The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts , transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers.

The wells of Bikaner an important source of water is other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Binaker's history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince,Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called 'Jangladesh' and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder' name.

The city of Bikaner founded in 1488, forms the third significant destination in the desert triangle, along with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer Rajasthan. Bikaner is Rajasthan's fourth largest city, situated in the Thar Desert. Generally addressed as the camel country, it is a city bounded by sand dunes. The imposing Junagarh fort and many palaces within it, donate to its timeless beauty.

The history of Bikaner Rajasthan dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one of the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the memorable founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most courageous of them. It is said that an insensible comment from his father about his whispering in the Durbar motivated Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur Rajasthan.

Lying in the North of the desert state, the city Bikaner is spread with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval magnificence that saturate the city's lifestyle. More voluntarily called the camel country; the city is eminent for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camels explore and breading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an indivisible part of life here. A camel besides doing carrying duties, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slim minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Modern Bikaner is the result of the insight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative passion set the pace for Bikaner Rajasthan conversion from a principality to a premier generous state. The wonderful forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish pink sandstone, bear evidence to its rich historical and architectural inheritance. Surging lanes, colorful bazaars with bright and joyful folks make Bikaner Rajasthan an interesting experience to explore.

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Junagarh Fort
One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.

Lalgadh Palace
Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a magnificient blend of Oriental and European style.

MUSEUMS

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
This small museum has a large collection of pre-Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich collection of pottery, carpets, paintings, armoury and coins make this museum one of the best in Rajasthan. The Bikaneri miniatures, which are displayed in a sepetrate section for local arts, makes visit to the museum a must.

TEMPLES

Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples
Five kms from the city, these temples are the oldest surviving monuments of aesthetic heritage. These were built by two brothers and the temples carry their names. The mirror work and the gold leaf paintings in the temple are noteworthy. The temples are dedicated to 23rd Jain teerthankar, Parsvanathji.

OTHERS

Camel Breeding Bikaner
Take a ride on one or watch the calves gambolling, or submit to a Raika or a Rebari from traditional camel breeder, over a cup of camel's milk at the camel breeding farms just eight kms away from the city. This farm is the only of its kind in Asia.

Devi Kund
This is the royal crematorium with a number of cenotaphs. The 'chhatri' of Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. One cannot miss the spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings. 8 kms from Bikaner.

GETTING THERE
Air : Jodhpur is the nearest airport. The airport is easily accessible by road.

Rail : Bikaner has number of train links to connect it with the major cities of India.

Road : It is well linked with the big and small cities of India by the national highways and other roadways.