Bikaner - Rajasthan

Tourism

Junagarh Fort

This fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, 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 serves as an architectural feat. This fort includes Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Durbar Hall, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Karan Mahal, Chini Burj etc.

Lalgarh Palace

The palace was established by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a sweet memorable spot of Maharaja Lal Singh in 1902-1926. This is an example of pure rajput martial architechture. It is a masterpiece in red sandstone. This palace includes big halls, lounges, pavilions and cupolas. The walls of the palace shows the past vintage etchings, trophies of hunting and historical portraits. some parts of this palace now has been changed into a luxury hotel and a museum called Shri Sadul Museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace. Bikaner royal family still used this palace as a residence.

Gajner Palace

Gajner palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. This palace stands on the bank of a lake. This palace was known as a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas. The palace was used by Maharaja for shoots and entertainment. Royalty, Both Indian and international, Viceroys and dignitaries has been celebrated here. The palace is built in red sandstone. It has carved pillars, screens and jharokhas. The craftsmanship of the palace is amazing. The palace is enclosed by beautiful wooden area. Now it is a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras, blackbucks, blue bull. A part of the palace is transformed into a hotel.

Bika Ki Tekri (Old Fort)

Bika ki tekri is an old fort. This fort 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.

Bandeshwar and Sandesqwar jain 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.

Excurssions

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 center 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 vends unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages.

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 includes the royal cenotaphs of the past rulers belongs from Bika dynasty. These cenotaphs serves as chattris in the local areas. These are made up of sandstone and dedicated to the brave warriors's memory. The Devi Kund divided on the basis of the patterns may be the massive canotaphs from the Bika kings, the others dedicated to the Bika queens based on the footprints of the queen.

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 head of Bikaner, was established this temple. Karni Mata temple having a large number of 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 aarti, devotees offer sweets and grains to these rats. A fair is also celebrated at the time of Navaratri. 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 situated in Bikaner town at distance of 32 km. In historical views Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary was used as a grounds for royal hunting of the Bikaner's Maharaja. The sparkling lake under the sanctuary 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 houses a number of wild animals like wild fowls, desert foxes, deer, antelope, chinkara, nilgai, black buck and wild boars etc.

Sri Kolayatji Temple

It is a popular pilgrimage attraction and a temple which is dedicated to Muni Kapil. This temple is famous for an annual fair celebrated in Oct-Nov month. On the full moon day, thousands devotees come here and take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Kapil Sarovar. The little oasis town is an ideal picnic spot now.

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 deep interest. This place includes treasure of history and is of deep interest to archaeology enthusiastic.

How to reach Bikaner

By Rail: Bikaner is well connected by rail and road network with all major cities of the state. There are ragular train services from Delhi, Bombay, Jodhpur,Agra, Jaipur and Jammu , Surat, Allahabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhatinda etc.

By Road:There is also a great network of buses. Roadway deluxe and Super deluxe buses are available for provide you a comfortable travel service.