Bikaner

Bikaner was once submerged into the wastelands of western Rajasthan, before being founded by Rathore king Rao Bikaji, who established his kingdom here in 1488. Since then this place has developed and found its place not just in the pages of history but also among the most important desert cities of Rajasthan. During the medieval era, Bikaner also remained an important cultural as well as trade centre of the state.

Apart from the desert safaris, other magnetic attractions to watch out here are its forts, palaces, temples and its traditional bazaars. During your visit to Bikaner, get enthralled by the folk performances and fire dances, as colorful costume-adorned dancers swirl and tap their feet to the songs in rustic voices and beats of traditional instruments.

History:
Rao Bika was a descendant of Rathore king Rao Jodha, who found the Jodhpur city and took it to heights. A tiff between the father and the son, led Rao Bika to establish his own independent kingdom in a wilderness zone to the north of Jodhpur, which he named Bikaner. Being on the trade carvan route, it became an important trade centre and owing to its geographical location and topography, it managed to become an undefeated territory.

Its closeness to Delhi and Agra resulted in many battles with the Mughals, during the reigns of Aurangzeb, though it still remained unconquered. The Marathas too tried to take siege of its fort, but in vein. In the 19th century, it traded camels with the Britishers during the Afghan War, which brought in enough revenue to bring back the lost charm of the kingdom. Maharaja Ganga Singh, who ruled in the 19th century, was one of the most sought after rulers of Bikaner, who took it to heights by applying his intellectual capabilities. He also promoted the Ganga Canal, built in 1925, which was used to irrigate its barren lands.

Orientation:
Bikaner is located in the desert district of western Rajasthan. It shares its boundaries with Jaisalmer and Pakistan. It is situated 615 km from Delhi and 320 km from Jaipur. The nearest airport is in Jodhpur, which is at a distance of 235 km. The old city has a 7 km long walled fortification, that dates back to the 18th century. The whole city is painted in slightly dark shades of pink. Even the fort and the palaces reflect this shade of pink sandstone.

Information:
To exchange traveler cheques and currencies, you can rely on Bank of Baroda and State Bank of Bikaner and Bijapur (Ambedkar Circle). The Tourist Reception Centre is located in RTDC Hotel Dhola Maru, which is around 1 km from the city centre. The main post office is at Junagarh while the ICICI ATM is located at Station Road.

Sights:
Junagarh Fort:
The unconquered fort of Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort, was erected between 1588 and1593 by Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner. Since then it has been a shining jewel narrating the courage and intimacy of the royal state. The fort features a 986 m long protective wall, 37 pavilions and numerous palaces and court buildings.

The beauty of this edifice, bejeweled with Rajput paintings, mirrorwork and exquisite embellishments, is worth appreciating. The color and height of the fort was such that it camouflaged in the sandy desert surroundings without giving invaders a trace of it. A collection of Persian manuscripts is also treasured in the fort's library. Other major attractions of the fort are its palacial buildings including Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal and Anup Mahal.

Prachina Cultural Centre & Museum:
Close to the courtyard from Suraj Pol, the main entrance of the fort, lies the Prachina Museum which envelops the culture of Bikaner in its well labeled display shelves. It is a crafts museum where you can find everything connected to the royal family, including cutlery, decoration pieces, costumes, ethnic carpets, wooden furnishings, jewelery and books on Rajasthan.

Jain Temples:
With milky Italian marble and gold leaf work, the two storied Bhandasar Jain Temple looks stunning and extravagant. The temple courtyards are ornately decorated with colorful floral patterns and paintings of the lives of Jain tirthankars. It was built by Bhandasa Oswal, a rich Jain merchant, between 1468 and 1514. The temple is devoted to the fifth Jain tirthankar Sumtinathji. You will find immense peace and calmness, just perfect for self analysis, meditation and prayer. Another Jain Temple, Sandeshwar Temple, is situated here which is devoted to Jain tirthankar Lord Sandeshwar.

Lakshminath Temple:
Lord Lakshminath was the revered deity of the royals of Bikaner. In his honor, Rao Lunkaran built this temple between 1505 and 1526. It is situated just behind the Bhandasar Temple.

Lallgarh Palace:
Lallgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh, in 1902. This edifice showcases a blend of European, and oriental architecture in its magnificent terrace lawns and courtyards. The interiors are bestowed with beautiful paintings, lattice work and filigree work that has a connect with the Mughal architectural style. A large part of the place now serves as a hotel. You can also have a look at old Sanskrit manuscripts and metallic plaques in the palace library.

Sleeping:
Bikaner has a multitude of budget hotels and guest houses offering a comfortable stay. Mid range hotels are few but it has some fine luxury accommodations available including Lallgarh Palace Hotel, Bhanwar Niwas and Laxmi Niwas Palace.

Eating:
Some of the eating joints that serves sumptuous Indian food are Amber Restaurant and Laxmi Hotel at Station Road. You can order Chinese at Deluxe Hotel. For lip smacking Bikaneri bhujias, namkeens and sweets, try out Chhotu Motu Sweet Shop at Station Road.

Shopping:
Shopping at Bikaner would be fun, especially during the Camel Festival, when the colors of local villages and their skills just burst out in the local markets, with enthusiastic faces all around. Some of the must-buy items here are the camel leather accessories, mojaris, kundan work, lac bangles, fabrics with Sanganeri prints, Rangi dupatta, Nokha quilts, carpets, paintings, gems, jewelery and wooden craftwork.

Sweets and Namkeens are also a specialty of Bikaner. Kote Gate, Junagarh Fort and Station Road have shops that sell these items of best quality at reasonable prices.

Getting There & Away:
Road: Regular buses are available from the bus station of Bikaner, 3km from the city centre, for Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Agra and Delhi.

Rail: Trains connect Bikaner with Jodhpur by Kalka Express, with Delhi by Chetak Express, Bikaner Mail and Bikaner Express. Trains from Bikaner are also available for Jaipur (Jaipur-Bikaner Express), Bhatinda and Howrah (Bikaner-Howrah Superfast).

Getting Around:
From the train station you will get autorickshaws for the fort and the palace. You can also hire a bicycle from the local shops near Bhairon Vilas.