Bikaner - Rajasthan

Tourism

Junagarh Fort

This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. During his tenure in imperial service he traveled far and wide which gave him vision and great ideas about art and architecture and we can see how meticulously these ideas were incorporated in the architectural styles of his building in Junagarh fort. 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 palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh between 1902-1926.This is an example of pure rajput martial architechture. It is a masterpiece in red sandstone. This palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The walls of the palace are reminiscent of the past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The part of the palace now 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. Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace.

Gajner Palace

Gajner palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. This palace stands on the embankment of a lake. This palace was a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas. The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, Both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries has been entertained at this grand. The palace is built in red sandstone. It has intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens. The craftsmanship of the palace is amazing. The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooden area. Now it is a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras, blackbucks, blue bull and a flock of imperial sand grouse. A part of the palace is transformed into hotels.

Bika Ki Tekri (Old Fort)

Bika ki tekri is an old fort. This port is more popular among the locals because it was constructed three years before the construction of Bikaner. It is situated on a rocky ground in the south west of Bikaner. Rao Bika started the construction of this fort in 1485. The fort is now in ruins, but is nevertheless, an eloquent reminder of the valor of its founder.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

It is considered as the best museum of Rajasthan. It has richest collections of terra-cota ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The museum exhibits the splendid masterpieces of Harappan culture. The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

Temples

Bandeshwar and Sandesqwar jain temples of bikaner are also worth to see. It attracts the tourist with its mind blowing mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. These temples are named after two brothers who constructed it.

Exertions

National Research Center on Camels

This is the only center in the country for research on camels; an animal which is an integral part of life in desert the center has been identified as one of the important tourist place of Bikaner and is included in the tourist book. The tourist visiting the canter can see the camel of different breeds and their behavior. A camel museum is available. Facilities of camel riding, safari and video/photography are available for the visitors. Camel milk parlor is a special attraction because it vendors unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages. The camels here are provided with certain facilities.

Devi Kund

The cenotaphs are built in a typical Rajput architecture, featuring open canopies and a number of tombs, each built for the member of the family. The tomb of Maharaja Surat Singh is quite interesting. The ceiling of the marble canopy is adorned with delicate and colorful frescoes and miniature paintings depicting, floral and traditional Rajputana architectural themes. Devi Kund in Bikaner is important as it houses the royal cenotaphs of the mighty rulers who belonged to the Bika dynasty. These cenotaphs are referred to as chattris in the local parlance. Made of sandstone or marble, the Devi Kund Cenotaphs are ornate dedications to the memory of brave warriors who ruled glorious Bikaner. The Devi Kund cenotaphs may be classified on the basis of the patterns i.e. the massive canotaphs belong to the Bika kings, the others are the smaller cenotaphs dedicated to the Bika queens, each of which bear footprints of the deceased queen. There are a few tiny marble cenotaphs at Devi Kund, Bikaner; which are dedicated to royal children who met with an untimely death.

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok

This temple has the aura of Supreme Power surrounding it and whoever comes here with a pure heart and good intentions never goes unrewarded. Ganga Singh, the former ruler of Bikaner, got the temple constructed totally of marble. Karni Mata temple, Rajasthan has silver and gold domes. 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 is the brown 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. During the time of aarti, these rats are offered sweets, grains, etc by the devotees. The Karni Mata temple is thronged not only by the Rajasthanis. Rather, devotees from all over India and even abroad pay a visit to the temple. At the time of Navaratri, a fair is held at the temple. Whenever the wishes of the devotees get fulfilled, they offer silver and gold to the goddess at the temple.

Gajner wildlife Sanctuary

The Gajner wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 32 kms. from the town of Bikaner. In the past Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary was used to be royal hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Bikaner. There is a sparkling lake inside the sanctuary which attracts water birds in thousands. It is considered the prettiest place in the district with a lake, a palace, wooded hills and gardens. The palace served as a resort. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of wild animals and some of the resident species include wild fowls, deer, antelope, nilgai, chinkara, black buck, desert foxes and wild boars to name just a few.

Kolayatji

A famous Hindu 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. Lake is considered to have the effect of washing off the sins of devotees. By day, the village turns into the venue for a camel and cattle fair a cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivals. The small oasis town is now a picnic spot.

Kalibanga

It is the extensive remains of harrapan civilization. Found in Hanumangarh district. The findings of the remains of pre-Harappan and Harappan civilization have generated immense interest. This place houses immense treasure of our past and is of particular interest to archaeology enthusiastic.

How to reach Bikaner

By Rail: Bikaner is conveniently connected via rail and road network It is connected with all major cities of the country. It has direct train services from Delhi, Bombay, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jammu and so on. Some important travel connections are from Delhi, Surat, Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Jodhpur etc.

By Road:There is also a wide network of bus services.Number of deluxe buses are there. Rajasthan Roadway deluxe and Super deluxe bus facility is available. Private travels facility is also there to make you comfortable. There are many tourist places located in the city where one can spend a good time.