Bikaner, India
Bikaner's
history dates back to 1488 AD when a Rajput prince Rao
Bika ji a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD).,
Rao Jodha Ji established his kingdom here. Bika Ji chose a
barren land called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an
impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name.
Archeological surveys and excavations have established
beyond doubt that civilization flourished here even before
the Harappa period . Excavated statues, coins and carvings
of stones and clay stands as testimony to this fact.
Ever
since the foundation of Bikaner till its accession into
Indian Union in 1947 A.D. and there after it's integration
in Rajasthan state in 30-3-1949 A.D., Bikaner has played a
notable role in the history of the country. Bikaner state
has produced several able Generals and warriors and
distinguished Rulers and just to name of few Raja Rai
Singh Ji-One of Akbar's most distinguished Generals.
Another famous name is Raja Anup Singh who ascended the
throne in AD 1669 a scholar and warrior. His period has
been described as "the golden time of Bikaner valor and
fame".
In the
modern period Bikaner produced the most outstanding Ruler,
namely Maharaja Ganga Singh who ruled for 56 years. He
was a strong and able ruler who renovated the traditional
administration, modernized the army, separated the
judiciary from the executive, constructed the famous "Gang
Canal" and provided a number of welfare schemes,
hospitals. His son and successor Maharaja Sardul Singh,
who ascended the throne in A.D. 1943, played a
conspicuous role in the merger of the princely states in
the Indian Union. His Nationalistic outlook shall ever be
remembered by the citizens of Bikaner. His son Dr. Karni
Singh made a mark in Indian politics and in the field of
sports. Ever since 1952 General Elections he had been
elected as member of Parliament continuously for five
terms. He attained international fame in shooting arena.
At
present the city is developing fast into an industrial and
tourism center.
Places of
Interest in Bikaner
==============
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
The fascinating
piece of architecture was built between 1588 -1593 AD
by Raja Rai Singh (1571 - 1611 AD) , a general in army
of Mughal emperor, Akbar. The imposing fort has 986 long
wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pole
(Sun Gate) is main entrance to the fort. The
palaces within the fort are on the southern side and
make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies,
kiosks and windows.
A measure feature of
Junagarhfort is the superb quality of the stone
carving-it rivals the best anywhere in the world. Among
the places of interest are the Chandra Mahal, or
Moon Palace, with paintings, mirrors and carved marble
panels. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is
decorated with glass and mirrors. The Karan Mahal
was built to commemorate a notable victory over the
Mughal Aurangzeb. The Anoop Mahal is famous for
it's gold leaf painting. Other palaces worth visiting
are the Dungar Niwas, Ganga Nivas, Gaj Mandir, Rang
Mahal, Bijai Mahal. Gigantic columns, imposing arches
and graceful scenes, minarets and pavilions, in fact,
make it worth a repeat visit.
Timings: 10:
00 AM to 4:30 PM on all weekdays except Sunday.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians and 30 for
foreigners. Rs 30 for still camera & Rs 50 for video
camera.
Lalgarh
Palace, Bikaner
The architectural
masterpiece in red sandstone, built by Maharaja Ganga
Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja
Lall Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is
an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed
by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand
halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The exotic palace
has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles ,
Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom ,
adding to the magic of this.
jewel of the desert.
Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the past vintage
etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The
treasure trove where the guests can spend hours 'walking
in the past'. The palace has it's own museum and library
(the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and
skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges.
Palace has wild peacocks spreading their feathers at
almost every step flowering rows of bougainvillea.
Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace.
A portion of palace is now a hotel.
Timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM on all weekdays except
on Sunday
Entry Fee: 10 Rs
Gajner
Palace, Bikaner
Gajner
Palace -a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often
been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar
desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner,
palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace
was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish
entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as
international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been
entertained at this grand palace.
The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding.
Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars,
jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is
amazing.Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area,
now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to
chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai)
and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of palace
has been transformed into hotel.
Ganga Golden
Jubilee Museum, Bikaner
The museum offers a collection of royal costumes,
weapons, ornaments, ancient statues and exquisite
paintings, one of which depicts the signing of the
Versatile Treaty by Ganga Singh. In addition to this, it
also has collection of terracotta from the Gupta period.
Excursions
near Bikaner
==============
Take a tour to the places that are located in close
vicinity of Bikaner and have a memorable time. From
Bikaner, you can take expeditions to the following
places-
- Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples
- Camel Breeding Farms
- Devi Kund
- Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary
- Kalibanga
How to reach
Bikaner
==============
Bikaner is connected to all the major Indian cities by
train. Buses, taxis and other coaches are available from
Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and all the other major
cities.
Bikaner lies in
the north-western part of Rajasthan state of
India. This desert city has a stark beauty which
is totally unique. The wide-spread sand dunes,
the moonlit glittering beauty and desert
agility, the worth-seeing natural sites, the
marvelous palaces and temples, wild life
sanctuaries and archeological treasures all
combine to make this city a place of lasting
charm and permanent attraction.
Famous all over the world for it's sweets and
namkeens (bhujia), the city offers over 500
years old culture and heritage, the very feel of
Rajasthan.
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General Information
Area: 27,000 sq. kms
Altitude: 237 meters
Climate: Max șC Min. șC
Summer: 48 28
Winter: 22 4
Rainfall: 26-46 cm.
Best season:Oct-March
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How to get
here |
Bikaner is well connected with rail and road
network with all major cities of the
country. Nearby airports are Jodhpur (254
kms) and Sanganer airport Jaipur(325 kms).
It has direct trains from Delhi, Bombay,
Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jammu,
Chandigarh etc.
Click here for more information. |
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Distance
from major cities in kms |
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Delhi 494 Jaipur 324
Jodhpur 278 Jaisalmer 315
Agra 560 Udaipur 625
Ajmer 325 Chandigarh 594 |
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What to
see |
Architectural wealth of Bikaner lies in its
forts, palaces and temples. Areas of
interest are Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace,
Gajner Palace, Karni Mata temple (Deshnok),
Kolayat, Kodamdesar, Bhandasar Jain temple .
Festive Fun:
Delve into the local festivals and fairs
and see the customs, cultures and heritage
preserved over a period of 500 years. These
add a great value in tourism in the city.
Camel Festival : 2nd week of
January
Gangaur Festival : April
Kolayat Fair : November
Holi : March |
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Where to
stay |
Bikaner provides a wide range of hotels
options varying from high end heritage
hotels to lower end budget accommodations.
Click for more information:
Click Here
For More Hotels Information |
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