Where is Bikaner?
Bikaner (321 km from Jaipur) is located in the state of Rajasthan in
northwestern India, completing the Desert trio along with Jaisalmer and
Jodhpur. Bikaner is a royal walled city with a history dating back to 1486
AD.
What is the city famous for?
The city of Bikaner is Known worldwide for its exquisite forts, magnificent
temples and of course the exotic Camel Safaris.
How will you gain access?
The Jodhpur Airport is the closest airport. Jaipur, the state capital, is
well linked to Delhi (460 km), Mumbai (1304 km), Kolkata (1810 km) and
Chennai(2303 km). From Bikaner there is regular train service to Jodhpur.
National Highways and State Highways provide a fabulous road-network.
Major Attraction Places of Bikaner
The city of Bikaner has an extreme desert type of climate with scanty
rainfall. Temperature during the summers can go up to a maximum of 41.8
degrees centigrade. During the winters, temperature touches a minimum of 5
degrees. The average annual rainfall ranges between 26 and 44 cm.
What
magnetises people?
» Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in the 15th century. The fort
is one of the most splendid forts of northern India. The fort is surrounded
by a 96 m long wall and has 37 bastions and 2 entrances. Suraj Pol or the
Sun Gate is the main entrance of the fort. The fort houses exquisite palaces
like the Chandra Mahal, the Flower Mahal and the Karan Mahal.
» Lalgadh Palace
The Lalgadh Palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga
Singh. It presents a wonderful mix of the Oriental and the European style of
architecture. Beautiful lattice and filigree work can be seen inside the
palace. However, part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel
and the Sri Sadul Museum.
» Ganga Golden Jubilee Temple
The
Ganga Golden Jubilee Temple is counted among the best temples in Rajasthan.
The temples houses a magnificent collection of sculptures, terra cotta ware
and paintings.
The Bandheshwar and the Sandheshwar temple lie at a distance of 5 km from
the city. The temples are named after two brothers who erected the
structures. The golden leaf paintings and the mirror work in the temple are
worth watching. The temples are dedicated to the 23rd Jain Teerthankar
Parasvanathji.
» Bandheshwar and Sandheswar Temple
Which are the nearby hotels?
Bikaner provides ample opportunities in point of accommodation as
well. There are numerous heritage hotels like Lalgarh Palace (3 km from
Bikaner railway station), Raj Vilas Palace (3 km from Bikaner railway
station), Laxmi Niwas Palace (5 km from Bikaner railway station), Ganjer
Palace (32 km from the Bikaner railway station) etc. Hotel Basant Vihar
Palace, a 3-star, is located at a distance of 3 km from the Bikaner railway
station.
Where should you shop?
Shopping in Bikaner is sure to provide you an insight into the glorious
culture of the city. One can buy camel leather shoes, camel leather chairs,
camel leather belts, camel fur rugs, miniature paintings, lac bangles etc.
During the annual camel festival you can visit the brilliant desert stalls
aglitter with traditional handicrafts. One can also buy the famous Bikaner
Bhujia and Bikaner sweetmeats. And don't forget to have a sip of the special
camel-milk tea.
