Bikaner - Fact File
Location : Rajasthan, India.
Population : 4,000,00 approximately
Main Languages : Marwari, Hindi, English and Rajasthani.
Major Attractions : Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Jain Temple, Camel breeding farm.
Climate : Extreme climate, Summer temp : 45°C and 30°C, Winter temp : 24°C and the minimum is 5°C.
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March.




Bikaner - The Camel Country
Bikaner is a desert town situated in the northern part of Rajasthan. The town was founded in 1488 A.D by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Jodhaji,. Like many other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner is surrounded by seven km long wall with five entrance gateways. Bikaner is known chiefly for its intricately carved reddish pink sandstone forts, palaces and temples. The town was the centre of art and culture of medieval India, even today Bikaner retains its old charm. Popularly known as the Camel Country, Bikaner was once an important staging post on the famous caravan trade routes. The ship of desert, Camel is an essential part of Bikaner, they transport grains, pull heavy carts and work the wells.
Camel Festival
The Camel Festival or Dhala Maru is the latest attraction of Bikaner, which is held every year in the end of January. Camels from different parts of Rajasthan take part in competition wearing colourful dresses. Folk dances and music of the region are also performed here.

Attractions of Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is the main attraction of Bikaner, which leaves the visitors spell bound. The fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the Mughal Emperor Amkbar's army. Junagarh Fort has a 986 metre long wall with 37 bastions (domes), a moat and two entrances. The Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort, another gate is the Karan Pol facing the east. Junagarh Fort was very secure and even many attacks could not destroy this fort. The fort is superb ensemble of palaces, courtyards, balconies, koisks, towers and windows. Built with red and pink sandstone the imposing fort has beautifully carved palaces adorned with excellent paintings and murals. Amongst the most interesting palaces are - the Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) and Karn Mahal. Other palaces are Rang Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Ganga Mahal. Apart from the palaces, the fort houses the Har Mandir, the dedicated to Lord Shiva and a museum.

Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh palace or Red Fort was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The Palace is 2.5 kms north of the city and was built between 1902 and 1926. Designed by the European Sir Swinton Jacob, the red sandstone fort is unique combination of Western opulence and eastern imagination. Lalgarh Palace is known for its beautiful lattice work, overhanging balconies, big halls, lounges, cupolas, pavilions and garden. In the second floor of the palace is a museum called 'Shadul Museum', which has a rare collection of royal artifacts and nicknacks. Bikaner royal members live in a part of the palace and a hotel is opened in another part.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
Ganga Golden Jubilee museum is considered one of the best museums in Rajasthan. The museum contains Gupta Period's terracotta works, Kushan and pre-Harappa artifacts. It also has the collection of pottery, royal dresses and jewelleries, weapons, paintings and miniatures of the Bikaner school. The museum is open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. all weekdays except Fridays.

Jain Temple
The Jain Temple complex is 5 kms away from the town. Bhandeshwar (1571) and Sandeshwar (1536) are the two main temples, which are named after the two brothers who constructed these temples. Bhandeshwar was dedicated to 13th Trirthankra, Suminath and Sandeshwar Temple was dedicated to 22nd Trirthankra, Neminath. Bhandeshwar temple is adorned with fine glass work and frescoes while Sandehswar temple is popular for its enamelled and golden patterned picturesque wall paintings.

Devi Kund
Situated 8 kms to the west of the town, Devi Kund is the site of the Chattaris of the rulers of Bikaner. Rao Kalyan Mai chattari is the oldest among the chattaris. The white marble chattari of Maharaja Surat Singh is the most imposing chattari here.

Camel Breeding Farm
Camel Breeding Farm is 10 kms south of the town run by Central government. Built in 1975, it spreads over an area of 2000 acres and provides a breeding ground for hundreds of camels. Camel Breeding Farm is unique in Asia and one can enjoy a camel ride and even taste the camel milk.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Ganjer Wildlife Sanctuary is 32 kms South-West of the town on the Jaisalmer Road. The sanctuary houses a number of animal like Nilgai, Chinkara, Black buck, Wild boar, Chital, Sambar, Rabbits, Partridges etc. In winter imperial sand grouse and millions of migratory birds come to the sanctuary.

Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata temple is at Deshnok, 33 kms south of the town on the Jodhpur road. This temple is dedicated to mystic Karni Mata an reincarnation of Goddess Durga. Major attractions of the temple are huge silver gates and the marble carvings but the main interest here is the rats. The rats are considered sacred and are fed and cared for in the belief that they will reincarnate as holy men.

Accommodation
Bikaner has several hotels which offer good accommodation facility. There are many budget hotels as well as luxury hotels around the railway station and other parts of the town. Some of the famous hotels are - Hotel Lalgarh Palace (Heritage), Basant Vihar Palace (Heritage), Gajner Palace Hotel (Heritage), Karni Bhawan Palace (Heritage), Laxmi Niwas Palace (Heritage), Deluxe Hotel, Delight Hotel etc.

How To Reach Bikaner
By Air : Nearest airport is located at Jodhpur (256 kms), which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities of India.

By Rail : Bikaner railway station is connected to towns of Rajasthan and other parts of India. Trains are available from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Delhi.

By Road : Bikaner is linked by National Highways and State Highway with cities of Rajasthan and other places of India. Deluxe (A/C) coach and other buses run to Bikaner from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Agra and Delhi.