Bikaner Tour

Location
The desert town Bikaner is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in the northern part of Rajasthan, India.


The City Bikaner
The city was founded by Rao Bhikaji, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in the year 1488 A.D. It is surrounded by a seven kilometer long wall with five entrances. This desert city is famous for its traditional Rajasthani architecture, forts and palaces. The history of Bikaner symbolizes its rich culture, arts, handicrafts, tradition and more. This is also known as the camel country and there is a National Camel Farm in Bikaner, dedicated to study this unique creature. The old city was also an important trading route to the central Asia.


Climate
The climate of Bikaner is extreme with high temperature difference and low rainfall. The ideal time to visit the city is during the winter months from October to March.
Sightseeing
The walled city Bikaner offers some mesmerizing tourist places including spectacular forts, havelis, temples and many more.
» Lalgarh Palace - Located just 3km north of the city centre, this red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father. Its a perfect blend of oriental and European architecture, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in the year 1902. It has a number of balconies with delicate latice work. The palace complex also houses a museum named the Shri Sadul Museum covering the entire first floor. The museum is open daily except Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm.

» Junagarh Fort - The magnificent fort was built by Raja Rai Singh during 1588-1593. There are several palaces(mahals) like Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal, Diwan-i-khas and Hawa Mahal. The fort has a 986 m long wall, 37 bastions and two gates. The main entrance to the fort is through the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. The fort is open daily for visitors from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

» Ganga Golden Jublee Museum - Located on the Jaipur road, this museum exhibts some terracotta ware from Gupta period, miniature paintings, traditional musical instruments, oil paintings and some beautifully sculptured images. The museum is open daily except Friday from 10 am to 4.30 pm and the entry fee is Rs 3.

» Camel Research and Breeding Farm - Established in July 1984, the farm is situated just 8km from Bikaner. This is the place where three different breeds of camel are reared here. This is essentially a research centre not a tourist site and is open on Monday to Friday and every second Saturday from 3 to 5 pm(free entry).


Other attractions
Some other major attraction of the city are the Karni Mata Temple, the Lakshminath temple, Jain temples, Gajner Palace and Shiv Bari Temple.


Fairs and Festivals
Several festivals like the Camel festival, Gangaur festival and Kolayat festival shows a glimpse of glorious Bikaner tradition & culture.
The two days Camel festival is organised in the month of January every year. The colourful camel procession, folk dance and music, handicraft stalls and camel trading are the major attractions of the festivals.
The 18 days long Gangaur festival is celebrated during the month of April. The worship of Lord Shiv and goddess Parvati is the main feature of this festival.
The Kolayat festival celebrated on the Kartik month of winter, on the bank of Kolayat lake, display some exciting cultural and religious customs of the city Bikaner.
Shopping
Leather products, handicraft items, miniature paintings, bangles, jewellery and traditional Bikanari Bhujia and sweets are some of the major shopping items. Government Khadi Emporium, Rani Bazzar, Station Road and bazzars near the Kote Gate and Junagarh Fort are some of the main shopping places.