Bikaner Travel Guide

Bikaner Travel Guide

Retaining the medieval essence in all its former glory and charm, the city of Bikaner lying in the north western province of Rajasthan is a wonderland which welcomes tourist not only from India but also from across the world. The city was founded in the year 1488 by Rao Bhikaji and today it stands as a good retreat for people stranded in the boredom of daily life. A visit to Bikaner will open up pages and pages of history before your very eye enlightening you of the glorious past in all its colours and spirit. The city is hemmed with stone walls on all sides and lies enclosed in a total area of about 30247 sq km. The place will surely leave you mesmerised.

Among the many places of attraction at Bikaner, the Junagarh Fort built by Raja Rai Singh in 1593 AD is regarded to be the most prominent and with reasons. The fort has lavishly engraved stone corridors, impressive quarters, a large spectator area, decorated courtyards, 37 bastions, and various other amazingly constructed structures named Karan Poal, Anop Mahal, Rang Mandir, Ganga Niwas, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Diwan-e-Khas, Badal Mahal etc. Each of these structures is endowed with a unique characteristics trait of its own distinguishing one from the other. While some have heavy glass work on them, others have golden hand work.  The 37 palaces, temples and pavilions are built in red sandstone and marble resulting in a beauty serene and incredible. The massiveness and the architectural brilliance of the Fort leaves tourist awe-struck.

Another tourist attraction at Bikaner is the Lalgarh Palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father. It was architect by Sir. Swinton Jacob.  The palace represents a unique blend of Oriental and Europeon style of architecture. It stands 3 km away from Bikaner and now has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel. It also has a museum in its vicinity that houses a number of manuscripts, photographs, the belongings of the Maharajas etc.

The 14^th century Jain temples Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar are another of the many attractions in Bikaner. The temples are one of the oldest monuments in Bikaner and were erected in 1540 AD in honour of the fifth Jain Tirthankara Sumati Nath Ji.

There are some museums in Bikaner which showcases the splendid past giving us a deep insight of the once royal Bikaner. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Fort Junagarh mauseum, Palace Museum or Shri Sadul Museum are three of the most prominent museums in Bikaner.

The Karni Mata Temple, Camel Breeding Farm, The Har Mandir are some other tourist spots worthy of your visit and time.

Bikaner has a lot to offer to all the ardent travellers. The marvellous architecture of the forts, palaces and monuments creates a spellbinding effect on all those who visit Bikaner.  

Last Updated: 29/03/2012