Bikaner

Geography

Bikaner lies in the north of Rajasthan on a little elevated ground. A 7 km long besieged wall, having five gates, surrounds the city. Speckled with sand dunes, Bikaner occupied an important position on the ancient caravan routes. It served as a prime trading center to the merchants coming from West/Central Asia. Bikaner travel & tourism brings you across some splendid forts and palaces that serve as a legacy of the rich heritage of the city. Built up in red sandstone, these forts and palaces bring alive the architectural finery in which the state of Rajasthan abounds.
Popularly called as the camel country, the city is famous for the best riding camels in the world. The city is dotted with many sand dunes and retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. The much talked about camel festival, held annually, is one of the many highlights of the city where one can witness gaily caparisoned camels.
The city is located 456Km from Delhi, 334Km from Bikaner, 330Km from Jaisalmer, 500Km from Udaipur and 240Km from Jodhpur. Bikaner also offers ample shopping opportunities with articles made of camel hide, camel and sheep wool carpets, woolen items, wood and leather products. More popular are the Bikaneri Bhujia and sweets. .

History

Retaining the charm of the yesteryear, the history of Bikaner dates back to the 14th century. Bikaner, located in the sparkling Thar Desert of Rajasthan, has a rich history that narrates the tales of courage and bravery
Founded in 1488, Bikaner was named after its founder, Rao Bikaji. He was a descendant of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. He established his kingdom here after he was offended by his father over his dreams. He established this city on a land known as ‘Jungladesh’ located on the camel trade route, which made it an important trade center
One of the prominent rulers in the Bikaner’s history was Maharaja Ganga Singh. He ruled over this desert kingdom for 56 years. During his reign, the army was modernized, Ganga Canal and hospitals were constructed, and various welfare schemes were made.
This desert jewel of Rajasthan has witness rise of several warriors and rulers. It was in the 19th century, the ruler of Bikaner signed the agreement with the British for security. When the British control started becoming stronger, a supply of riding camels to the East India Company helped Bikaner to recover its economy. It was in 1886, electricity was introduced here. Ganga Canal was constructed in 1925–1927 for agriculture purposes. Bikaner became a part of Rajasthan in March 30, 1949 after the independence of India.

Bikaner Attraction

Junagarh Fort : Built in 1593 AD 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, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

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

Camel Research Farm : situated at Jorbeer, Bikaner (8 KM), and the farm came into existence on 5th July 1984. This government managed farm is unique and the largest in Asia and extends over 2000 acres. Here one can spot hundreds of baby camels and drink some thick camel milk..

Deshnoks Karni Mata Temple : The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road, is 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 things about the temple are the rats that 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 as holy men.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary :Once the summer residence of Maharajas of Bikaner, Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji. This red sandstone palace has beautifully carved pillars and jharokhas. See chinkaras, blue bull, blackbucks, etc around the palace. Tour to this Bikaner tourist attraction allows tourists to see the fine architecture and exotic wildlife.

Bikaner Climate

Situated in the heart of western Rajasthan at a height of 238 mts. above sea level, the camel city of Bikaner is characterized by hot scorching summers and extreme chilly winters. The temperature varies from 48 degree in summer to below four degrees in winters with the average rainfall hovering around 25 cm annually. Thunderstorms are very common in the month of May-June with the wind blowing upto 120 kms per hour.

How To Reach Bikaner

Flight : Does not have an official airport. However, from November to March the Indian Air Force airfield is opened to the civilians for flights to and from Bikaner. The Airport is called Nal and is 10 km from Bikaner.
The nearest major operational Airports are Jodhpur & Jaipur.

Train : Bikaner is connected to Churu, Jaipur and Delhi. The Tourist Reception Centre has a detailed listing. For enquiries call the Railways Inquiry (Tel: 131). The Railway Station is in the city centre.

Road : Bharatpur is connected to Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The Rajasthan State Roadways connects it to various cities within the state.