Tourism in Bikaner / Tour Destinations Bikaner
Rao Bikaji, a Rathore prince, founded the city of Bikaner in 1488. Bikaji was one of the sons of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. The legend has it that Bikaji was provoked to set up his own kingdom when his father commented him about whispering in the royal durbar. Thereafter, he started building up his own territory to the north of Jodhpur. His first attention went to sterile wilderness called Jangladesh and he converted it to a remarkable city. By the time Bikaji died in 1504, he had extended his kingdom over 3000 villages. The modern Bikaner, as we see today got prospered under the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh. Read on this Bikaner city guide to know more about the city:
Bikaner lies in the north of Rajasthan on a little elevated ground. A 7 km long besieged wall, having five gates, surrounds the city. Speckled with sand dunes, Bikaner occupied an important position on the ancient caravan routes. It served as a prime trading center to the merchants coming from West/Central Asia. Bikaner travel & tourism brings you across some splendid forts and palaces that serve as a legacy of the rich heritage of the city. Built up in red sandstone, these forts and palaces bring alive the architectural finery in which the state of Rajasthan abounds.
Bikaner in Rajasthan, India is still preserving the medieval magnificence that was once the hallmark of the state. Along with the amazing structures of the city, it is the cheerful people that further enhance the attractiveness of the city. Bikaner also houses one of the largest Camel research and breeding farms in the world. It is renowned for providing best riding camels in the world. Apart from that the Bikaner fair also attracts a number of tourists. A trip to Bikaner will leave you mesmerized with the grandeur of the city.
Prachina Museum: Situated in the Junagarh For, the Prachina Museum houses a rich collection of royal costumes, textiles and accessories. There are also Poshaks (the traditional ladies ensemble) in the museum. Also on display are family portraits of the former rulers of Bikaner.
Lal Garh Palace: A Bikaner, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include the Lal Garh Palace. Maharaja Ganga Singh built the palace in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh in 1902. Constructed in red sandstone, the palace is an architectural delight. The architecture is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. Ornamenting the palace is amazing latticework and filigree work. The palace also houses a rare collection of paintings and hunting trophies.
Junagarh Fort: The Junagarh Fort is one of the forts in India that has never been conquered or seized. Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar built, it in 1593. Enclosed by a moat, the fort has a number of gates. Karan Pol (gate) provides access to the fort. Next to it is Suraj Pol (sun gate). There are a number of buildings within the fort like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal. There is also a Har Mandir, the royal temple for worshipping gods and goddesses. Built in red sandstone and marble, these palaces house numerous courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows .More About Junagarh Fort
Rajasthan State Archives:
This Directorate has in its possession some very precious administrative record of Mughal period like Persian Farmans, Khatoot, Akbarat, Vakil Report, Nishans, Manshurs, Arzdasht, etc. Also housed are the records created during administration of the princely states of Rajasthan such as Chithiat, Parwanas, Pattas, Rukkas, Bahiat, etc. The directorate also provides facilities like microfilming, reference library and research rooms to the researchers.
Ganga Singh Museum: Ganga Singh Museum exhibits an array of archaeological discoveries dating back to the prehistoric Harappan and early Gupta period. The display includes paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.
Bhandeswari Jain Temple:
This temple was constructed in the fifteenth century and Bikaner' s oldest monument. Mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings adorn the temple.
Havelis:
The nobles and the wealthy people of the bygone era used to live in huge mansions known as Havelis. Exquisite carvings and sprawling courtyards adorn these havelis. The most famous havelis of Bikaner are those belonging to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas
Climate
Situated at a height of 228 m, the city of Bikaner experiences a typically desert climate. In the summer time Bikaner weather is quite hot. The average temperature in summers falls in the range of 41.8° C to 28.0° C. In winters, the climate of Bikaner is quite pleasant. The average temperature in the winter season falls in the range of 23.2° C to 5.0° C. Regarding the climatic conditions of Bikaner, Rajasthan in the monsoon season, the rainfall averages between 26 cm and 44 cm. The period of October to February provides the best time to visit the city of Bikaner.
How to Reach Bikaner
By Air
Jodhpur (243 Km) is the nearest Airport while Jaipur (321 Kms), the capital of Rajasthan is well connected to the metros cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
By Rail
Bikaner is connected by rail to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad.
By Road
Bikaner is connected by road with major cities in Rajasthan and North India. Delhi is 456 Km, Jaipur 334 Km and Jaisalmer 333 Km from Bikaner.
