Bikaner

Location: North Western Part of Rajasthan
Climate of Bikaner: Summer- 40° C to 28° C, Winter- 18° C to 5° C
Best time to visit October to March
Language spoken Rajasthani, English and Urdu
Attraction Forts, Palaces and Wild life Santuary.
Religions Hinduism and Islam

Bikaner
Founded by Rao Bhikaji in 1488 A.D It is famous for its historical background, forts palaces and wild life sanctuary. Bikaner is surrounded by Ganganagar District in the north, Hanumangarh District to the northeast, Churu District to the east, Nagaur District to the southeast, Jodhpur District to the south, Jaisalmer District to the southwest, and Punjab Province of Pakistan to the northwest. Bikaner District lies in the Thar Desert. The Indira Gandhi Canal, (the Rajasthan Canal), runs through the district from northeast to southwest, providing irrigation water to the entire district.

There is an interesting story behind the name of the city, prior to the mid 15th century, the region was a barren wilderness called Jagl dehsh in 1488. James Tod highlights, that the spot which Bika selected for his capital, was the birthright of a Nehra Jat, who would only concede it for this purpose on the condition that his name should be linked in perpetuity if he surrendered. Naira, or Nera, was the name of the proprietor, which Bika added to his own, thus composing that of the future capital, Bikaner. Rao Bika was the first son of Maharaj Rao Jodha.

World’s largest Camel research and breeding farm is in Bikaner.

How to reach Bikaner

Air Bikaner has its own airport. The next nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport i.e. 256 Kms.
There are daily flights to Delhi & Mumbai from Jodhpur.
Rail There are few express trains to major destinations.
The Jaipur-Bikaner Express leaves at 8:30 PM, it takes about 10 hours to reach Jaipur.

The Intercity Express departs at 5 AM & reaches Jaipur at 11:55 PM.

The Ranakpur Express leaves for Jodhpur at 9:35 AM, it takes about 5 1/2 hours.

The Sarai Rohilla Express leaves at 7:45 PM & reaches Delhi at 6:40 AM.

Road There are many express buses to /from Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Agra & Delhi.

Distance from major cities

Bikaner – New Delhi 470 Kms
Bikaner – Mumbai 1299 Kms
Bikaner – Jaipur 321 Kms
Bikaner – Udaipur 506 Kms
Bikaner – Jodhpur 243 Kms
Bikaner – Jaisalmer 333 Kms

Places to Visit

Lallgarh Palace
The palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902. It is beautifully designed and made up of red sandstone and has a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal and the European style of architecture. The palace houses wonderful paintings and hunting trophies. It is adorned with some exquisite latticework and filigree work.

Currently, the palace includes a museum, a heritage hotel and a luxury hotel. It is three storey building made up of red sandstone and this makes the palace look more appealing. The magnificent pillars and the wonderful fireplace in the building make it further attractive.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
This museum is the collection of best terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings and coins.

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum was established in the year 1937 by Maharaja Ganga Singh. It stores wonderful famous collections of history, artwork and even sculptures. It is placed within the Lalgarh Palace. There are numerous divisions in the museum and these based on historical importance and hierarchies. Some of the rare sculptures from the Harappan age, Litho prints of the British Empire can be found here. The museum attracts large numbers of tourists from different corners of the world.

It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily except for Fridays and the public holidays

Junagarh Fort
One of the most attractive forts in Bikaner is Junagarh fort. It was built by Maharaja Rai Singh. The entire fort is rooted deep into history due to which it appeals to the tourists to a great extent. The fort is completely built with red sandstone brought from the Thar Desert. However, marble is used for the interior work. The fort is a mini collection of many temples and Havelis of the kings’ royal heritage. To name a few palaces are Ganga Mahal, Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal, etc. There is also a fort museum within the fort and displays collection of dresses, weapons, paintings and many other things of historical importance.

Prachina Museum
The Prachina Museum was set up by the Maharaja’s daughter was established in the recent times in the year 2000.The museum is located within the wonderful Junagarh Fort; the museum houses regal costumes and antiques. It’s a must visit spot to witness the royal lifestyle of the royal family of Bikaner. This museum is also the store house of some of the rarest antique pieces of weapons, jewels, paintings, First World War biplane etc. The museum is also a protective shield for many manuscripts written in Sanskrit and Persian.

The Prachina Museum of Bikaner is of special importance to all the people who take special interest in the field of art and crafts

Jain Temple Bhandasar
Among one of the oldest temples of Bikaner; built by a rich businessman called Bhanda Shah, and he dedicated the temple to the 6th lord of Jainism.

The elegant structures are the most noticeable parts of the building. It is believed that the temple was built using more than 40 barrels of ghee instead of mortar.

The entire temple building is divided into three floors and is made of red sandstone and white marble. The interior of the temple is exquisite and comprises of rich mirror works, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. The wall paintings and sculptures within the temples are also interesting. It is a wonderful experience visiting this temple. It is located near the Laxmi nath temple, one of the oldest temples of Bikaner.
Jain Haveli
Bikaner, the city of sand dunes, vast deserts, breathtaking palaces and beautiful havelis is a symbol of pride for the state of Rajasthan. The city boasts of some of the most captivating havelis across the country. A palatial house surrounded by a courtyard, standing tall amidst narrow lanes built with red sand stone – havelis take one back to the past of kings and queens.

Kote Gate
Kote Gate is one of the interesting destinations for the tourists to visit in Bikaner. The local market is one of the major attractions here, and shoppers consider it as a paradise for shopping. The market interestingly sells several local food stuffs along with wonderful masterpieces. In addition to that, being a part of history, it also comprises of several handicrafts and items of different art forms. The tourists can expect to get items made of camel’s hide, miniature paintings, wood carvings, khadi items along with mouth watering food items. It is a wonderful shopping destination that will gives unique and exquisite experiences.
Sadul Museum
Sadul museum is housed in the upper storey of Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner. This museum was received as a donation from His Highness Dr Karnil Singh. Princess Rajyashree Kumari is the chairperson of the museum. The museum, displays a large number of Georgian paintings, rare artifacts and hunting trophies. There are also life-size paintings and photographs that are kept in more than 20 rooms. In fact, the royal family of Bikaner still resides in one part of the palace. This is one of the main reasons why millions of people are attracted to visit this destination. The museum is also dedicated to the lives of three successive kings of Bikaner and their passion for many artifacts.

Camel Research Farm
The farm is just 8 kms away from Bikaner. It covers an area of 2000 acres and is the world’s largest Camel research & Breeding center. Camel Breeding Farm which is one of its kind in Asia managed by the Government of India. Located a few kilometers away from the Bikaner city, this farm is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner. The only of its kind in Asia, the farm produces the fastest moving Camels in the world.

Shiv Bari Temple
Shiv Bari is another famous attraction in Bikaner. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built with high walls. The temple was constructed under the reign of Maharaja Doongar Singh in the 9th century. There are various religious traditions and customs that are followed in this temple by the local people. The temple has unique features found in the architecture of Rajasthan. The architecture of this temple is splendid, and is built completely of red sandstone. One can find a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, the finest representations of the culture of the place. This beautiful and magnificent temple is worth visiting.
Laxmi Nath Temple
Laxmi Nath temple is definitely one of the oldest of all temples in Bikaner. It was founded in the year 1488 AD. It is considered to be a historical monument and has plenty of historical and special features. The temple boasts of some of the best architecture and this reflects the skills of artisans during those ages. Vishnu and Lakshmi are the two deities that are worshipped in this temple. They have received the devotion of innumerable devotees from different parts of the world. People visiting Bikaner do not miss out the opportunity to visit this temple of rich historical and cultural significance.

Around Bikaner

Gajner Palace
This lovely palace is located on the banks of a beautiful lake. Once it was the hunting lodge for the Royal Family of Bikaner. Now the beautiful palace is converted into a Grand heritage hotel, you can stay there like a king by paying a decent amount.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is just 32 kms away from Bikaner. It’s the perfect place for adventure lovers to spot the Nilgai, Chinkara, Black buck, Wild boar, flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds. Jeep Safari with a guide is not only the best option to visit this wonderful sanctuary but also a life time experience.

Kolyat
It is just 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple complex of Kolyat and a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The complex has few temples, pavilions and ghats. A bath in the holy lake especially on Kartik Poornima (November) is considered incredibly fortunate.

Katariasar Village
45 kms away from Bikaner is the Katariasar Village, most tourists this place to experience the ethnic rural and cultural life of Rajasthan. Herds of chinkaras, desert fox, rabbits, peacocks, parrots and partridges are found in large quantity in this area.

Karni Mata temple, Deshnok.
The Deshnok village is located 32 kms away in the south of Bikaner. The place is famous for the Karni Mata temple. Karni Mata, considered as living form of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. You will spot hundreds of rats there.

The story behind rats at the temple is different according to some local folklore. The most prominent version, a 20,000 strong army deserted a nearby battle and came running to Deshnoke. Upon learning of the sin of desertion, punishable by death, Karni Mata spared their lives but turned them into rats, and offered the temple as a future place to stay.

The army of soldiers expressed their gratitude and promised to serve Karni Mata evermore.

The legend also goes like, out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. They are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her four sons.

Sighting them is a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering prasad, a sweet holy food.

Major Attractions:
(1) LalgarhPalace
(2) Camel Research Farm
(3) Devi Kund
(4) Mukam
(5) Deshnok
(6) Rampuriya Haveli
(7) Bhandaser Jain Temple
(8) Laxminath Temple
(9) Ratan Bihari Temple
(10) Ganga Golden Museum
(11) Junagarh Fort
(12) Sursagar Pond
(13) Lalgarh Palace
(14) Sadul Museum
(15) Royal Cenotaphs & Devi Kund Sagar
(16) Shivbadi Temple
(17) National Research Centre on Camel
(18) Gajner Fort & Wildlife Sanctuary
(19) Kolayat

Major Day-excursions:
(1) Sanctuary (32 Kms)

(2) Shri Kolayat Shrine (50 Kms)
(3) Deshnok Karni Mata temples (30 Kms)

(4) Katriyasar Desert Village (55 Kms)

* kindly double check the exact travel distance & the train/flight timing with us in case of any last minute changes.