A HARBOUR FOR SHIP OF THE DESERT – THE CAMEL
Renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner lies in medieval splendor , a royal fortified city with a timeless oppeal. Lying in the north of the desert state the city is surrounded by sand dunes same mighty and others of mild gradients.
The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient Caravan routes of West and Central Asia made it the prime frade Centre in by –gone years Then as in now the camel became irreplaceable be it as a beast of burden for transporting grain working on wells or simple as a mode of transport.
Bikaner’s history dates to 1488 A.D. when the Rathore prince, Roa Bikaji –son of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 A.D.) Rao Jodhaji , established his kingdom here Of all his five siblings ,Rao Bikaji, the most enterprising chose the borren wilderness called ‘ Jangladesh ‘and transformed it into a most impressive city.
The old city of Bikaner stands an a slightly raised ground encircled by an embattled wail with five gates. Till today ,its magnificent forts and built with reddish – pink sandstone bear testimony to its rich and architectural legacy. Walk through the city’s lanes and colorful bazars. Meet its cheerful falks and transport yourself to another place, anther time.
PRIME SITES
Junagarh : Built in 1588 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, Balcinies ,kiosks and windows datted all over the structure.
The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate: It is the main entrance to the fort Among the notable of these pelaces are the exquisitely Beautiful Chandra Mahal with marvelous paintings mirrors and carved panels, and the phool Mahal – ki saol and mirror work Others palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal. Gigantic Columns arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within.
The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshiping their gads and goddesses.
Timings: 1000hrs. to 1630hrs.
Sadul Museum & Lalgarh Palces: Situated on the first floor of Lalgarh palace this musesm depicts the lives & times of the three successive Maharajas of Bikaner I.e. Maharaja Ganga Singhji, maharaja Sadul Singhji & Maharaja karni Singhji through the various artefacts & photographs displayed in 22 rooms.
Timings: 100hrs to 1700hrs Closed on Sundays .
Lalgarh an imposing red and sand stone palace, was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in Memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902 A.D. This oriental fantasy designed by Cal. Sir Swintan
Paintings of Bikaner school. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the classical time.
Timings : 100hrs to 1630 hrs. (Closed on Holi & Deepawali) The museum has a separate section displatings exclusings arts and crafts of the region.
EXCURSIONS
Bhandasor Jain Temle 5 (kms) : Beautiful 15th century A.D. jain temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinath ji
National Research Centre on Camel (8km): Spend some time with the indispensable ship of the desert at Camel Research and Breeding Center One of its kinds in Asia.
Timings: 1500hrs. to 1700hrs. (Open an all days ).
The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government . The Camel Corps of Bikaner were a Famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence. The Border Security Force (BSF) uses Camel for patrolling on the Indo – Pak border in Rajasthan Sector. Devi Kund (8km): A royal Crematorium with Serval Arnamented Cenotaphs or member of Bika dynasty Maharaja Surat Singh’s Chhatri is the most impressive of all created entirely in red sand stone with spectacular Rajput paintings o the ceiling.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32kms): The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer on road are a heaven to nilgai, Chinkara, black buck , wild boar and flocks of Imperial sand grouse. The Gainer palace a monsoon retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel. Entry fee into the palace area Rs.100/- per head Inclusive of tea /Coffe/ Cold Drink.
Shiv Bari Temple (6kms): Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century . The temle is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
Deshnak’s Karni Mata Temple : The famous 600 year old temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall . It was has Beautiful paintings and a Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
Deshnok’s Karni Mata Temple (32kms) The famous 600year old temple on the Jodhpur raod dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The Temple has huge intricately carved sliver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within precintts . They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotes owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated in the family on the goddess.
Kalayatji (50kms): A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (spaint) . The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the sacred dip in the holy water of the sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kalayat take on the full moon day. The small oasis town is now on idyllic picnic spot.
Kalibangan (205kms): The extensive remains of the pre – Harappan and Harappan civilizations found at this place in the Hanumangarh district , are of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts There is a museum also near the site Enrance fee 2.00 (Entry closed on Friday).
FESTIVE FUN
The Camel Festival (January): A spectacular event of Camel performances, camel races , camel acrobatics , Camel Dances and camel milking competition are a part of the celebration held every year in the month 2007, 2-4 Jan
Kalayat Fair (November) : Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the Kolayat lake on the full moon today in the month of Kartik dates 23rd to 26th November 2005 , 12th to 15th November, 2006.
Ganour Festival (April): Dedication to Goddness parvati- the consort of lard Shive Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of the eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi (March): Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actural day of Holi make It a special and spectaclor accasion.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: the marest airport is Jodhpur 253kms.
Rail: Bikaner is connected with Delhi , Agra,ahabad ,Jaipur ,Jodhpur, Bhatinda, kalka ,Haridwar ,Howrah, (Kokalta), Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Road: Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities of India some important distance are Delhi 456kms ,Jaipur 334 km , Jaisalmer 333kms.
Local transport: unmetered taxis auto ricshaws and tongas.
