Bikaner

A region coveted by several Rajput clans, Bikaner is known as the land of the finest riding camels. The royal walled city of Bikaner, the northern most point on the triangle of desert cities, was founded in 1488 AD., by Rao Bikaji, a descendant of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. It was, once, an important trade centre. The old city is surrounded by 7km long imposing walls and has five entrance gates. The fort and palace, made of reddish-pink sandstone, lie outside the city walls. Bikaner also has several Jain temples and monasteries outside the fort. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

The nearest airport is Jodhpur (243 km). Bikaner is well connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur by rail. Regular bus services link Bikaner to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer and Kolayat.

Junagarh Fort
Raja Raj Singh built the fort between 1588 and 1593. The fort has a 96 metre -long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pol, or Sun Gate, is the main entrance to the fort. The distinctive feature of this fort and its palaces is the unparalleled quality of the stone carving. The Chandra Mahal or Moon Palace, the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace (both decorated with mirrors and carved panels) and the Karan Mahal, which was built to commemorate a grand victory over Aurangzeb are a must visit.

Lalgarh Palace
About 3 km north of the city centre, is the Lalgarh Palace or Red Fort, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone. It has exquisite latticework and filigree work.The Bikaner royal family still resides in part of the palace. The rest of the palace has been turned into a luxury hotel, and a museum called the Shri Sadul Museum. The museum houses an immense range of photographs The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife and an incredible collection of the former maharaja's personal possessions.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
This is one of the best Rajasthan museums. The museum has a rich collection of terra-cotta ware, weapons, coins and miniature paintings of Bikaner school. The exhibits belong to Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time.Incredible India Tours with Indian Travel agent.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Other important shrines of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Biharji, Shiv Bari and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji temple at Kodamesar, about 40 kms from Bikaner is another popular site.Indian packages with Indian Travel Agent.


Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
This 600 year old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a famous mystic of her times, believed to be an incarnation of goddess Durga. Legend has it, that she foretold the victory of Rao Bika. Here, rats are considered holy, and must be looked after