About Bikaner Tourism
Bikaner is a lively, dust-swirling desert town with a wonderful fort, a refreshing outpost feel and a burgeoning tourist skill. Close to the fort lies the wobbly old walled city, a medieval maze of narrow, dark and not smooth streets beautified with rubbish heaps, medicine men, gambling dens, dark-red sand stone havelis and a few delicately painted Jain temples.
Founded in 1488, the city of Bikaner forms the third central destination in the desert triangle, along with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. It is Rajasthan's fourth major city, located in the Thar Desert. Commonly addressed as the camel country, it is a city surrounded by sand dunes. The enforcing Junagarh fort and lots of palaces within it, add to its timeless attractiveness.
More willingly called the camel country; the city is marked for the best riding camels in the earth and hence boasts of having one of the major Camel research and breeading farm in the globe. The ship of the desert is an indivisible part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells.
These are built on elevate plinths with thin minarets on each of the 4 corners and can be detected even from a distance. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji established his kingdom. Bikaji was one the 5 sons of Rao Jodhaji the famous founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most exploratory of them. It is said that an unfeeling remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar aroused Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.
The barren wasteland called Jangladesh became his center point and he distorted it to an remarkable city. He achieved his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages deserted by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had reached over 3000 villages.
Modern Bikaner is the consequence of the foresight of its most well-known ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative enthusiasm set the pace for Bikaner shift from a principality to a prime princely state. The planned location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan paths that came from West/Central Asia made it a major trade centre in those times.
Bikaner stands on a faintly enhanced ground and is circumscribed by a 7 km long castled wall with 5 gates. The wonderful forts and palaces, made with airiness in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural heritage. Surging lanes, colored markets with brilliant and happy folks create Bikaner an interesting experience to search.
Forts & Palaces in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
It is an irrefutable fortress, which has never been inhibited. Constructed in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the grandest generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a redoubtable structure surrounded by a moat.
The major capture to the fort is Karan Pol [gate] that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol significant the sun gate. The fort comprises in it some very wonderful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of enjoyment. The Har Mandir is the imperial chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, built in red sandstone and marble, create a charming ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The basis also houses a museum which is a range of a rich collection of artifacts and other usefulness items of the previous rulers.
Lalgarh Palace
This impressive palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental illusion. This architecture is a synthesis of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The outside contrasts noticeably with the oriental interiors and comforts.
The palace has gorgeous latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a lovely craftsmanship.
The Palace has a remarkable collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting trophies. Sprawling lawns with flourishing bougainvillea and dancing peacocks create a visual lavishness.
Temple
Bhandeswari Jain Temple
Bhandeswari Jain Temple is a 15th century temple and is the oldest tombstone of Bikaner. The temple is graced with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.
Havelis are ancient signs of dwelling of the gracious and wealthy. They are known for their opulent life manner and complex carvings and craftsmanship along with straggly courtyards. Bikaner is full of such havelis and the prominent amongst them belong to Kotharis, Rampurias, Vaids and Dagas. To see these havelis the advised route is Gogagate, Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar Gate.
Devi Kund
This is the place of royal chhatris (cenotaphs) of the House of Bikaji Rathore, constructed in the memory of the Bika family rulers. These provide splendid instances of the Rajput architecture. While the Mughals constructed lavish mausoleums for the royal lifeless, the Rajputs, with their style for the novel set up chattris. Open canopies with a robust eye for detail, they mark the spots where each of the Bikas was cremated. It has a number of tombs committed to different kings of the past. One exacting tomb of interest is that of Maharaja Surat Singh, constructed completely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceiling. One cannot miss the amazing Rajput paintings on the ceilings.
Devi Kund sagar is located 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here. On the sides of reservoir of water lie the Royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to last Maharaja Karni Singhji as well as those of their wives and other vital members of families. There are cenotaphs (Chhatries) of 22 satiles of royal family anterior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji (1745-1787). There is also one cenotaph of a sata (male sati) of a ruler. The architecture of the Chhatries is the major attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built wholly in white marble with prominent Rajput paintings on its ceiling. Close by is a Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer, which is held in high admiration by Muslim society and other people.
Deshnok Temple
The Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is devoted to an early 15th century spiritualist who was believed to be a re-embodiment of goddess Durga.
The strong point of the temple is that it is populated by legions of brown rats which scurry around the composite without any fear. The rats are believed to be respositories of the souls of dead charans, the customary bards.
A devotee gives milk, grains and sweets to these rats for the period to aarti. There are so lots of rats on the floor that people have to watch where they step. Spotting a while mouse is believed auspicious. It is considered that the Maharaja of Bikaner had a dream in which the goddess asked him to defend the rats and for this reason, there is bronzy wire mesh across the temple.
Bikaner's ruler Ganga Singh constructed the entire temple in marble. The domes of the temple are created of silver and gold. The manadap and the panels above the picture are also golden. Devotees place offerings in silver and gold when their prayers are replied.
The complicated works on the main gate of the temple is a compliment to the well craftsmanship of the artisans of those days. On the event of Navratri, this temple hosts a fair which pulls hordes of pilgrims from places far the close to.
C.Excrsions
Camel Research Farm
Camels are even-toed ungulates in the genus Camelus. The Dromedary or Arabian Camel has a single hump, and the Bactrian Camel has two humps. They are inhabitant to the dry and desert regions of western Asia and East Africa, and middle and East Asia, severally. The average life bated breath of a camel is 50 to 60 years. The word camel is also utilized more generally to identify any of the 6 camel-like creatures in the family Camelidae: the 2 true camels, and the 4 South American camelids: Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña.
Humans initial domesticated camels between 3,500-3,000 years ago. The Dromedary and the Bactrian camel are both still utilized for milk (which is supplementary nutritious than cow's milk, meat, and as beasts of burden) the Dromedary in western Asia, and the Bactrian camel additional to the north and east in central Asia.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace is a magnificent architectural edifice in the Thar Desert constructed on the embankment of a lake. Constructed by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, this Grand Heritage property is spread over 6000 acres. Gajner Palace assisted as a hunting resort by the previous Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj. During the rule of Maharaja Ganga Singhji, this palace was utilized for grand shoots and plentiful activity. Christmas season was frequently celebrated with set duck and Imperial Sand Grouse hunting.
The Palace currently has a private wildlife sanctuary, which is residence to endangered antelopes like the chinkara, black buck, neelgai and other animals. During winter months, the lake becomes residence to more than a hundred species of migratory birds, with the Imperial Sand Grouse.
While at Gajner Palace, one can view the photographs of the days of the Raj which have been thoroughly arranged in the corridors. Each collection has been cautiously restored to its unique grandeur; right from the furniture to the wall paper, every small detail has been renovated.
During the occupy Gajner Palace, one should attempt a camel, horse or a jeep safari into the wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife is abundant and the best time for the safari is the early morning or the evenings when the wildlife masses to the lake to drink water.
Kolyat
Kolayat is placed 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple multifaceted of Kolayatji and a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The fable has it that Kapil Muni the supporter of Shankya yoga of the Hindu philosophy while his amble towards northwest was struck by the tranquility and peace of this place and selected to perform tapasya (penance) here for the salvation of the world. This place has since developed great holiness. The complex has numerous temples, pavilions and bathing ghats. A dip in the holy waters of the lake particularly on Kartik Poornima (November) is believed very auspicious.
Katariasar Village
Located approximately 45 km from Bikaner, on the Jaipur road, is the Katariasar village. The village furnishes a window into the cultural rural and cultural life of Rajasthan. The village has a rich wildlife around it, comprising of Chinkara, Desert fox, Rabbit, Peacock, Parrot, Pat, etc. this village is also well-known for its fire dancers, performing to the beat of drums on a bed of burning coals.
D. Museum
Ganga Singh Museum
Generally recognized as the best museum in the state, it displays a rich lay out of archaeological discoveries from prehistoric Harrapan and early Gupta era. Divide parts are carefully preserved for orderly glimpses on paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.
The museum is open to the visitors from 10:30 in the morning to 16:30 in the afternoon. Fridays and the government vacations are rest days for the employees of the museum and the internal cares are observed on those days. So the normal visitors are not appropriated on those days. A meager sum of Rs. 3 is charged as the entry fees.
Sadul Museum
This museum is preserved in the first floor of the Lalghar Palace. It has a broad range of Georgian paintings and uncommon artifacts in its collection. A visit to the museum discloses the Maharaja's deep interest in art. It also residences a collection of the previous Maharaja's individual possessions - which comprise an electric toothbrush, golf clubs, camera; passport etc.The museum is open from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily except Sundays. Entry fee for the Indian Nationals is Rs. 10 whereas Rs. 20 is charged from the foreigners.
Prachina Museum
It's a museum situated in the great Junagarh Fort. The museum is devoted to royal dresses, textiles and accessories. 'Poshaks' or the ladies ensemble displayed are perhaps the last remnants of the traditional designing styles and workmanship. The museum also reveals a study of altering cultural settings in its show of family portraits of the previous rulers. Alters embarked by the western influences look strikingly. The bright glimpses of legacy that survived in the contemporary Bikaner are also seeable.
The museum is frequently open from 9 A.M. to 6P.M.Entry fee for a mature Indian is Rs. 10 whereas Rs. 5 is levied from a kid or student. Foreigners require paying Rs.25 for entering the museum. An additional charge of 20 is gathered for the still camera and Rs.75 for video cameras.
Reaching Bikaner
By Road
The district is well linked with metallic roads with all nearby district namely Jodhpur, Nagaur, Churu and Sri Ganganagar. The National Highway No.11 linking Bikaner with Agra also finishes in Bikaner itself. The total length of dissimilar category of roads in the district is about 3,624 kms as on 31 March 2000.
By Rail
The total rail complex found in the district has the rail length of 234.96 kms. The district is linked with Howrah by broad gauge and with Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Sri Ganganagar, Agra and Bhatinda by metre gauge railway line.
Air Transport
The nearest airport is at Jaipur (320 Kms). Therefore really speaking without a associating mode by rail or road it is not actually potential to reach Bikaner by Air.
