BIKENER : WHERE CAMELS AND TRADITIONS DWELL

Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance gates.

Bikaner's forts, palaces and temples-magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can feel the medieval aura pervading the city's lifestyle.

Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.

PRIME SITES :
1. Junagarh Fort : Built by Akbar's contemporary Raja Rai Singh, within the fort are 37 palaces, pavillions and temples.
Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort.The palaces worth visiting are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Karan Mahal.
The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carving and paintings.
An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals, breaking the monotony. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.

2. Lalgarh Palace : The magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truely mesmerised.The palace has a billiards room, a library, a cards room and a smoking room. Belgian chandeliers, cut glass ornaments, oil paintings and lamps add to its charm.

3. Bhandeshwar Jain Temple : (5 km) Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshavnathji.

Other important temples of Bikaner include the Laxminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji Temple at Kodamdesar about 40 km from Bikaner is another noteworthy temple.

4. Camel Breeding Farm : (8 km)-the only on of its kind in Asia.

5. Devi Kund (8 km) : This is a royal crematorium with cenotaphs of the house of Bikaji Rathore. Many decorated Chhatris, built in the memory of the Bika dynasty, offer splendid example of the Rajput architecture.

6. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and palace : Watch flocks of imperial sand grouse, as you wander through the lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road. Gajner is also home to nilgai, chinkara, wild boar and black buck.

Gajner Palace : A summer resort of Kings built on the beautiful lake along the sactuary is a spot worth visiting.

CELEBRATING TIME :

Camel festival : (Jan) ; On the full moon night, the festival is dedicated to the indispensable ship of the desert. A fascinating spectacle of camel performances, camel races, camel dances and camel rides, alongwith the joy, colour and vigour unique to Rajasthan, make this a joyous event.
Deshnoke (30 km) Karni Mata Temple; famous haven of rats.

Kolayat (50 km): A sacred spot, dedicated to Kapil Muni.The temple here is the venue for a fair in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov), attracting thousands of pilgrims. Kolayat is an idyllic picnic spot as well.

Shiv Bari Temple (6 km); Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Doongar Singhji, the temple is encircled by a high wall. Beautiful paintings and a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple.

Kalibanga (205 km); The remnants of the pre-Harappan and Harappan settlements have been found at this place in Hanumangarh district.

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