|
|
Bikaner is a beautiful city located on the edge of
Thar desert, in the Northern Rajasthan. It is famous for the old Havelies
and world's largest Camel Research Farm. The city was founded by Bika in
1486 AD, he was the son of Rao Jodha. It is also know as camel country and
famous for the best riding camels in the world. The exotic camel safaris,
its gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at Karni Mata
temple are some of the most interesting aspects of Bikaner. The camel
festival at Bikaner held in the month of January is also an event worth
witnessing if one wants to get the actual color of the place. You can
witness here a rare Hindu and Mughal art is safely preserved. The old city
is walled and consists of many intricately carved palaces and temples.
The fort is remarkably well preserved. It was attacked many times but never
conquered. Bikaner is popularly known as the Camel Country and famous for
the camel races that are held here. The Camel Research Farm is just 8 Kms
from the city and is a place to visit and a good place to go to if you still
have a few hours to kill. The city covers only an area of just 38.10 Sq. Kms
and has more interesting sights to offer, for example, the Har Mandir,
Lalgarh Palace and the nearby Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary.
| |
| |
HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Jodhpur is the nearest airport i.e. 256 Kms. There are daily fights
to Jaipur, Delhi & Mumbai from Jodhpur.
By Rail - Bikaner Railway Station is well connected to the other major
cities with regular & express trains like Jaipur-Bikaner Express, Intercity
Express, Ranakpur Express and Sarai Rohilla Express.
By Road - Bikaner is well connected to the major cities of Rajasthan by
roads. You can try the Rajasthan State Transport buses or private luxury
coaches.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Bikaner is between October to March.
|
WHAT TO SEE |
|
|
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - It was established
in 1937 on the eve of the Golden jubilee celebrations of Maharaja
Ganga Singh, this Museum now run by the Government of Rajasthan. It
was located near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner & was shifted to a new
building in the Civil lines in 1954. This museum is displays an
excellent collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings
of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid master pieces
of Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the
late classical time.
|
 |
|
Bhandasar Jain Temple - The 15 century Temple,is
the oldest and distinct monument of Bikaner dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji, the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain
Religion. The temple is decorated
with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. The beautiful
temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.Pure ghee (butter
oil) and coconuts were reported to have been used in laying the
foundation. Carved in red sand stone and white marble - its famous for
carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artistically designed
statues.
Distance :5 km.
|
 |
|
Camel Research Centre - The National Research
Centre on Camel, Bikaner is located in the Jorbeer area at a distance
of about 10 km from Bikaner city. It was established on 5th July 1984.
Prior to that the Centre was known as camel breeding farm under the
aegis of college of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan
Agricultural University, Bikaner. The Centre has the responsibility to
conduct basic and applied research for the improvement of camel. The
Centre has been identified as one of the important tourist place of
Bikaner and is included in the tourist map of Rajasthan. The Centre
has developed a camel museum which attracts the attention of
researchers and tourist. Every year thousands of Foreign and Indian
tourists visit the Centre.
|
 |
|
Laxmi Nath Temple - Lakshmi Nath Temple is one
of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner was laid
here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical
monument has special identity. This temple was erected during the
reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of
artists and artisans . It was later developed by Maharaja Ganga Singh
Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the
unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half
centuries.
|
 |
|
Lallgarh Palace and Sadul Museum - The
architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by
Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942 A.D.) in the memory of his father
Maharaja Lal Singh ji in 1902 AD. The palace has beautiful latticework
and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and
dancing peacocks make it to be a not -to-be missed visual treat. This
oriental fantasy Designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely a
hybrid architecture -a mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim
and European styles and can be categorized as Indo-Seresanic style.
The Rajput exterior of this palace contrasts dramatically with the
occidental decor within. The intricately dexterous carving on red
sandstone is a hallmark of great craftsmanship. The exotic palace has
magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles , Italian colonnades
and motif of lotus in full bloom , adding to the magic of this jewel
of the desert. Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the past vintage
etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The palace has it's own
museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap
and skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges.
|
 |
|
Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace.
part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum
known as Shri Sadul museum which was donated by late his highness
maharaja Dr. Karni Singh ji of Bikaner to Maharaja Shri Ganga singhji
Trust Bikaner in the year 1972 . Princess Rajyashree Kumari of
Bikaner, Chairperson of Trust played a very important role in the
establishment of this museum.
|
|
|
The museum covers the entire first floor of the
Lallgarh palace and depicts the lives and times of three successive -
Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh through the various
artifacts and photographs displayed in 22 rooms.
|
|
|
Shiv Bari Temple - Built by Dungar Singhji in
the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement
wall. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi
facing the Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known
as bawaris. This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors
during Shravan (Feb) especially on Mondays.
|
|
|
A splendid temple building made of white marble. It is
a fine example of Indo-Mugal architecture, situated on King Edwats
Memotial Road, near Junagarh Fort. The temple was built by the 18th
rular of Bikaner state, Lork Ratan Singh, in 1846 A.D., It is
dedicated to Lord Krishna. The outer portion of this this temple has
an ethereal beauty. The xanctum of the temple is unique where the idol
of lord Krishna and his wife and his girl friend are fixed. The temple
has very spaciors quadrangle floor made of marble. Arcade design
beside the Quadrangle floors made the sight very magnificent. You are
recommended to see the sight of this lovely temple.
|
 |
WHERE TO EAT
There few good restaurants which serves Rajasthani, Indian and Continental
dishes. You can try the multi cuisine restaurants at the luxury hotels.
TOP
|
|
