. (CLOSED ON FRIDAY)

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples, Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.

Camel Breading Farm, 10 km away, an institute for research work on camels. The first of its kind in Asia, you can see camels of all types, sizes and ages. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government.

Devi Kund, A royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or 'chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Surat Singh's chhatri is the most impressive of all, created entirely in red sand marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceiling.

Deshnoke, (32 km) The famous 600 years old temple on the Jodhpur road 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 regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated in the family of the goddess.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, 32 km is on the Jaisalmer road, Blue-bull chinkara and blackbuck can be found and imperial sand-grouse.

Shiv Bari Temple, (6 km) Build by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a brass Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Kolayatji, (50 km) A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint). The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day.

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 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, makes it a special and spectacular occassion.

Bikaner is its own peculiar items / typical to this region; its articles made of camel-hide, camel and sheep wool carpets and woollen items, wood and gold & silver, leather products. The Bikaneri Bhujia, Rasgulla and sweets are popular all over India.

Shopping areas include inside Kot Gate, King Edward Memorial Road, Khadi Industries Institute, Station Road, Urmil Trust near central bus stand.