Bikaner
About Bikaner
Bikaner, located in Rajasthan, India, is a bustling city that is well-known for its rich cultural legacy. A wide variety of experiences are available in the city, including the magnificent Junagarh Fort, the yearly Camel Festival, and delicious foods like Bikaneri Bhujia. Savor the holiday spirit, take a desert safari, and browse local markets. Take in the splendor of Lalgarh Palace and the tranquil Gajner Palace beside the picturesque Gajner Lake. Imagine Bikaner's rich history and lively culture—a veritable gold mine of Rajasthani customs.
History
Bikaner, formerly a desolate desert before being founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, grew into a prosperous city in the Thar Desert." Rich under Raja Rai Singh, it thrived during the Mughal era and is best known for Junagarh Fort. The 18th century saw Bikaner invest in Junagarh fort under the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh. From 1818 onwards, British suzerainty. Notably, emperors like Ganga Singh and his son Sadul Singh influenced the city's architecture. The Indian Union accepted Bikaner as a member in 1949. As a thriving tourist destination, Bikaner today preserves its history, displayed in buildings like Lalgarh Palace.
Culture
Vibrant celebrations that put joy and celebration front and center include the Camel Festival, Gangaur, and Kolayat, which adorn Bikaner's cultural tapestry. The city is alive with the sounds of traditional Rajasthani folk music, vibrant dances like Ghoomar, and mouthwatering dishes like Bikaneri Bhujia. Architectural treasures such as Lalgarh Palace and Junagarh Fort narrate stories of regal magnificence. The Camel Festival, which features camel races and dances, gives Bikaner's cultural legacy a distinctive touch. Bikaner is a cultural hotspot because local markets like Kote Gate and Bada Bazaar feature traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.
Climate
Bikaner, tucked away in the Thar desert, has a hot desert climate with summers reaching temperatures of over 48 °C and winters below zero. There is not much rain; only 260–440 mm falls yearly.
How to reach
By road
Shekawati or Jaipur connects Delhi with Bikaner. The Shekawati region's rural roads may present difficulties even though the highways are kept up well. The best routes are from Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. For local sightseeing or arrivals, car-taxi services are offered by tour operators and travel agencies. For the trip, Delhi car rental companies provide cars with chauffeurs. Bikaner can be reached by bus or train from neighboring cities, and traveling independently or using a taxi gives you the freedom to stop at interesting places en route.
By plane
there isn't an airport. There are a few flights from the nearby Nal Airport (BKB). A practical substitute that is well-connected to important cities is Jaipur International Airport (JAI). From Jaipur, take the road or train to Bikaner.
By train
From major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Agra, Bikaner can be reached by train. The primary railway station, Bikaner Junction (BKN), provides regular services that link it to cities like Delhi and Jaipur with ease. Take advantage of the well-established rail network and plan your trip with ease.
Tourist review
2 days itinerary
Day 1: Historical Exploration
- Morning: Junagarh Fort
Start the day by taking a look at the magnificent Junagarh Fort. Discover the palaces, elaborate halls, and the Prachina Museum, which features traditional textiles.
- Afternoon: Lalgarh Palace
Take a lunch break at Lalgarh Palace. Savor the architectural wonder and learn about the history of Bikaner's royalty by visiting the museum.
- Evening: Laxmi Niwas Palace
Discover the majestic atmosphere of Laxmi Niwas Palace. Wander through the palace gardens if they are accessible to the public.
Day 2: Cultural and Local Delights
- Morning: Karni Mata Temple
Visit Karni Mata Temple first thing in the morning; it's well-known for its sacred rats. Take note of the distinctive cultural customs.
- Afternoon: Local Markets
Discover the bustling marketplaces of Bikaner, such as Kote Gate and Bada Bazaar. Enjoy regional snacks while shopping for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.
- Evening: Camel Safari or Camel Festival Ground
If possible, end your journey with a camel safari, or go to the location of the renowned Camel Festival, which takes place there every year.
Get around
The best way to get around Bikaner's busy and narrow streets is to hire a trishaw or tongas, which run about ₹250 per day. There are also bicycles available close to the train station.
Things to do
- Junagarh Fort: The rich history of the Bikaner royal family is on display at Junagarh Fort, which Raja Rai Singh constructed circa 1594 CE. The fort is a magnificent structure, encompassing temples, palaces, and museums showcasing artifacts and weaponry. One of the few Indian forts that have never lost a war, it has preserved a tradition of bravery. History buffs and art lovers should not miss exploring its magnificence, distinctive features (such as a water-cooling system), and artwork. With its well-preserved state and readily available guides, the fort adds to the experience by providing insights into royal opulence and strategic brilliance.
- Rampuria Haveli: The Ganga Singh Museum, established in 1937 within Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, traces the city's cultural history with exhibits spanning art, royal fashion, and armor. Commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh, it showcases artifacts from the Harappan age to the Gupta period. The adjacent Prachina Museum, also within Junagarh Fort, highlights Bikaner's rich cultural diversity and serves as a historical marvel. While commercial potential exists, the museum's space is underused, with scope for product development. Despite some shortcomings, it offers valuable insights into Bikaner's heritage, making it a worthwhile visit.
- Prachina Museum: Founded in the fifteenth century, Bikaner was a thriving center of trade. Beautiful courtyard homes and lavish havelis can be seen in the city's historic center. Over 400 years old, the Rampuria Haveli is a stunning example of architecture created by Balujee Chalva for a wealthy Rampuria merchant family. This popular tourist destination showcases the exquisite 15th-century craftsmanship with its detailed red sandstone carvings of flowers, birds, and animals.
- The Laxmi Niwas Palace: Built between 1898 and 1902, Laxmi Niwas Palace is a testament to the splendor of life just before World War I. British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob created the design on a commission from Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. With its elaborate latticework and elaborate interiors, the Indo-Saracenic-style palace—now a luxury hotel—offers guests a royal experience fully immersed in Rajasthan's cultural legacy.
Temples
- Karni Mata Temple: The Karni Mata Temple, 32 km from Bikaner, is devoted to the local goddess Karni Mata, who is thought to guard the Rajput clan. The rats that infest the temple are regarded as sacred by the locals. These rats, called kaabas by their devotees, are thought to be the reincarnations of loyal humans. Because of its uniqueness and the popular belief that seeing a white rat will bring good fortune, the temple draws visitors looking for blessings. Since the rats are free to roam, visitors should proceed cautiously. Regular buses from the temple to Bikaner cost 50 rupees.
- Bhandasar Jain Temple: The vibrant leaf paintings, frescoes, and mirror work of the Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan, are well known. Constructed in the fifteenth century by Bhandasa Oswal, this red sandstone temple honors Sumatinatha, the fifth Tirthankara, with elaborate paintings on its walls and pillars. Fortified by the Archaeological Survey of India, this site is a must-see due to its intricate beauty and profound spiritual meaning.
Museums
- Gajner Palace: Situated on an embankment beside a lake, Gajner Palace is a 6000-acre jewel in the Thar Desert, not far from Bikaner. During the Raj era, it was constructed by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji and used as a hunting retreat for British dignitaries and Maharajas.
Offbeat places
- Shri Laxminath Temple
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel
- Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kodamdesar Bhairav Temple
- Kote Gate
- The Royal Cenotaphs
Do
Take a camel safari and explore the colorful desert near Bikaner
Cultural shows
Kalbelia Dance: The snake charmer dance is a folk dance. Women wore traditional clothing. Folk music performed on the khanjari, pungi, and dholak is accompanied by dancing.
Fairs and festivals
- Kolayatji Fair: Bikaner's 'Kapil Muni Fair' is the biggest fair in Rajasthan, combining religious reverence with ostentatious displays. By immersing themselves in the hallowed Kolayat Lake, devotees attempt to purify their spirits.
- Camel Fair Bikaner
- Gangapur Festival
- Karni Mata Fair
- Holi Fair Bikaner
Shopping malls
- Bikaneri Bhujia: Famous spicy snack.
- Miniature Paintings: Reflecting Rajasthani art.
- Mojari Footwear: Colorful traditional shoes.
- Lac Bangles: Handcrafted colorful bangles.
- Camel Leather Articles: Bags, footwear, and accessories.
- Kundan Work: Intricate jewelry.
- Fabrics: Traditional Bandhani and Sanganeri prints.
- Spices: Bikaner is known for its aromatic spices.
- Handicrafts: Wooden artifacts and pottery.
Food
- Ghevar: A dessert prepared for special occasions.
- Pyaaz Kachori: Spicy onion stuffing inside deep-fried pastries.
- Camel Milk: Bikaner is well-known for its products made from camel milk.
- Ker Sangri: A customary vegetable dish from Rajasthan.
- Rabri: Condensed milk-based sweet dish.
- Laal Maas: Curry with spicy red meat.
- Dal Baati Churma
- Bikaneri Bhujia
Stay
Government hospitals
- Goodwill Eye & General Hospital
- Marwar Hospital. 3.9423 Ratings.
- Barala Hospital & Research Centre.
- Nangal Cancer Hospital & Research Institute.
- Marwad Hospital.
- Shri Ram Group Of Hospital.
- Chiranjivi Multispeciality Hospital.
- Pbm Hospital.
Blood bank
- Kpk Foundation.
- Blood Temple.
- Barala Hospital & Research Centre.
- Bikana Blood Center.
- Sanjeevani Jan Sewa Samiti.
- Shekhawati Blood Centre.
- D B Hospital.
- Swastik Blood Centre.
Go next
Jaisalmer: The "Golden City" of Jaisalmer, located in the middle of the Thar Desert, enthralls visitors with its architecture made of yellow sandstone. The impressive Jaisalmer Fort, which is home to the magnificent Maharaja's Palace and finely carved Jain temples, is the main feature of the city.