The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. 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.

More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. 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. The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Binaker’s history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’ and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’ name.

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Fairs & Festivals in Bikaner

Camel Festival
An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity as the visitor finds an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances, camel, race camel dance etc. here.

Places to See in Bikaner

Lalgarh Palace
Made of red sandstone with beautiful lattice work is 3 kms from the city and has now been turned into a luxury hotel, the Royal family occupy part of the palace.

Junagarh Fort
One of the most formidable forts of India, Junagarh Fort has never been conquered by its enemies. Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Junagarh Fort is constructed on the plains, contrary to other forts of Rajasthan, normally built on hilltops. A massive structure encircled by a moat, it houses many beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure.

Devikund
A royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or 'chhatris’ built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh’s chhatri is the most impressive of all, created entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling.

Shiv Bari Temple
Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

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 festivities. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.

Kalibangan
The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place in the Hanumangarh district, are of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

Excursions near Bikaner

Camel Breeding Farm
This camel breeding farm is managed by government and is perhaps only one of it's kind in Asia and is only 10 kms away from Bikaner.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

Bhandasar Jain Temple
It is a Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain Temple dedicated to the 23rd Trithankara, Parsavanathji.

Karni Mata Temple
This temple is at Deshnok 33 kms from Bikaner. This temple is famous because of the profusion of rats which are considered holy and even worshipped. The temple has huge silver gates and exquisite marble carvings.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Only 32 kms away the lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse. The Gajner Palace, a summer retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel.

How to Reach Bikaner

Air: Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms
Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Road: Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km, Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.

Shopping in Bikaner

The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Best for 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 in the maze of tiny shops around Kote Gate, with KEM Road providing the shopping in larger stores.

Hotels in Bikaner

- Lallgarh Palace - Laxmi Niwas Palace - Bhairon Vilas - Karni Bhawan Palace - Gajner Palace

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