Bikaner

PRIME SITES

Junagarh: Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within.

These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate: It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvellous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels. and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mnhal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal. Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within.

The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. Timings: 10.00 hrs. to 16.30 hrs. Entry fee Rs. 50.00 for complete museum with guide ,.Rs. 10.00 for part of museum. Rs. 5.00 for students and military officials. Rs. 30.00 for camera & Rs. 50.00 for movie camera.

Lal Garh Palace: The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat.

Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife. TImings 10.00 hrs. to 16.30 hrs. Entry fee Rs. 5.00 (closed on Wednesday).

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of ihe late classical time. Timings 10.00 hrs. to 16.30 hrs. Entry fee Rs. 3.00 (Closed on Friday).

The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

Gardens and Parks: Ganga Public Park with a Zoo, Ratan Bihari Temple Park and Tessitory Park are some of the lovely parks in the city. Surely worth a visit.


EXCURSIONS

Bhandasar Jain Temple (5 km) : Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parsavanathji.

Camel Research Farm (8 km) : Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre - one of its kind in Asia. Timings 15.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. (Closed on Sundays and Government holidays). Photography prohibited.

The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government.

The Camel Corps of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the 'Raj' and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through the'Border Security Force (BSF).

Devi Kund (8 km) : 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 paintings on the ceiling.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km) : 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. Entry fee into the palace areaRs. 100/- per head.

Shiv Bari Temple (6 km) : Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple in surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (30 km) : The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Kolayatji (50 km) : 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 (205 km) : 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.

FESTIVE FUN
The Camel Festival (January) : A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part of the celebrations.

Kolayat Fair (November) : Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the Kolayat lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.

Gangaur Festival (April) : Dedicated to Goddess Parvati - the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of the eighteen day long celebrations. Holi : (March) : Exuberant festivities begining several days before the actual day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.


TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur 253 kill. Rail: Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howrah (Culcutta).
Some important train connections are: Kalka Express (Bikaner-Jodhpur); Bikaner Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla­Bikaner); Chetak Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner); Bikaner Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner).

Road: Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities of India. Some important distance are: Delhi 456 km, Jaipur 334 km, Jaisalmer 333 km.

Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws and tongas.

Where to stay: Palace/Heritage Hotels: Lallgarh Palace Hotel, Tel. : 523963; Gajner Palace Hotel, Gajner, Tel. : (01534) 5001, 5002, 5003; Hotel Bhanwar Niwas, Tel. : 61880, 71043; Hotel Basant Vihar Palace, Tel. : 528162; Hotel Karni Bhawan, Tel. : 524701-10.

Standard Hotels: RTDC Hotel Dhola Maru, Tel. : 28621; Thar Hotel, Tel. : 27180; Hotel Joshi, Tel. : 527702-7; Sagar Hotel, Tel. : 520677, 528377.

Supplementary Accommodation: Hotel Jaswant Niwas, Kishan Palace, Desert Wind, Sri Ram Guest House and Palace View.

Paying Guest Accommodation: Approved paying guest accommodation available. For details please contact Asstt. Director, Tourist Reception Centre, RTDC Hotel Dhola Maru Campus, Tel. : 27445.

Dining: Ambar restaurant, Station Road, Tel. 61861; Chhotu Motoo Restaurant, Station Road, Tel. : 44666; Thar Restaurant, Thar Hotel near Ambedkar Circle, Tel. : 27180. Sagar Hotel Restaurant opp. Bus Stand, Tel. : 528377; Hotel Basant Vihar, Tel. : 528162; Hotel Lallgarh Palace, Tel. : 523963.

Shopping: Bikaner has its own peculiar items, typical to this region; its articles made of camel-hide, camel and sheep wool carpets and woollen items, wood and leather products. The Bikaneri Bhujia, Rasgulla and sweets are popular all over India.

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


OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Banks: Bank of Rajasthan, Tel. : 27646; Central Bank of India, Tel. : 26984, Central Cooperative Bank, Tel. : 27073, Punjab National Bank, Tel. : 27206; United Commercial Bank, Tel. : 23911; State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur,
Tel.: 27368,27034,27148.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 38.10 sq. km.

Altitude: 237 metres

Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 41.8°C Winter: 23.2° C
                Mean Min. Summer: 28.0°C Winter: 5.0° C

Rainfall: 26 - 44 cms..

Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
                  Winter: Woollen

Best Season: October to March

Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

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