Situated in the north of the Jhodpur, Bikaner is a golden
city dotted with scores of sand dunes. The regal city retains the grandeur
that permeates into the lifestyle of the people. It is much popular amongst
the tourists as a Camel Country. Bikaner is distinguished for the best
riding camels in the world and hence boasts one of the largest Camel
Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the dessert is an
integral part of life here.
The history of Bikaner finds its root back o 1486 AD when a Rathore prince,
Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was amongst the five sons of Rao
Jodhaji, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. It is said that an intensive
remarks from his father about is whispering in darbar provoked him to incept
a new kingdom - north of Jhodpur. The barren land called Jangladesh became
the focal point of transformation. An impressive city was built with the
help of 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers. Bikaji established his kingdom
on 84 which was abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'.
Junagarh
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Junagarh:
An unassailable fortress which had never been conquered, Junagarh fort was
built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh. The massive fort is a formidable
structure encircled by a moat. Main entrance of the gate faces to the east.
Next to the gate is Suraj Pol, the sun gate. The citadel houses some
magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of
pleasure.
Lallgarh Palace:
This grand palace is an architectural masterpiece in red stone. It was
built in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja
Lall Singh. The oriental fantasy was designed by Swinton Jacob. Architecture
of the palace is perfect fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European style.
Ganga Government Museum:
The best museum in the state, Ganga Museum displays a rich collection of
archaeological discoveries from prehistoric Harrapan and early Gupta period.
Separate sections put view on paintings, arts and craft, terracotta,
pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.
Bhandeswar Jain Temple:
The oldest temple in Bikaner, Bhandeswar Jain Temple date backs to
fifteenth century. The temple is decorated with beautiful mirror work,
frescoes and gold leaf paintings.
Bikaner is an ethereal oasis on the vast expanses of Thar Desert. It has
much more to offer for the world wide tourists. Some of the other major
attractions of the city include:
| Jain Haveli |
Sadul Museum |
| Prachina Museum |
Rajasthan State Archives |
| Shiv Bari Temple |
Devi Kund |
| Deshnok Temple |
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