Bikaner

Bang in the midst of the Great Indian Desert Thar, lies the princely Bikaner. Founded in 1488 by Prince Rao Bikaji, a Rathore Prince, the town is resplendent in golden sands. The royals did not let themselves be perturbed by the heat of the desert, since they made it a luxury haven, with numerous palaces e.g. the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Bhawan Palace Hotel and Gajner to count just a few. Each of these has architecture that distinguishes itself from the rest; they all boast of a rich heritage and luxury furnishings and some of these have been aptly converted into heritage hotels with great success.

Bikaner has its fair share of majestic mansions (Havelis) that were the abode of the wealthy and the noble. Bikaner also lies on the route of the luxury train ‘Palace onWheels’.

Bikaner has earned the sobriquet camel country and is known for housing the largest Camel research and breeding farm in the world. Being situated in desert country, Bikaner can be quite hot in the summers and very cold in winters, with sparse rainfall. Home to the mouth-watering Bikaneri Bhujia, Bikaner is a treat for the senses. A must-see while you are in Bikaner are the exquisitely carved Jharokas-stone screens from which the women in earlier times used to watch the world go by. Other attractions include the Usta Art- characterized by miniature paintings and gold embossing.

Bikaner is a land of fairs and festivals. Some of prominent ones include Karni Mata fair, Gangaur, Kapil Muni fair, camel festival, Aksaye Tritya or Akkha Teej. Apart from the fairs and festivals, Bikaner has attractions galore. Famous among them include the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Raj Ratan Bihariand Rasik Siromani Temple, Laxminath Temple, Punrasar Temple, Baldeo Plaza and Mukam Temple. Junagarh Fort was built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner. An unassailable fortress, Junagadh has never been conquered.

Bikaner is not short on sightseeing and attractions. Important ones include Shiv Bari Temple, the Camel Research Farm, the Devi Kund Sagar, Kolayat, Karni Mata Mandir, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalibangan and Laxmi Niwas Palace.

If you enjoy shopping, Bikaner will not disappoint you. From beautiful enamel bangles, carpets, jewellery to exquisite artworks made from camel hide, there is so much variety to choose from. So, what are you waiting for? Come to Bikaner!