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| Rajasthan Home |
| Ajmer |
| Alwar |
| Bhahratpur |
| Bikaner |
| Bundi |
| Jaipur |
| Jaisalmer |
| Jodhpur |
| Mount Abu |
| Nagaur |
| Sekhawati |
| Udaipur |
| National Park |
| Wildlife |
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Bikaner - True Desert Country
The splendor of the city of Bikaner is still the same even when the glory of its rulers is now only a part of the history. Founded in 1486, it is now a part of the desert tourist triangle and is frequently visited by the tourists. The magnificence of the city is spread everywhere in forms of various temples, forts, palaces and colorful markets.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Junagarh Fort
The splendid Junagarh Fort is reputed as one of the very few forts in
India that have remained unconquered through ages. High walls and wide
moat defend the fort and its interiors are sure to leave any onlooker
speechless. It also houses various temples and 37 pavilions that are
simply matchless in terms of architectural finesse. The major
attraction of the fort is the Karan Mahal with gold leaf painting
adorning its pillars and walls.
It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat.
The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate], that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the sun gate. The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The premises also houses a museum which is an array of a rich collection .
the palace enjoys a distinct identity for its intricate filigree work and latticework. The Shri Sadul Museum, located within the premises, displays collection of ancient artifacts including well-preserved manuscripts, gold & silver plaques and parchments.
In
addition to this, it also has collection of terracotta from the Gupta
period.
Prachina Museum
Lal Garh Palace
The
Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained
paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with
blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make a visual
extravagance.
Rajasthan State Archives:
Ganga Singh Museum:
Bhandeswari Jain Temple
Havelis
Special Interests
How to reach Bikaner
Excrusions
National Research center on Camels (8 kms)
This is the only center in the country for research on camels, a
animal which is an integral part of life in desert .The efforts are
being made to breed camels with longer, thicker eyelashes to offer
greater protection during sandstorms
Devi kund (8 kms)
There are cenotaphs of the rulers of Bikaner at the place. The tank
makes the place attractive.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok (32 kms)
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 are the 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.
Gajner (32 kms)
Kolayatji (50 kms)
It is a Hindu place of pilgrimage famous for the holiness of it's tank
and considered one of the most sacred places in the country. It is
associated with Kapil Muni who is believed to be the originator of the
sankhya system of Indian philosophy. It has many magnificent marble
temples with sandstone Pavilions & Ghats (bathing places) which are
located around an artificial lake.There is an annual fare at the
place.
Katariasar
Village (45 kms from Bikaner)
It is located on the Jaipur Road and is rich in ethnic rural and
cultural life. A walk on the sand dunes is enjoyable and
viewing the sun set with a desert landscape
is heavenly. The main inhabitant of this village are Jasnathjis, who
are the fire dancers and their main life
styleis dairy farming for milk. Herds of
chinkaras, desert fox, rabbits, peacocks, parrots and partridges are
found in abundance in this area.
Shiv Bari Temple (6 kms from Bikaner)
Devi Kund (8 kms from Bikaner)
Deshnok
At the temple you can buy prasad
of sugar balls to feed the rodents. The priest as an act of
anointment puts a tikka of ash, from the holy fire in the inner
sanctum, on your forehead. No shoes are allowed inside the temple.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS FUN
The Camel Festival (January)
A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel
acrobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part of
the celebrations.
Kolayat Fair ( November)
Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the
Koplyat take on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.
Gangaur Festival (April)
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati-the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand
processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are part of the
eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi: (March)
Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actual day of
Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion. 
It's a museum located in the great Junagarh Fort. The
museum is dedicated to royal costumes, textiles and
accessories. 'Poshaks' or the ladies ensemble displayed
are perhaps the last remnants of the traditional designing
styles and workmanship. The museum also reveals a study of
changing cultural settings in its display of family
portraits of the former rulers. Changes embarked by the
western influences appear strikingly. The vivid glimpses
of legacy that survived in the contemporary Bikaner are
also visible.
This grand palace is an architectural masterwork in
red sandstone, and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in
the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji in 1902.
Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This
architecture is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European
architecture. The exterior contrasts dramatically with the
oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful
latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a
great craftsmanship.
This Directorate is
located in Bikaner. The archives have in their custody
some very precious administrative record of Mughal period
like Persian Farmans, Nishans, Manshurs, Akbarat, Vakil
Report, Arzdasht, Khatoot and the record created during
administration of the
Princely states of Rajasthan such as Bahiat, Pattas,
Parwanas, Rukkas, Chithiat etc.
Because of this exceptional collection of records the
department is of immense value to researchers all over the
world. Facilities like microfilming, reference library and
research rooms are also available to researchers. An
exhibition of important documents is also set-up specially
for tourist interest.
Popularly described as the best
museum in the state, it displays a rich
array of archaeological discoveries from
prehistoric Harrapan and early Gupta
period. Separate sections put on view
paintings, arts and craft, terracotta,
pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput
weaponry.
Bhandeswari Jain Temple is a fifteenth
century temple and is
the oldest monument of Bikaner. The temple
is decorated with rich mirror work,
frescoes and gold leaf paintings.
Havelis
are ancient mansions of dwelling of
the noble and wealthy. They are known for
their opulent life style and intricate
carvings and craftsmanship along with
sprawling courtyards. Bikaner is full of
such havelis and the notable amongst them
belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids
and Dagas. To view these havelis the
suggested route is Gogagate, Daddhon Ka
Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk,
Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk,
BK School and Jassuar Gate
Karni Mata Temple
Camel Festival
Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur 235km
Rail : Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda,
kalka and Howarh (Culcutta)
Some important train connection are :
Kalka Express (Bikaner-Jodhpur);
Bikaner Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner),
Chetak Express (Delhi-Sarai Rohila)
Bikaner Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohila-Bikaner)
Road :
Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities of India.
Some important distance are : Delhi 456km Jaipur 334km, Jaisalmer 333
km 
Wildlife sanctuary is situated here.The lake at Gajner attracts water
birds in thousands, the imperial sand grouse from Siberia being most
important of these. It is considered the prettiest place in the
district with a lake, a palace, wooded hills and gardens. The palace
served as a resort.
Fortified bya high wall the temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Maharaja Doongar Singh constructed it in
the ninth century in the memory of his father Maharaj Lall Singhji.
The temple has a beautiful wall panting
of Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam. This is located on the way
to the camel town.
The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs
(Chhatris). Each Chhatri
is dedicated to the memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and
is situated on the exact place where they
were cremated. The Chhatri
of Maharaj Surat Singh is a fine
example of architecture. The ceilings of the Chhatris
displayssome delicate Rajput
paintings.
The temple is
also famous for its holy rodents who are revered as 'Kabas'.
It is believed that one of the younger children of the Goddess
was drowned to death. Karni Mata then ordered the God of death
Yama to bring him back to life. This was not possible for Yama,
but Karni Mata as the incarnate of Durga could do so herself.
So she got him back to life as a rodent and ordered that no
member of the family would die but be reborn as Kaba. It is
considered highly fortunate if a Kaba runs over your feet.
With so many of them around it is highly unlikely that you
wont get blessed. Sighting any white one, which are very few
in number is lucky and good for the spiritual enhancement. The
temple walls have convenient holes to permit a free
passage-way for the Kabas and the roof has a wire grill on the
top to prevent the birds of prey and other predators from harming
the rodents
Timings
4 AM to 10 PM
