A city located on Northwest part of Rajasthan, near thar desert, Bikaner. It is an exotic city a perfect blend that attracts all kinds of tourists to indulge in royalties and hospitality of kind people. High-spirited activities, historical monuments, royal forts, desert safari and several other places to indulge in. Bikaner never disappoints in food, culture and folk dances. “Padharo maare desh” slogan of Rajasthan can be felt on e...
A city located on Northwest part of Rajasthan, near thar desert, Bikaner. It is an exotic city a perfect blend that attracts all kinds of tourists to indulge in royalties and hospitality of kind people. High-spirited activities, historical monuments, royal forts, desert safari and several other places to indulge in. Bikaner never disappoints in food, culture and folk dances. “Padharo maare desh” slogan of Rajasthan can be felt on every nuke of this vibrant city. Let’s get a bit closer to this brimming city.
HISTORY
Bikaner was established by Rao Bika, son of Rao Jodha in 15th century. Before that it was a barren land known as “Jangladesh”. For longer duration it was a jaat community. But there was an internal rivalry among 7 sub castes. Rao Bika intervened to sort it out with Nera proprietor of Jaat. He asked for an name to be linked in perpetuity to city before surrendering. Hence Bika and Ner combined into Bikaner. City flourished and prospered in Rao reign for innumerable years.
CUISINE
Bikaner has quintessential vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. It has etched it’s mark on Bikaneri bhujia with several others famous dishes.
• Bhujia: Bikaneri bhujia or namkeen a savory dish is extremely popular in entire nation. It is sold in several parts of nation but if you visit Bikaner do not forget to get some extra packages of authenticity.
• Gulab Jamun and fenni: Many are aloof to it that people in Bikaner are fond of eating bhujia on a gulab jamun or fenni. Yes indulge in some local taste bud.
• Raj Kachori: Rajasthan is known for kachoris. Every city has a special type of kachori. In Bikaner you would be spellbound with taste of Raj Kachori where potatoes, bhujia, curd and chutney are served in a bowl.
• Laal Maas: As name suggests it’s a non-veg dish. It’s a packed punch with spiciness and rich aromatic flavor. Indulge in this Non-veg dish with some roti, bread or rice.
• Rajasthani Thali: Gatte, kadhi, Ker sangri, Kachri ki chutney, daal, bati, roti, churma, mirchu, aloo pyaaz, gulab jamun and so much more on a plate. Yes it’s mouth watering and can’t be finished in one attempt.
CULTURE, FOLK DANCE AND HERITAGE
Rajasthan is known for it’s hues of culture and heritage. Every place you visit in Bikaner would divulge into a culture never felt before.
• KALBELIYA AND GHOOMAR: These are two famous dance forms of Rajasthan. You can learn and groove on some regional songs in a hotel or resorts. Every place arranges shows of folk dances.
• PUPPET SHOWS: A local culture that was adapted by several parts of world. Puppet shows are very prominent part of Bikaner. Depicting one story and grasping dolls will surely leave you in awestruck.
• FOLK SONGS: Rajasthani songs are commonly love stories in form of songs. Bikaner would give you an experience of some classical music with instruments like sarangi, dholak and sitar.
• CLOTHING: Wearing rajputi poshak you will see several ladies on streets. Don’t miss on buying a poshak for yourself and don it on some traditional occasion.
FAIR AND FESTIVALS
• KARNI MATA FESTIVAL: A large fair is organized near Karni mata mandir at Deshnok. It happens twice an year on pious occasion of Navratri. March or April and October or November are months you might witness it. Rides, local shopping, regional shows and several other handmade artifacts.
• CAMEL FESTIVAL: A camel festival is organized every year in January. It’s a delight to watch camels decked up with jewels and showcasing their talent as per directions by their trainers. It happens near Junagarh fort.
• GANGAUR FESTIVAL: Celebrated for 18 days as an auspicious alliance of Shiva and Gauri(Parvati). This festival is celebrated with high zeal and devotion. Women in hues of jewellery and effigy of gangaur makes it eye soothing.
PLACES TO VISIT
• JUNAGARH FORT: Constructed in the year 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh is a formidable fort. Raja Rai Singh was a distinguished general of Emperor Akbar, hence this fort is a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal and Gujarati architecture. This fort is divided in several houses. It also has a prachin Mahal which is a museum showcasing artifacts, jewellery, royal costumed and other entities.
• GAJNER PALACE: Standing amidst forest near a small pond. This palace was built by Maharaj Gaj Singh and completed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. It was used a hunting palace due to nearby forests. Exquisite architecture makes it a destination to amaze you. Find some migratory birds while traveling and crossing forest.
• LALGARH PALACE: This red sandstone beauty was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in fond memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. It’s a fine architectural blend of Mughal, Rajput and Europeans culture. Palace has museums showcasing their successive kings lifestyle and photographs.
• KARNI MATA TEMPLE: Devoted to Karni mata an incarnation of goddess Durga, this temple is located at 20 kms from city. It has around 20,000 rats in it’s premises believed to be family of karni mata resurrected as rats. It’s believed that sighting a white rat is auspicious. This temple is most revered Hindu temple in Bikaner.
• RAMPURIA HAVELI: This acuity architecture endowed upon us by our forefathers, Rampuria Havelis are exquisite. It was a place where rich merchants of Bikaner resided for hundreds of years. It will excite you to go back to that era and live in such a magestic place.
• BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE: Temple is dedicated to fifth Tirthankar, Sumtinath and was built by Bhandasa Oswal. It’s a architectural magnificent temple having walls engraved with floral arabesque. Walls and pillars are filled with giant paintings of 24 Jain prominent figurine.
• NATIONAL CAMEL RESEARCH CENTRE: Breeding nursery of more than 230 camels, national camel research center will give an insight on this calm animal. You can take a round and also taste camel milk provided in premises.
• ROYAL CENOTAPHS DEVIKUND SAGAR: Crematorium ground of grandson Rao Bikaji. Devikund Sagar is a prominent place to be visited. 22 Cenotaphs has been installed in devikund. You can just come and fetch some knowledge about these brave bloodline.
• GAJNER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Around 33 km from Bikaner this is an exemplary sanctuary to see wild reserve in near areas. Blue bulls, Indian hare, deer, wild boars, antelope and much more. Many birds are also seen flocking here. It’s a must visit place in your itinerary.
• M.G. ROAD: To indulge into some satisfied but not enough shopping MG road is your place. Exhibiting so many jewellery, clothing, bags, artifacts and several other antiques. Don’t miss out on this place on your visit.
• SURSAGAR LAKE: It was built by Maharaja Sir Sagar Singh. It’s a lake where people visit on regular basis for picnic and spend some leisure time.
• LAXMI NIWAS PALACE: One of the opulent hotels in Inda nowadays it’s a awestruck beauty. It served as a residential palace for king of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh. Here ka a small museum in the palace where snippet and stories are recited.
• CAMAL SAFARI AND DESERT CAMPING: Take a day out and opt to stay in Thar desert. You can stay on these sand dunes and take a ride along. At night there are several folk dance and cultural activities organized in camps itself.
HOW TO REACH
• AIRPORT: Nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur airport. Around 250 kms from city there are several air carrier who operate flights.
• RAILWAY: Bikaner has a central railway junction which falls on Jodhpur-Bikaner line. It connects from almost every city and Rajasthan and few major cities in country.
• ROADS: Bikaner is well connected to road with Jaipur and Jodhpur. Several roadway buses operate on daily basis to nearest cities and major cities.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to March is the best time to visit.
• SUMMER: Temperature ranging from 37° to 42°c (scorching and draining heat)
• RAIN: Temperature ranging from 28°c to 37°c (very nominal rainfall)
• WINTERS: Temperature ranging from 8°c to 20°c (pleasant weather)