Bikaner is the royal fortified city by with a timeless appeal which
is surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates. Lying
in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand
dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the
city's lifestyle. Bikaner is popularly known as the camel country
and is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. One can
witness gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular camel Festival
at Bikaner, held annually. The ship of the desert is an inseparable
part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or
working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. This city is
especially famous for its school of miniature paintings which are an
admixture of the Rajput and Mughal styles. This city is also famous
for its minakari on camel hide, and golden minakari in the palaces
of Bikaner.
Places
to See :
Bhandasar Jain Temple :
Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 13rd
Trirthankra.
Camel Research Farm :
Spend a day with indispensable ship of the desert at their camel
research and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia.Timing 15.00hrs
to 17.00hrs (Closed on Sundays and government holidays) Photography
prohibited. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is
managed by the central Government. The camel crops of Bikaner were a
famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an important part
of the desert warfare and defence through the border security Force
(BSF)
Devi Kund :
A yoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris'
built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh
chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white
marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary :
The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a heaven to
nilgai chinkara, black buck, wild coar and folk of imperial sand
grouse. The Gajner palace a summer retreat of the king stands on the
bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel.
Shiv Bari Temple :
Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 10th century. The temple in
surrounding by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful painting and a
bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple :
The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to
Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge
intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja
Ganga Singh The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats
who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They
are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to
the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.
Kolayatji :
A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni
(saint) The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month
of Kartik (oct-nov)when thousands of devotees gather in large number
to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake on the
full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels
is a part of the festivals. The small oasis town is now an idyllic
picnic spot.
Kalibangan :
The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and harroan civilization
found at this are of immense interest to archeology enthusiasts.
Fairs & Festivals :
The Camel Festival (January) :
A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel
acrobatics dances and camel milking competition are a part of of the
celebrations.
Kolayat Fair (November) :
Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the
Kolayat lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.
Gangaur Festival (April) :
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati- the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand
processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of
the eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi : March
Exuberant festivals beginning several days before the actual day of
Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.
How to
Reach Bikaner :
Air : Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms. Bus : Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km &
Jaisalmer 330 km. Train : Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and
Jodhpur.
General Information About Bikaner :
Altitude: 237 mtrs. Best Season: Oct - March Climate: Summer Mean Max. : 41.8 'C Mean Min.: 28.0 'C Winter Mean Max. : 23.2 'C Mean Min. : 5.0 'C Clothing : Summer light tropical or light Winter Woolen.
