Bikaner
Bikaner
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the
desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the
medieval splendor that pervades the citys lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country , the city is renowned for the best
riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of
life here. Be it pulling heavy carts , transporting grains or working on wells,
camels are the prime helpers. The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water
are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender
minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a
distance.
Binakers history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince,Rao Bikaji- a
descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his
kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising
of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called Jangladesh and transformed it
to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder name.
The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from
West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore.
Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km
long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created
with delicacy in redish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical
and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and
cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.
Transportation
Air: Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Road: Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer
330 km.
What to see
Junagarh Fort: Revel in the architectural splendour, as you take an intimate
look at this imposing fort, built by Akbar's contemporary Raja Rai Singh. Within
the fort are thirty seven palaces, pavilions Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the
main entrance to the fort. The palaces worth visiting are Chandra Mahal, Phool
Mahal and Karan Mahal. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and
marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. An array of kiosks
and balconies embellish the fort at intervals, breaking the monotony. A museum
with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the
Junagarh Fort.
Lalgarh Palace: The magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating
juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truly
mesmerised. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost -90
years ago, this is an extraordinary monument. The palace has a billiards room, a
library, a cards room and a smoking room. Belgian chandeliers, cut glass
ornaments, oil paintings and lamps add to its charm.
Bhandeshwar Jain Temples: (5 km) Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated
to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.
Excursions
Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8 km, Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33 kms.
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New Delhi Tour
Rajasthan Historic tour 10 days
Mewari Tour with Agra 7 days
Classic Golden Triangle tour 7 days
Rajasthan Wildlife Safari tour 6 days
Rajasthan Real Adventure 16 days
Rajasthan Tour with Agra 15 days
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Jaipur Tour
Rajasthan Tiger tour 6 days
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Cultural Rajasthan tour 15 days
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Magic of Rajasthan tour 15 days
Agra Tour
Rajasthan Kings tour 9 days
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Magical Golden Triangle tour 6 days
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Colors of Rajasthan 11 days
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Classic Desert tour 11 days
Magical Rajasthan tour 10 days
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Palace tours of Rajasthan 11 days
Forts of Rajasthan tour 11 days
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