Bikaner Travel Guide
Bikaner is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan which has an average elevation of 242 m. The place takes its name from Rao Bhikaji the sixth son of the Rathor Rajput Prince Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Bhikaji set up his independent kingdom in 1488. It developed as a center of the cross desert caravan trade. The rocky outcrop in the desert provides a dramatic setting for the Junagarh Fort.
Bikaner area is chiefly agricultural and a fine wool is obtained from the sheep. The Gang Canal enabled previously arid scrub region to be irrigated. Camel rearing is also practiced and there is also a government breeding center near the city.
Bikaner’s Marwari traders are noted throughout the country for their business acumen. Handicrafts of Bikaner are appreciated all over India. Bikaner is famous for Usta work i.e. camel leather wares painted in colors which includes purses, shoes and cushions. Glass and ivory work is also famous here.
The city has several buildings made of red and yellow sandstone these colors gives a wonderful effect. The surroundings of Bikaner reflect the medieval period. Desert festival is held every year in the month of November. Fire dance is the special attractions in the evenings.
How to Reach Bikaner
- Air – Jodhpur is the nearest major airport of Bikaner. It’s a 4.5 hrs journey from Jodhpur to Bikaner.
- Rail – Bikaner Junction Railway Station is the train station of Bikaner. One can take autos or taxis from here to the town.
- Road – There are express buses running from all parts of Rajasthan to Bikaner. Bikaner is connected to the rest of India through the national highway 11.
Distance of Bikaner from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
500 |
|
Jaipur |
350 |
|
Jodhpur |
260 |
Weather
Bikaner Temperature:
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are high and range between (16°C) to (42°C). Not a recommended season for tourists due to the excessive heat
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Being a desert area, rainfall in Rajasthan is not very high. Temperature is on the higher side.
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (5°C) to (34°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Bikaner
Junagarh Fort was built in the year of 1571 by Raja Rai Singh. Raja Rai Singh was the sixth ruler of Bikaner. The fort was built for the royal family. It reflects the history of the royal family of Bikaner. Junagarh fort and the adjoining palaces are well preserved. Wonderful mirror work carving and marble decorate reflect the richness of the culture and heritage. The Coronation hall is richly adorned with plaster work, lacquer, mirror and marble work. Har Mandir is the royal temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple marriages and birth ceremonies were celebrated. Gangaur Dussera and Diwali are especially spectacular in Junagarh Fort.
Lalgarh Palace stands out in the city surrounded by rocks and sand dunes. It has superb carvings particularly in the fine lattice work. The part of it is a hotel now. The banquet hall is full of hunting trophies and photographs. The bougainvillea and peacocks add to the attraction of the garden in which the Bikaner Railway Carriage is preserved.
Bhand Sagar
Bhand Sagar is located 5 m away from Bikaner. Bhand Sagar is a group of colorful temples of which the 16 th century Jain temple is the most important.
Gajner Palace is referred to as the Jewel of Thar Desert. This is one of the excellent piece of architecture created by the royal family of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built this palace for his youngest bride. This palace s made of red sand stone and has a beautiful lake with it. The interiors are richly carved especially the jharokas, the screens and the pillars.
Other Details
What to Do
Go for a desert safari. There are lots of safari operators and guides and they are pretty cheap and adventurous. One may select the option of hourly based camel safaris or alternatively customized long duration tours. During the safari one might see tribal people, peacock, wildlife, deers, blue bull etc.
Where to Eat
- Suraj Restaurant — Extras Rani Bazaar off Station Rd. This is the best value option with a wide range of thalis available.
- Bhanwar Niwas — Street Rampuria St Locality Old City. A completely veg restaurant. It is essential to make reservations here.
- Heeralal’s Stree — Station Rd. The restaurant at the second floor offers good non-veg and veg Indian and Chinese dishes. There is a sweet section in the ground floor with the options of some fast food too.
What to Buy
Silverware, paintings and textiles would be the shopping options provided by Bikaner.
Get Around
Auto-rickshaws, tongas and bicycles are the best ways to get around the town.
Popular Tour Plans - Rajasthan
1-3 Days
1. Jaipur (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Jaipur (9N/10D)
2. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur (8N/9D)
3. Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Mount Abu-Udaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur (12N/13D)
2. Delhi-Corbett National Park-Agra-Bharatpur-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (12N/13D)