| Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the | | | | year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to |
| founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. The city is | | | | Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The |
| encircled by high fortifications comprising a 7 km long | | | | temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which |
| wall which bounds the old city and has 5 entrances. All | | | | were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most |
| these were established in the 18th century. | | | | interesting thing about the temple are the rats who |
| Bikaner, the sprawling desert city of Rajasthan is an | | | | scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the |
| interesting site of traditional Rajasthani attractions, | | | | temple. |
| well-fed camels and citadels. This camel country is | | | | KalibangaThe name Kalibanga itself does not say |
| also famous for its exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous | | | | much but to a student of history it is immediately |
| forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at | | | | recognized as one of the important sites of the Indus |
| Mata Kali temple. | | | | Valley Civilization that flourished around 3000 to 5000 |
| Places to see in Bikaner: | | | | years BC. Kalibanga is a major site of the IVC-a |
| Junagarh Fort Junagarh Fort was constructed | | | | monument. Due to years of negligence the precious |
| between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general | | | | evidence so painstakingly excavated has crumbled into |
| in the army of Mughal emperor Akbar, with | | | | unrecognizable rubble. |
| embellishments in the form of palaces and Luxurious | | | | Excursion of Bikaner: |
| suites added by subsequent Maharajas. This fort has | | | | Gajner Palace Gajner Palace a summer resort of |
| a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two | | | | Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an |
| entrances. The Surajpol or the 'Sun Gate' is the main | | | | incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by |
| entrance. The palaces within the fort are on the | | | | Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on |
| southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of | | | | the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by |
| courtyards, balconies, kiosks, towers and windows. A | | | | Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. |
| major feature of fort and palaces is the superb quality | | | | Royalty, Indian as well as international, Viceroys and |
| of stone carving. | | | | other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand |
| Devi KundAyoyal crematorium with several | | | | palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly |
| ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris' built in the memory | | | | outstanding. |
| of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh | | | | Katariasar Village 45 kms from the city on Jaipur |
| chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in | | | | Road, the village is rich in ethnic rural and cultural life. |
| white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the | | | | View sunset with typical desert landscape around, |
| ceiling. | | | | walk on a range of sand dunes and enjoy desert |
| Lalgarh Palace The Lalgarh Palace built by | | | | lifestyle. Villagers main profession is cattle rearing and |
| Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father is | | | | milk production. The founder of Jasnathi sect of fire |
| an architectural splendor in red sandstone. It is situated | | | | dancers- Jasnathji hail from this very place. Herds of |
| 3 kms north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton | | | | chinkara, desert fox, rabbit, peacock, parrot and pat |
| Jacob, it has beautiful latticework and filigree work in | | | | ridges are found in plenty around the village. |
| sandstone. The palace is quite entirely imposing with | | | | Devi Kund Sagar The Royal crematorium has several |
| overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. The | | | | exquisite cenotaphs which were built in memory of the |
| gardens with wandering peacocks and blooming | | | | deceased members of the ruling family of Bikaner. The |
| bougainvillea welcome the visitors to the palace. | | | | Chhatries (Cenotaphs) of the early rulers were made |
| Camel Research FarmSpend a day with | | | | of red sandstone, ornamentation on which resembles |
| indispensable ship of the desert at their camel | | | | very much with carving work on some of the buildings |
| research and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia. | | | | of Fatehpur Sikri. How to Reach Bikaner: |
| Timing 15.00hrs to 17.00hrs (Closed on Sundays and | | | | By AirJodhpur is the nearest Airport. Jaipur, the capital |
| government holidays) Photography prohibited. The | | | | of Rajasthan is well connected by Regular flights from |
| farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is | | | | all the metros cities of India--. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| managed by the central Government. The camel | | | | and Chennai. |
| crops of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during | | | | By RailA good rail network with cities connects |
| the Raj and are still an important part of the desert | | | | Bikaner like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad. The |
| warfare and defence through the border security | | | | "Palace on Wheels" luxury train also covers Bikaner in |
| Force (BSF). | | | | its eight-day tour of Rajasthan. |
| Deshnok's Karni Mata TempleThe famous 600 | | | | |