Covered in this Article : Fast Facts, Bikaner - Introduction,
Tourist Places, Transportation, Accommodation, Tour Packages.
Fast Facts
City : Bikaner
Location : Rajasthan North West
Distance : Jaipur 354 kms, North West
Attractions : Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Devi Kund,
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit : October - February
Introducing Bikaner
Bikaner lies in the north west of Rajasthan with international borders
separating it from the adjacent country, Pakistan. The city falls in the
desert lands of the Rajasthan. Bikaner stands established on elevated arid
lands, its old part surrounded by walls that go for seven kms and marked by
fives entrance gates. The place is famous for its unique culture and
outlook, as a trade centre for woolen articles and for its savouring
Rasgullahs, Bhujias and Papads.
The foundation of Bikaner was laid by Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, in the
year 1488. The place at that time was called Jangladesh and featured
uninhabited desert lands. Soon after its foundation, the place developed
into a popular city and derived its name from the founder. Bikaner is also
famous as 'The Camel Country' and offers best camel rides in the world. The
sand dunes, stretched out in artistic patterns; and camels, is a common
sight at Bikaner. Add to this unique music, dance performances and the place
turns out to be fantasy land.
Tourist Attractions At Bikaner
There are many tourist places located in the city where one can spend a
good time. Some of these places are enlisted below :
Junagarh Fort : Junagarh Fort, an impressive medieval
fort, was built by Raja Rai Singh in the year 1587 A.D. With its huge towers
and battlements, the fort is one amongst the few who were never conquered.
This fort is treasured with 37 palaces, temples and quite many pavilions.
Many of these palace are rich decorated with frescoes and paintings. The
palaces also portray marvellous mirror works.
Lalgarh Palace : This palace, built by Maharaja Ganga
Singh, is an architectural wonder in the city of Bikaner. The palace
features a medley of Rajputana, Mughal and European architecture and style
of building. Built in red sandstone the palace has been converted into a
grand hotel with spacious rooms and numerous paintings, that makes up the
rich heritage collection.
Devi Kund : Devi Kund is the site of the cenotaphs built
in the memory of Bika Royal Family. The cenotaphs are built in a typical
Rajput architecture, featuring open canopies and a number of tombs, each
built for the member of the family. The tomb of Maharaja Surat Singh is
quite interesting and presents Rajput paintings on its ceiling.
Ganga Government Museum : This museum, also called as
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, exhibits the hunting trophies of the erstwhile
Maharajas, wooden and metal crafts, glass artifacts, gilded paintings and
some more artifacts.
Gajner
Wildlife Sanctuary : Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary falls in one of the
regions around Bikaner. The sanctuary is situated about 32 kms from the
city, on the Jaisalmer Road. It is inhabited by wild boars, deer, antelopes,
black bucks, desert foxes, hares and hundreds of bird species. The migratory
water birds makes up a special feature of the sanctuary.
How To Reach
To reach Bikaner trains and buses are the convenient means. The city is
connected by rail and road networks with the other cities of Rajasthan and
beyond Rajasthan. Transportation services for Bikaner are given below:
By Rail : Bikaner is connected with railway lines to
several destinations, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Churu and Delhi. Trains
regularly ply between these stations.
By Bus : Available for the city are short and long
distance buses. The bus stand, that lies to the north of the city sees a
regular arrival and departure of the buses. Some long distance buses ply
between the city and destinations like Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota
and Udaipur.
Places Where You Can Stay
Bikaner offers a great many accommodation facilities, depending upon the
kind tourists prefer. There are budget hotels, deluxe accommodation and some
high range hotels, serving in the region. Some popular ones include :
Budget - Evergreen Hotel, Hotel Kishan Palace, Hotel
Deluxe, Hotel Meghsar Castle, Indra Lodge, Hotel Amit.
Deluxe - Hotel Palace View, Hotel Sagar, Bhairon Vilas,
Hotel Sagar, Hotel Kalinga.
