Lying
in the northern part of Rajasthan, Bikaner was named after its founder, Rao
Bikaji. Originally a barren land, Bikaner was converted by Bikaji into a
magnificient city of forts and palaces. Famous all over the world for it's
sweets and namkeens (bhujia), the city offers over 500 years old culture and
heritage, the very feel of Rajasthan. Architectural wealth of Bikaner lies
in its forts, palaces and temples.
Today, Bikaner is a major attraction for tourists visiting the colourful
state of Rajasthan. Apart from its historical and cultural monuments,
Bikaner is famous for its excellent camel rides. Tourists from far and wide
come to Bikaner to enjoy the unique experience of riding a camel.
Places of Interests in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort - This 96 metre fort built by Raja Rai
Singh in 1593, is one of those forts that have never been captured. It
attracts numerous visitors throughout the year because of its splendid
beauty. The fort houses some of the most beautiful structures within its
premises like the Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Karan Mahal and the Rang Mahal.
It also houses various temples and pavilions in its complex that are a
marvel of the brilliant architecture.
Lalgarh Palace - The palace is a pretty recent
construction as compared to the rest of the palaces in the Rajasthan. It was
built in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga Singh in respect of his father Maharaja Lall
Singh. The Lalgarh palace draws its name from red sandstone by which it is
built. Today, a portion of this palace serves as a hotel while the rest is
occupied by the royal family of Bikaner.
Camel Research Farm - Bikaner is famous for its camel
rides therefore it is quite natural that a camel research farm is a major
attraction in the city. Largest in Asia, this camel farm is managed by the
central government and breeds about half of the camel population in India.
Tourists coming to this places are delighted by the sight of baby camels and
their activities.
Gajner Palace - Often been described as 'an unparalleled jewel in the
Thar Desert', the Gajner Palace was a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas.
Standing on the embankment of a lake, the palace with outstanding
architecture was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner. The palace was
used by Maharaja for grand shoots and royal entertainment.
Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and
screens , the craftsmanship of the palace is overwhelming. The palace is
encompassed by awesome forest area, now a preserved wildlife sanctuary,
providing shelter to chinkaras, blackbucks, blue bulls and flocks of
imperial sand grouse. Now, a section of the palace has been converted into
hotel.
Shopping in Bikaner
Shopping in Bikaner is a wonderful experience because tourists get to buy
beautiful as well as useful items for themselves. Bikener offers something
for every kind of tourist. However the city is most famous for those items
that are stitched out of camel hide. Carpets made of camel and sheep wool,
jewelleries, 'Nokha Quilts', paintings, embroidered shoes an beautiful
cotton fabrics are other things that the tourists usually love to buy from
Bikaner.
Bikaneri Bhujia, rasgulla and sweets are also a favourite with many
tourists.
Reaching Bikaner
Air - Nearby airports are Jodhpur (254 kms) and
Sanganer airport Jaipur(325 kms).
Rail - Tourists can reach Bikaner by train as it has
direct trains from Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jammu,
Chandigarh etc.
Road - For tourists who want to travel by road,
national highway no 8 connects Bikaner to Agra via Jaipur. Jaipur is at a
distance of 330 kms from Bikaner and Delhi is 488 kms away from the city.
There is also national highway no 11 that runs from Pathankot to Kandla
port.
