Bikaner

A city, awesome and beauti ful. A vast expanse of rippling sand and scorching sun. And arid, rocky scrub-land. It is surrounded by a Seven-Km-long wall with five gates. Bikaner was founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488, one of the descendants of Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. The Bikaner region is known for the best riding camels in the world.
Bikaner is situated directly on the ancient caravan routes connecting West/Central Asia. It was therefore a great centre of trade in the old world.

The fortified city of Bikaner is encircled by imposing battlements and stands on a slight eminence. Its roads undulate through colourful bazars and the predominant hue of the buildings is the strong reddish-pink of local sandstone. It is the fourth largest city of Rajasthan.

ACCESS

The nearest airport is Jodhpur which is 243 km away. Bikaner is also connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and all the major cities of India by rail.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Junagarh, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and Gardens, and parks.

EXCURSIONS

Bhandasar Jain Temple ( a beautiful 16th century Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Trithankara Parsvanathji, 5km), Camel Breeding Farm (perhaps the only one of its kind in Asia, 8 km), Devi Kund (a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs, 9km), Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32km), Deshnok's Kami Mata Temple (30km), Kolayatji (pilgrim centre having a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni, 50km), Kalibangan (extensive remains of the Pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations found here, 205km).

SHOPPING

Articles made of camel-hide, camel and sheep wool carpets and woollen items, wood and leather products. The Bikaneri bhujia, Rasgulla, sweets are popular all over India.

Shopping areas include inside Kota Gate, King Edward Memorial Road, Cottage Industries Institute, Station Road, Urmil Trust at Junagarh Fort.

ACCOMMODATION

Lallgarh Palace Tel. : 523963

Gajner Palace, Gajner Tel. : 5039; Bhanwar Niwas, Tel. : 61880, Jaswant Bhawan; RTDC Hotel Dhola Maru; Thar; Joshi; Sagar; Green; Harasar House; and Tendesar.