Bikaner has magnificence in architecture, art and culture is filled with color, festivity and cultural marvels. The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering the beautiful sand dunes, its ancient palaces, forts and the international Camel festival.
Bikaner is situated in the Thar Desert, the city is a "cultural paradise and a traveler's haven". Bikaner is called as one of the greatest kingdoms of Rajasthan. Bikaner is also famous as the "camel country" for breeding some of the best riding camels.
In Bikaner Sand Dunes and the Desert Safari are major tourist attractions. The other top traveler's attractions are such as Thandai, Bhujias, shopping for the fascinating Ivory and Lacquer items and witnessing the Royal heritage taking the form of wall paintings and arts and crafts in the area.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
The Junagarh Fort in Bikaner is a majestic structure around which the city of Bikaner has developed. The foundation of the fort was laid in 1478 by Rao Bika the ruler of Bikaner. The present Grand Fort was inaugurated on 17th February 1589.
The unique monuments in the fort showcase the 16 generations of rulers in Bikaner of the Rathore Clan starting from the late 16th century. The palaces inside the fort, balconies, the gardens, kiosks, etc., show a blend of architectural styles influenced by the different rulers who ruled the city.
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
The Lallgarh Palace, a marvelous Rajasthani Palace, is present in the beautiful city of Bikaner, Rajasthan in India. The Lallgarh Palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, between 1902 and 1926. The palace is a beautiful example of European architecture style and is now opened for the tourists as a Heritage Hotel and the entire Palace comes under the National Heritage Trust.
Lallgarh Palace is Built with red sand stone, the colours of the beautiful structure when they change shades as the day progresses. The Lallgarh Palace Hotel, is also amazing with massive size rooms and the regal hospitality. One of the wing of the Palace has been maintained only for the Royal family of Bikaner. The other wings are for The Lalgarh Palace Hotel and the Lakshmi Niwas Hotel.
Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner
The Karni Mata temple is located at the town Deshnok which is just 30kms South from Bikaner city. The Temple is also known by the name, as Temple of Rats, because the temple is home to numerous rats which are called as Kaba, and considered holy. The Karni Mata is a incarceration of goddess Durga and the Charanas are the prime devotees of the Mata.
The devotees believe that feeding the Rats around here in the temple brings good faith, especially the sightings of the rare white rats is considered as lucky charm. The karni Mata Fair is held twice in a year at the temple where thousands of devotees arrive at the temple from all over India.
Rampuriya Haveli, Bikaner
Bikaner is famous for its havelis like Rikhji Bagri ki Haveli, Haveli of Bhairondan, Daga Chowk Havelis and Sampatlala Agarwal Haveli, Rampuria group of Havelis are known for their more than 400 years old architecture luxury. With complex details of Jharokhas and carvings, havelis these are no less than palaces.
Gajner Palace, Bikaner
The Gajner Palace is in the city of Bikaner on the banks of Gajner Lake. This beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge for the Royal family. Gajner Palace provides a variety of leisure activities from boat rides to desert safaris. The Gajner Palace is an architectural beauty that now is modernized to host guests. The entire Palace is filled with lush green trees while the glorious palace offers recreational activities like billiards, lawn tennis, cycling, bird watching and wildlife safaris.
Despite the modernization, the walls of Gajner Palace are filled with art and heritage. Bikaner offers the best food they serve, the hospitality they accommodate people with and its vibrant cultural aura. The Thar Desert extends through Bikaner, thereby offers the opportunity to more activities like desert safari and camel rides.
Camel Festival, Bikaner
Bikaner is well famous for hosting Camel Festival in Bikaner which is a two-day event organized every year in January in the land of camels. The Festival is a grand celebration of the rich culture of Bikaner that attracts tourists from all over the world to Bikaner.
The Festival has camel safaris, camel rides, processions, folk dance and various other cultural activities and competitions. The camels are dresses in bright and colorful ornaments and bridles. The burst of vibrant colors in the golden dunes is a sight that cannot match any other celebration in the world.
Bhandasar Jain Temple, Bikaner
Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of the 27 beautiful Jain temple present in the city of Bikaner. The temple is dedicated to the fifth Tirthankara, Sumatinath and it is also considered to be the most beautiful and the highest temple.
The Temple was built by a Jain merchant, Bhanda Shah. The foundation of this temple was filled by pure ghee and dry coconuts. The temple is made of red sandstone and one can enjoy the wall paintings and usta art here.
Sadul Singh Museum, Bikaner
The Sadul Singh Museum is dedicated to the Maharajas of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh and Maharaja Sadul Singh, The Sadul Singh Museum has a beautiful collection of artifacts belonging to the Royal Family, paintings, trophies, weapons, photographs to mention a few. The Museum is the best place to get insights into the heroic activities of the Maharajas.
Ganga Singh Museum, Bikaner
The Ganga Singh Museum has a amazing collection of artifacts from the Harappan Civilization and Gupta Dynasty. The Ganga Singh Museum is a perfect attraction for history and archaeological stuffs as the astonishing antiques like pottery, paintings, terracotta artwork, etc. which provide glimpse into the rich ancient heritage of India.
Best Time To Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit Bikaner is during the Winters when the weather cool and enjoyable from the month of October to March. The summers are not recommended for traveling as hot and dry weather with sand storms.
Conculsion
Bikaner, has a rich history, amazing architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious street foods. The majestic forts and palaces and the unique temples and serene lakes, Bikaner provides a wide range of attractions for the tourists. Bikaner has got something or else to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags, move on to the journey to this beautiful city, and explore the city of Bikaner that will leave you mesmerized.
