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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'.

Major Attractions

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

Fun & Leisure

Shopping :
Mojari (Bikaneri style), rangi dupatta, Kundan work, Wooden antiques, Lacquer Bangles, and Carpets capture the visitor's attention. Bikaner is also famous for the exquisite works of art crafted from camel hides.

Night Life:
One of the specialties of the Bikaner nightlife is camping on the sand dunes. The Rajasthani folk artists perform a variety of dance and songs, which add up to the rustic experience. Puppet shows and bonfire complement the nightlife at Bikaner.

Eating-joint:
Bikaner is popular for its savories, particularly 'bhujia', numerous mouth-watering 'namkeens', 'papads' and 'baris'.Do not forget to check the small shop on Station Road from where the successful food chain Haldirams began its journey.

Travel Information

Air
Jodhpur is nearest Airport, which is just 253 kms away.

Train
Bikaner has railway connections to several destinations including Jaipur, Churu, Jodhpur and Delhi. The tourist reception centre has a useful chart with details of timing and cost.

Road
The bus stand is north of the city centre, almost opposite the road leading to the Lallgarh Palace hotel. There are frequent express buses to the following destinations: Agra, Ahemdabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Barmer, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur.