Bikaner Tour

Facts and Figures
» Location from Major Metros : Delhi (460 Kms), Mumbai (1304 Kms), Calcutta (1810 Kms), Chennai (2303 Kms ).

» Known for : Bikaneri bhujia namkeen, jail carpets, grand fort and Lalgarh Palace.

» Climate & the best time to visit : The climate at Bikaner is extreme desert type. The temperature in the summers ranges between 41.8 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius while the temperature in the winters ranges between 23.2 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius. Bikaner receives very low rainfall which ranges around 26 cm annually. The best time to visit Bikaner is between the months of October and March.


The city
Bikaner, the royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was established in 1486 A.D by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Rao Jodhaji was the father of Bikaji, who asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. Bikaji accepted the challenge and choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.

To protect the city from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression, a seven-kilometer wall with five entrances was build. The city developed as an important trade center between Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries. The unbroken line of descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence. Bikaner is known for good breed of riding camels, which are among the best in the world. The camel festival held every year is famous all over the globe. Bikaner has many glorious buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional glory of the medieval era, which pulls innumerable visitors here year after year.

Attractions in the city
» Junagarh Fort : This fort was built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh and is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. It has some beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal within the fort and is one of the most enchanting and well-maintained forts with an awesome museum of artifacts, artillery and weapons. The fee for visiting the museum is Rs. 50 per head.

» Lal garh Palace : Lal garh palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in red sandstone in the memory of his beloved father Maharaja Lall Singh in the year 1902. This palace is an architectural masterpiece and was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. It is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The royal family of Bikaner still lives in part of the palace and the rest of it has been converted into a hotel. The palace has an astonishing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting trophies.

» Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is known as the best museum in the state and houses an array of archaeological discoveries from pre-historic Harrapan and early Gupta period. The museum has an excellent collection of paintings, arts and crafts, terracotta, pottery, coins, carpets and ancient weaponry.

» Bhandasar Jain Temple : This temple is carved in red sandstone and white marble and is oldest existing structure in Bikaner. This beautiful temple was built near Laxminath temple in 1544 AD by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandehswar. The temple is famous for its carvings, wall paintings, gold leaf paintings and rich mirror work.


Other places of interest
Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples : Situated 5 Kms from the city, these temples are the oldest surviving monuments of aesthetic heritage. The temples are dedicated to 23rd Jain teerthankar, Parasvanathji. These temples are named after two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar who constructed these temples. The mirror work and the gold leaf paintings in the temple are remarkable.

» Devi Kund : Situated around 8 Kms from Bikaner, Devi Kund is the royal crematorium with a number of cenotaphs. The chattri of Maharaja Surat Singh is most impressive. There are spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings.

» Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary : Located 32 Kms on the Jaisalmer road is the Gajner wild life sanctuary. This lush green sanctuary is encircled by wooded hills and lakes. One can easily spot a Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck or flocks of Sand Grouse and Wild Boar residing in the sanctuary.

» Samadhis : Samadhis is 7 km from Bikaner at the bank of Devikund. Here several Chattries can be seen that were built by Maharajas of Bikaner. Chhatri of Maharaja Karan Singh and another of Maharaja Anup Singh are superior.


How to reach
» Air : Nearby airports are at Jodhpur (254 km) and Sanganer airport at Jaipur (325 km). These airports are connected with frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur.

» Rail : Bikaner is well connected by frequent train services with all the major cities of India. Direct trains are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Agra, Allahabad and Kanpur.

» Road : Bikaner has a good network of roads connecting it with major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and Ajmer. There are frequent bus and private taxi services to and from Bikaner to other cities.