India Tourism | Bikaner

Founded in 1488, 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. Season: October to March.

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 stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance gates.

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.

Altitude: 237 mtrs
Best Season: July-March
Rainfall: 44 cm
Climate:
Summer: Max 44 °C Min 28 °C
Winter: Max 23.2 °C Min 10 °C
Clothing:
Summer: Light tropical or cotton
Winter: Woollen

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 kms, Jaipur 316 kms, Jodhpur 240 kms & Jaisalmer 330 kms.

Prime Sites

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.

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 add to its charm.

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.

Side Trips

Short excursions to the places of cultural and architectural interest around Bikaner can certainly add more fun to your trip. Some of them being:

Camel Breeding Farm (8 kms)
Acquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding centre, the only one of its kind in Asia.

Devi Kund (8 kms)
This is a royal crematorium with cenotaphs of the house of Bikaji Rathore. Many decorated Chhatris, built in the memory of the Bika dynasty, offer splendid example of the Rajput architecture.

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.

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke (30 kms)
Offer your prayers to Karni Mata – an incarnation of goddess Durga, at this 600 year old temple. The temple offers a haven to rats. Devotees feed the rats, owing to the belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. The entrance archway of the temple is intricately carved in marble.

Kolayat (50 kms)
A sacred spot, dedicated to Kapil Muni. The temple here is the venue for a fair in the month of Kartik (Oct.- Nov.), attracting thousands of pilgrims. Kolayat is an idyllic picnic spot as well.

Shiv Bari Temple (6 kms)
Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Doongar Singhji, the temple is encircled by a high wall. Beautiful paintings and a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple.

Havelis
An array of havelis, built in red stone and intricately carved, embellish the city.

Kalibanga (205 kms)
The remnants of the pre-Harappan and Harappan settlements have been found at this place in Hanumangarh District. Surely of interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

Celebrating Time

Camel Festival (January)
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.

Kolayatji Fair (October)
Held in October-November at Kolayat (53 kms from Bikaner). Devotees throng here in large numbers to take a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake on the full moon of Kartik or Poornima and offer prayers to Karni Mata.

Distances to important Cities

Delhi 510 kms via Ratangarh, Sardarshahar and Hissar
Jodhpur 256 kms. via Nokha, Nagaur
Jaisalmer 325 kms via Phalodi and Pokaran

Places of Interest

Junagarh Fort
Lalgarh Palace
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

Excursions

Bhand Sagar Temple (5 kms)
Camel Breeding Farm (10 kms)
Devi Kund (8 kms)
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 kms)
Deshnok's Karniji Temple (33 kms)

The Region