Area : 38.10 Sq.kms.
Altitude : 237 meters
Season : October-March
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English
This desert town, with its superb fort, is located in the north of
the desert state, popularly called the camel country, Bikaner is
renowned for the best riding camels-ship of the desert-in the world.
The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces
and temples. Bikaner takes its name from Rao Bhikaji, a descendent
of Jodha and also the founder of Jodhpur. Like many others in
Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall
and, like Jaisalmer; it was once an important staging post on the
great caravan trade routes. The Ganga Canal, built between 1925 and
1927, irrigates a large area of previously arid land around Bikaner.
It has some wonderful Jain temples and an atmospheric old city. It’s
also a good base for camel safaris and for visiting the
extraordinary Karni Mata Temple, 30 kms to the south, where
thousands of holy rats are worshipped.
A 7 kms-long city wall with five entrance gates, constructed in the
18th century, encircles the old city.The fort and palace is outside
the city walls to the northeast.
Places of Attraction
Junagarh: Constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai
Singh- a general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar the most
impressive fort encircled by a moat and has beautiful palaces.It is
made in red sandstone dotted with courtyards, balconies, Kiosks and
windows. A major feature of this fort and its palaces is the
manificent Coronation Hall, richly adorned with plasterwork and the
fort also includes the Diwan-i-Khas; the pool Mahal ( Flower
Palace), which is decorated with paintings and carved marble panels;
and the Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal.
The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort with
Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal and many otheres within. This
gate is made of yellow sandstone. The fort and the palaces within
are superbly preserved.
Lal Garh Palace: About 3 kms north of the city centre, the
architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by
Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh.
The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work and it is
surrounded by rocks and sand dunes. Sprawling lawns with blooming
bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be-missed visual
treat. It is an imposing building with over-hanging balconies and
the banquet hall is full of hunting trophies and photographs. Part
of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum
covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well
preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Timings 10.00
a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Entry fee Rs.5.00
(Closed on Wednesday).
Other Attractions
The number street of the old city conceal a number of old havelis
and a couple of notable Jain temples. The Bhandasar and Sandeshwar
temples date from around the 15th century. The temples have
colourful wall paintings and some intricate carving. The Ganga
Government museum houses an interesting collection of sculptures,
terracotta ware, paintings and musical instruments.
Local Festivals
Gangaur Dasara and Diwali are especially spectacular in Junagarh
Fort, in the old city near Kote Gate and some smaller
palaces.Bikaner hosts its own Camel Festival in January each year.
Though not as evocative as the fair at Pushkar, it’s still worth a
look.
Shopping
Bikaner is famous for Usta work i.e. Camel products that include
leather footwear and its brilliant gesso work. Wool carpets and
blankets, light cotton quilts, and brilliantly dyed cotton fabrics
can be tracked down to the maze of tiny shops around Kot Gate, with
King Edward Memorial Road, Khadi Industries Institute, Station Road,
Cottage Industries Institute, near , Junagarh fort and Urmil Trust
at Junagarh Fort providing the shopping in larger stores. Rajasthani
counter at Information Centre. Photography shops, on MG Road.
Places to eat
Deluxe Restaurant, at the hotel of the same name on Station Road,
features a limited selection of cheap veg.South Indian and Chinese
dishes. Anand serves thalis. Amber, diagonally opposite the Delux,
is also popular for veg. fare. Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop on
Station Road. Good ice cream is available at Kwality, next door to
Hotel Joshi.
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