Bikaner General information
Bikaner is located in the state of Rajasthan and is 316 kms from Jaipur, 240 kms from Jodhpur and 330 kms from Jaisalmer. The city Bikaner narrates tales of hardship and bravery of the founder, Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Rao Jodhaji. The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 from Jangaldesh or the country of wild bushes and has acquired expertise viz, camel breeding and dry irrigation which is unique. Bikaner along with its rocky scrubland, is located on an elevated plain in the desert. The old city is encompassed by a long embattlement wall which intermittently breaks to give way to five huge gates. Bikaner is well connected by road and rail. Bikaner was founded in the 15th century and earlier this region was known as Jangladesh which was a region of northern Rajasthan state in India. It included the present-day districts of Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh. It is bounded on the south by Marwar and Jaisalmer regions, on the east by Ajmer-Merwara region. Bikaner is situated in the middle of the Thar desert with very little rainfall and extreme temperatures. In summer, temperatures exceed 50 °C and during the winter it dips to freezing point.
Bikaner History
Bikaner Geography
Bikaner Climates
Bikaner - What to see
Gajner Palace - The Royal family of Bikaner has created many numerous architectural marvels in Bikaner. The Gajner palace, often remembered as 'a jewel in Thar desert', was conceptualized as a summer resort for the royal families. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, upon insistence from his young bride ordered the creation of this amazing palace which stands tall on the embankment of a lake. The palace has been tastefully carved in red sandstone and is famous for its intricately carved jharokhas, pillars, and screens. The palace has been partially converted into a heritage hotel. The sanctuary and lake attached to the palace are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar, flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds that houses the sprawling forest in the winters.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - It is a huge mansion, imposing from outside and full of artifacts inside. Established on the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1937, the museum is a store house of some of the most amazing collections of artwork, history and sculptures.
Jain Temple - Dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain religion, Shri Sumati Nathji, this waas constructed in the 15th century and is one of the oldest shrines in the area.
Junagarh Fort - Constructed by Raja Rai Singh in 1593, the fort is a strong, innovative and formidable structure encircled by a water moat which is believed to have bred crocodiles in the past. An amazing network of havelis with courtyards and balconies, watch towers, armory, halls and other the fort exudes an aura of red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble. The grand fort has a long rampart which is almost a 1000m long and is studded with 37 bastions and two entrances.
Karni Mata Temple - One of its kind, the 600 years old Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke is famous for its rat worship. Thousands of black, grey as well as the special white rats reside within the shrine premises.
Kote Gate - The Kote gate is full of surprises for the ardent shopper. Being a part of history has endowed Bikaner with numerous art forms and handicraft artisans who produce creative wonders relentlessly.
Lallgarh Palace - Named after Maharaj Lal Singh, this architectural marvel in red sandstone dedicated by his son, Maharaja Ganga Singh is tastefully designed and decorated.
Sadul Singh Museum - Covering the first floor of the Lalgarh palace, the museum is dedicated to the lives and exploits of three kings of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Sigh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh. The Museum depicts these three kings and their passions through numerous artifacts, displays as well as photographs and life size paintings in more than 20 rooms. A wide spectrum of Georgian paintings, hunting trophies and rare artifacts adorn the museum displays and walls.
Station Road - The Station Road market is a market where it is possible to acquire embroidered footwear (jootis), local fabrics, leather goods and wood as well as traditional; artifacts.
Bikaner - How To Reach
By Plane
By Train