Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I:- the Bikaner Tour. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect of Bikaner is the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the northeast down to the southern area. Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that has withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.
The origins of Bikaner can be traced back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, founded the kingdom. Legend has it that Bikaji, one of Rao Jodhaji’s five sons, left his father’s Durbar in annoyance after an insensitive remark from his father, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. Bikaji traveled far and when he came upon the wilderness called Jangladesh, he decided to set up his own kingdom and transformed it into an impressive city. You can buy Bikaner Tour Package.
Table of Contents
Visiting Places in Bikaner
JUNAGARH FORT
Junagarh is an impregnable bastion that holds the distinction of having never been captured. It was constructed in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s most distinguished generals. The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble and visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and windows. You can buy Bikaner Tour Package for Junagarh Fort
NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON CAMEL
The National Research Centre on Camel is 8 kilometers from the city. This camel research and breeding center is the only one of its kind in Asia. The center is spread out over 2000 acres of semi-arid land and is managed by the Government of India.
LALGARH PALACE AND MUSEUM
Maharaja Ganga Singh commissioned the construction of this majestic palace. This architectural marvel is made entirely of red sandstone and was built in 1902 to commemorate his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The design was conceptualized by Sir Swinton Jacob, who created this oriental fantasy by blending Rajputana, Islamic, and European architecture.
RAMPURIA HAVELI
Bikaner has several havelis (aristocratic homes), the most famous cluster being the Rampuria Group of Havelis. Built of dulcimer (red) stone, every aspect of the havelis – jharokhas (casements), entrances, latticed windows, divankhanas, gumaharias, or basements – is simply exotic. Leaves and flowers decorate every jharokha, lending it a pleasant touch. These massive havelis are decorated with golden work of the highest quality. Their dankhanas (drawing rooms) take one back to the Mughal and Rajput eras. One can notice an abundance of Victorian influence in their design as well. The wood carvings in Rampuria Havelies are extremely exquisite. Spaced close to each other, the havelis are truly a sight to behold.
GANGA GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
Described as the best museum in the State, the museum contains a rich display of archaeological artifacts from Harappa and the early Gupta periods. There are separate sections for paintings, arts, and crafts, woven carpets, clay pottery, ancient coins, and Rajput weaponry.
LAXMI NIWAS PALACE
Laxmi Niwas Palace was the residence of the king of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh. Built between 1898 and 1902 by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, this structure displays an Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It is now a luxury hotel. You can buy Bikaner Tour Package for Laxmi Niwas Palace.
PRACHINA MUSEUM
Located in the great Junagarh Fort, this museum hosts royal costumes, textiles, and accessories of Rajasthani royalty. The ‘Poshaks’ (garments worn by ladies) is a reminder of the now-lost craft of traditional designs, styles, and workmanship. The family portraits on display narrate a story about how changing cultural settings influenced the style of immortalizing the former rulers.
JAIN TEMPLE BHANDASAR
ain Temple Bhandasar is a 15th-century temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar (a person that has conquered the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and paved the path for others to attain nirvana), Sumatinathji, and is one of the oldest monuments of Bikaner. The temple design includes intricate mirrorwork, murals, and gold leaf paintings. Devotees throng to the temple from all corners of the country.
KODAMDESAR TEMPLE AND LAKE
24 kilometers from Bikaner is the Kodamdesar Temple. Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji was installed by Rao Bikaji sometime during the first three years of his arrival from Jodhpur. This place of worship was initially chosen as the site to lay the foundation of Bikaner but was later shifted to its present location. A Beautiful lake is situated in the backyard of this temple. The serenity and tranquility of this lake memorize the devotees and the Tourists.
Is Bikaner worth visiting?
Is Bikaner worth a visit? I would 100% recommend that you add Bikaner to your list, you won’t be disappointed! Bikaner has so much to offer visitors in terms of forts, palaces, temples, food, sweets, shopping, and the mysteries of the desert too!
You can visit all over Bikaner in just approx 7,000 thousand including stay and food.
