Rajasthan Travel Guide

Bikaner- the Camel City of India

Bikaner, popularly described as the city of camels, is one of the must visit destinations of Rajasthan. This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. Bikaner is famous for its imposing palaces and forts and are a must visit if you are traveling to Rajasthan. Bikaner was founded way back in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples- magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living. Founded by one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur, Bikaner's history combines adventure with enterprise. In later centuries, as an ally of the Mughals and the British, is was able to develop as a modern state, though its architectural attractions remain splendidly Rajput.
One of the principal outposts of the desert, it is also a major center for camel breeding. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding. Bikaner is well known for its Karni Mata Temple fair that is held every year. The temple is a famous tourist attraction and is definitely visited by anyone coming to Rajasthan. Every year in January the state Government organizes a camel fair that attracts people form not just all over Rajasthan but also tourists from near and far. Bikaner is known for its "Bhujia" which is a lip-smacking snack. Also, don't forget to visit the famous Junagarh Fort that is supposed to be an architectural wonder.

Altitude: 237 meters,
Rainfall: 44 cms, Best
Best Season: July to March,
Climate: Summer Mean Max. 44 'C Mean Min. 28 'C Winter Mean Max. 23.2 'C Mean Min. 10 'C, Clothing: Summer Light tropical or cotton Winter Woollen.

Places Of Interest:

Lallgarh Palace :: This palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. It is a beautifully designed & made up of red sandstone and has has a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal and the European style architecture. The palace also houses wonderful paintings & hunting trophies. It has some exqusite latticework and filigree work. it is must visit spot.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum :: This museum house the collection of best teracottaware, weapons, miniature paintings & coins.

Junagarh Fort :: This fort was built by Raja Raj Singh. It have beautiful palaces & temples.

Prachina Museum :: Located in the wonderful Junagarh Fort, the museum houses regal costumes and antiques. Its a must visit spot to vitness the royal lifestyle of the royal family of Bikaner.

Bhandeswari Jain Temple :: It is the most oldest temple of Bikaner, it has wonderful rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.

Camel Research Farm :: The farm is just 8 kms away from Bikaner. It covers an area of 2000 acres & is the world's largest Camel research & Breeding center.

Other attractions
Laxmi Nath Temple, Ratan Behari Temple, Shiv Bari Temple, Devi Kund Sagar, Katariasar Village, etc are predominant attractions of Bikaner tours & travel.

Excursions:

Gajner Palace :: The lovely palace is located in the banks of a beautiful lake. Once it was the hunting lodge for the Royal Family of Bikaner. Now the beautiful palace is converted into a Grand heritage hotel, you can stay there like a king by paying a decent amount.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary :: The sanctuary is just 32 kms away from Bikaner. Its the perfect place for adventure lovers to spot the Nilgai, Chinkara, Black buck, Wild boar , flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds. Jeep Safari with a guide is the best option to visit this wonderful sanctuary.

Kolyat :: It is just 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple complex of Kolyat and a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The complex has few temples, pavilions and ghats. A bath in the holy lake especially on Kartik Poornima (November) is considered incredibly fortunate.

Katariasar Village :: It is just 45 kms away from Bikaner. This village is a must visit plaace if you want to experience the ethnic rural and cultural life of Rajasthan. Herds of chinkaras, desert fox, rabbits, peacocks, parrots and partridges are found in large quantity in this area.

Karni Mata temple, Deshnok :: The Deshnok village is located 32 kms away in the south of Bikaner. The place is famous for the Karni Mata temple. Karni Mata, considered as living form of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. You will spot hundreds of rats there, it is said

Bhand Sagar Temple- 5 kms, Shiv Bari Temple, Camel Breeding Farm- 10 kms, Devi Kund- 8 kms, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary- 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple- 33 kms, Kolayat- 50kms, Bhaironji Temple- 40kms.

Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport is Jodhpur- 240kms.
By Rail: Well connected with major towns of India.
By Road: Delhi- 949 kms, Jaipur- 316 kms, Jodhpur- 240 kms & Jaisalmer- 330 kms.