Bikaner- Citadle of Cultural & Camels 

The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle. 

More popularly called the camel country , the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts , transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers.The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. 

Binaker’s history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince,Rao Bikaji- a dexdendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’ and trandormerd it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’ name. 

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is cirucmscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience. 

General Information 

Area : 38.10 sq. km. 
Altitude : 237 metres 
Climate Summer : 41.8 degree C(Max.) 28.0 degree C(Min) Winter : 23.2 degree C(Max.) 5.0 degree C(Min) 
Rainfall 26-44 cms. 
Clothing Summer: light tropical Winter : light woolen 
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English 
Best Season October to March.

Places To Visit

Junagarh: Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. 

Lal Garh Palace: The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.5.00(closed on Wednesday). 

The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate: It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvelous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels, and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal, Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within. 

The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. Timings: 10:00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs. 50.00 for complete museum with guide, Rs.10.00 for part of museum. Rs.5.00 for students and military officials. Rs. 30.00 for camera and Rs.50.00 for movie camera. 

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.3.00(closed on Friday). The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region. 

Gardens and Parks: Ganga Public Park with a Zoo, Ratan Bihari Temple Park and Tessitory Park are some of the lovely parks in the city. Surely worth a visit.