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Bikaner |
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History of Bikaner
Built by the Rajput prince Rao Bikaji, Bikaner is another royal city of Rajasthan. It traces its history back to 15th century and you will come to explore numerous shades of history as you spend some time in this vibrant city. Being strategically placed on the ancient spice routes linking Asia with imperial Delhi, Bikaner has always enjoyed a flourishing trade.
The Bikaner history narrates the tales of continuous fighting of Rajput rulers with the Mughals. Its prosperity and affluence attracted numerous people with the wish to start a legacy here. However, with the passage of time Bikaner was able to win the confidence of Emperor Akbar.
With the fall of Mughals in Delhi, Bikaner had to see a huge setback. Signing a treaty with the British, the Bikaner rulers remained loyal to them until it was merged with the Rajputana.
Bikaner Shopping
Bikaner is one of those very few destinations in Rajasthan, where shopping is always a pleasure and fun. Famous for its leather and woolen products, Bikaner markets are the absolute destinations for the shoppers. The varieties of items that you can get here are products made of camel leather including bags, shoes, mojaries, belts and chairs. You can also buy for some rugs and carpets made of camel wool. Apart from these, you can also have a good buy of miniature paintings, silver jewellery and Lac bangles. But Bikaner shopping is never complete until you get a good quantity of Bikaneri Bhujia Namkeen for the rest of your trip.
During camel festival, shopping in Bikaner is of maximum fun. This annual festival draws artisans and craftsmen to come and participate in huge number and display their artifacts. You may even sit on a camel and go from one shop to another in the fair. We suggest you to buy kundan jewelry, Nokha quilts, sangeneri fabrics, mojaries, embroidered shoes, puppets and tie & dye fabrics.
The main shopping areas in Bikaner are the area around Kote gate and the Junagarh Fort that houses some excellent shops. Markets around Station Road and Edward Memorial Road also have a good collection of shops to buy from.
Bikaner Tourist Attractions
Nestled just at the verge of Thar Desert, Bikaner is magnetic with its golden rustic beauty. A colossal fort, a sprawling palace and a great Rajput history all mixed with one another makes the great heritage of Bikaner. The delicacies of Bikaner snacks also make the tour in Bikaner worth cherished.
The Sites You Should Not Miss in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort Junagarh Fort, Bikaner Tours
Built by Maharaja Rai Singh in 1593, Junagarh Fort is perched above 700 ft hill swanking a majestic beauty. Rich with traditional Rajput architecture, the fort dominates over its surroundings. The attractions inside the fort that make it even more appealing are Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Rang Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Badal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Phool Mahal and Ganga Mahal.
Gajner Palace
Now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel, Gajner Palace used to be the summer resort of the Bikaner rulers. The exquisite artistry of the palace is even more epitomized as the tranquil lakes surround it.
Karni Mata Temple
Situated in Deshnoke village, 30 kilometers from Bikaner, Karni Mata Temple is famous both for its 600-year-old heritage and rats, which are being fostered here. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga
Lalgarh Palace
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgarh Palace is a splendid example of Rajput artistry. Adorned with intricate latticework and decorated balconies, this palace is signature architecture of Sir Swinton Jacob.
Camel Research and Breeding Farm
Just at 8 kilometers from Bikaner, there is Camel Research and Breeding Farm, which happens to be unique in India and in Asia as well. You can see the camels breeding and taking training here.
Only in Bikaner!
Camel Festival
Camel Festival, Bikaner VacationsDedicated solely to the most loyal companion of Rajasthan people – camels, Camel Festival is a must watch celebration in Bikaner. A number of competitions are arranged here where stunningly caparisoned camels fight with one another for beauty pageant and also take part in the race. People arriving here from neighbouring villages and towns make the city alive every year in the month of January.
How to Reach Bikaner
Road
Bikaner is connected by road with some of the major cities of India and Rajasthan. Jaipur is at a distance of 334 km away from Bikaner while Delhi is 456 km away from Bikaner. Buses and private taxis are easily available. To commute locally, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and tongas (horse drawn carriages) are very good options in Bikaner.
Rail
There are trains connecting Bikaner directly to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Jodhpur and Jaipur. The Chetak Express and the Bikaner Express are important trains that connect Delhi and Bikaner.
Air
The nearest airport is Jodhpur, which is 235 km away. Frequent flights connect it to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Bikaner At a Glance
Location: Located in the western part of Rajasthan in north India at a distance of 321 km from Jaipur and 243 km from Jodhpur.
Climate: Desert type weather, maximum temperature reaching up to 41°C and Bikaner Fort, Bikaner Toursminimum falling till 5°C. The average rainfall varies between 26 and 44 cm.
Major Tourist Attraction: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Research and Breeding Farm, Gajner Palace, Deshnoke Temple, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Shri Sadul Museum, Fort Museum, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Gajner, Camel Breeding Farm, Devi Kund Sagar, Karni Mata Temple, Hanumangarh Fort.
Best Buys: Miniature paintings on camel hides, Camel leather shoes, Camel fur rugs, Camel leather belts, Bags, Lac Bangles etc, Locals Snacks.
Best Shopping Areas: Kote Gate Shopping areas, Khadi Emporium, Edward Memorial Road Shopping Areas, Station Road Bazaar.
Famous For: Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, Camel Breeding Farm, Camel Safari, And Camel Fair.
Best Time To Visit: October - March |
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| Colors, colors – red saris, green fruits, pink palaces and towns, blue temples in Pushkar, all these colors were a delightful experience!!! Thank you so much Dear Gautam for all these things during our trip in Agra & Rajasthan. We were like kings! I wish you the very best for continuation, hoping we’ll be able to see you again in India. I wish you also success and chance in your business further with the white Ambassador car !!! Tou tes mes amities Thomas Paris, France |
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