Bikaner

This city lies on the northern point of the triangle of desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. This desert town in the north of the state was founded on 1488 by Rao bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Bikaner has a superb fort, camel safaris and 30 kms to the south is the extraordinary Karni Mata temple where thousands of holy rats are worshipped.

Bikaner History

A Rajput prince Rao Bika ji a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD)., Rao Jodha Ji established his kingdom here. Bika Ji chose a barren land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name. Ever since the foundation of Bikaner till its accession into Indian Union in 1947 A.D. and there after it's integration in Rajasthan state in 30-3-1949 A.D., Bikaner has played a notable role in the history of the country. Bikaner state has produced several able Generals and warriors and distinguished Rulers and just to name of few Raja Rai Singh Ji-One of Akbar's most distinguished Generals. Another famous name is Raja Anup Singh who ascended the throne in AD 1669 a scholar and warrior. His period has been described as "the golden time of Bikaner valor and fame". Bikaner has many magnificent buildings made of reddish-Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve it's traditional aura of the medieval era.

Bikaner Best Season

It has got extreme desert type of climate with high temperature difference and low rainfall. The best season to visit Bikaner between October and March. Also during any festival period its a real pleasure to visit this city.

Attractions

The tourist attractions in Bikaner are the 16 the century Junagarh Fort which has never been conquered. Successive rulers later added thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples to the original structure and each has been skillfully built to connect with the previous buildings. The museum in the fort houses valuable collection of miniature paintings dating back to several centuries. Lalgarh Palace, a major part of which is now a luxury hotel, was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost 90 years ago and has interesting combination of European luxury and oriental fantasy. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum houses brilliant specimens of Harappan civilization, the Gupta and Kushan era.

Excursions from Bikaner

Excursions can be made form Bikaner to the beautiful Jain Temple, Bhandasar Jain Temple dedicated to the 23rd thirthankara, Parsvanathji.Bikaner has a Camel Breeding Farm which is one of its kind in Asia managed by the Government of India. Devi Kund is a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs with decorative Chattris built in memory of the rulers of the Bika dynasty. Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple devoted to Karni Mata is known for giving a spiritual status to rats, which roam around freely. Kalyatji Temple is dedicated to Kapil Muni and is famous for the fair it hosts during the month of Kartik.

Access

By Railways - Bikaner by train is very well connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad through Indian railways. Some of the most important trains that provide transportation service to Bikaner are Kalka Express that connects the city with Jodhpur, Bikaner Express, Chetak Express and Bikaner Mail that connect it with Delhi.

By Airways – One can also use airways to reach Bikaner. The nearest airport is the one at Jodhpur which is situated 235 kilometers away from the Pink City. The cities with which Bikaner is connected through air are Jaipur, Delhi and other major Indian cities.

By Roadways – The Pink City of Bikaner has very well developed network of road that connects with major cities nearby including Jaipur and Delhi. One can avail buses or private taxis that provide such transportation to Bikaner.