Bikaner is famous for Known for producing the best riding camels in the world, Bikaner, in the desert state of Rajasthan, is also known as the ‘Camel Country’. The Ship of the Desert is an indivisible part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts to transport grains and goods or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. From catering and fashion to traveling and entertainment, the camel is a day-to-day necessity.
Bikaner- The Red City
The wells of Bikaner, an important resource of water for the locals, are another attraction of the city.
Bikaner’s history dates back to 1486 AD when Rao Jodhaji, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur challenged his son to establish his own kingdom. For Prince Rao Bikaji, one of the five sons of Rao Jodhaji, the barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it into an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the Shankhas. When Bikaji died in 1504, his rule had extended to more than 3,000 villages.
Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler, Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943), whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner’s transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.
The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes headed to Central Asia made it a prime trade center in medieval times.
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 reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes and colorful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting destination to explore.
Bikaner is as famous for its savory Bikaneri Bhujia as it is for its sweets. It is also known for its handicrafts, leather articles and for having the biggest camel farm of Asia. The city is known for its intricately carved jharokha. These stone screens are found on the windows of forts and havelis. Traditionally, women would use the screens to watch the world while remaining hidden. The red sandstone for these stone window screens is supplied by the nearby village of Dulmera.
Bikaner is also a center for Usta art. The work for the prosperity of Usta art has been done in Bikaner for centuries. Usta art is characterized by miniature paintings and gold embossing done on ceilings, pillars, walls, marble, wooden and glass wares and ivory. But its real beauty and charm can be seen on the pieces of camel hide. The products of Usta art have been the acquaintance of Bikaner for centuries.
Bikaner is a cultural paradise and a traveler’s haven. This city will hold you captive in its forts, mesmerize you with its scenic beauty, and astonish you with its glorious past. With extremely fascinating places to visit in Bikaner, the city will call you back time and again.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan
Easily accessible by air, rail, and road, Bikaner boasts many tourist places that will interest history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Before we move on to the top tourist places in Bikaner, here are a few essentials that’ll help you plan your trip to Bikaner.
Visiting Places in Bikaner
If you love to be associated with a city that has a rich cultural heritage, you need to be in Bikaner. The city was established in the year 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, a Rajput prince. The city is known for producing great warriors. The excavations from this city prove that the civilization was at its peak here even before the Harappan civilization. Imposing palaces, forts, and stunning temples with great architecture boast the finesse of the Rajput civilization. Here are the 7 places to visit in Bikaner, which are all-time favorites for tourists.
- Junagarh Fort
- Lalgarh Palace
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Shri Laxminath Temple
- Ganga Singh Museum
- Sadul Singh Museum
- Jain Temple
Popular Places to Visit Near Bikaner
A visit to Bikaner would be incomplete without paying a visit to its nearby places. So plan ahead and keep enough time in your itinerary for a day trip to these tourist attractions near Bikaner :
- Deshnoke
- Nagaur
- Khimsar
- Salasar
- Churu
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BIKANER
The heritage hotels of Bikaner, which were royal palaces, havelis, and forts earlier, are known for treating their guests royally. The city also has three-star, two-star, and budget hotels.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BIKANER
Bikaner loves its bhujias so much they’ve named a market after it! The Bhujia Bazaar is a great place to sample typical Bikaneri cuisine that includes everything from local variations of kachoris and samosas to kulfis… and bujias of course.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BIKANER
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Bikaner is as given below. The best time to visit Bikaner is also specified.
