Bikaner
The city is located in northwest West Rajasthan. Its geographical location and colorful culture make it a significant tourist destination. The city is famous for its delicious food, grand palaces, and mighty Junagarh Fort. This article will help you with all the information about your trip to Bikaner.
Why is Bikaner famous?
The city is named after Shri Rao Bika Ji, the founder of Bikaner. He established the town in 1488 AD amidst the barren lands of the great Thar Desert, yet a significant business route.
Today the fourth largest city of Rajasthan is a district and division headquarters. Once a city in the wilderness has now developed considerably thanks to the Indira Gandhi Canal.
The city is also known as Bikana in the local language.
Hindi and English are used for communication and administrative purposes. On the other hand, Marwadi is the local dialect used majorly by the locals.
Here is a list of places to visit in Bikaner, Rajasthan
The royal city is one of the most vibrant cities in Rajputana. The culture of the city and the warm-hearted people will leave a lasting memory on you:
#1 Junagarh Fort – The foundation of the Junagarh Garh was laid by the great Rao Bika Ji the founder of Bikaner City. However, what we see today was built by Raja Rai Singh Ji in the year 1594 AD. Originally the fort was known as Chintamani. The fort depicts the classic example of Rajput architecture with large courtyards, grand walls, gates, etc. The fort is built using red sandstone and marble giving it a signature red color tone.
The vastness of the fort could be understood by the fact that it has many temples and palaces inside the fort walls. Additionally, you can visit the Junagarh Fort Museum to see the old Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts, armor, jewelry, and garments of the era.
Timings: 10 am to 4:30 pm
#2 Rampuria Haveli – It could be the undisputed face of Bikaner Tourism. The red sandstone mansion displays the exquisite architecture and grand lifestyle of the Rampuria family in the 15th century. This beautiful mansion stands tall between the streets of Bikaner city. Many travelers have dubbed it the Pride of Bikaner. The best time to visit this place is during the morning hours when the sunlight will play hide and seek with the city buildings to provide a mesmerizing view.
Timing: Sunrise to sunset
#3 Karni Mata Temple – The temple is world-famous as the Rat Temple of Rajasthan. Karni Mata is a holy deity of Goddess Durga. You will find thousands of rats roaming inside the temple premises yet no pandemic has ever struck the area. The locals believe that these rats are the ancestors and it’s forbidden to harm the rats. Devotees from all over the world visit the temple to feed the rats. The temple is 30 km away from Bikaner city.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
#4 National Research Center on Camel – The center was established in the year 1984 with a vision to promote research and conservation of Camel. The city has a handsome population of camels and the climate is favorable for camels. Today you learn all about camels at this place, take a camel ride, and also buy food products made of camel milk. Some quality stuff made from camel’s hide and fur is also popular amongst tourists. It is located 8 km from the city limits.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
#5 Bhandasar Jain Temple – This 12th-century Jain Temple is one of the most beautiful monuments in Bikaner. According to popular belief, instead of water, 40,000 kg of ghee was used in the mortar to construct this temple. The frescos, wall paintings, and glasswork are the key features of the Bhandasar Temple. It is devoted to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinatha.
Timings – Sunrise to sunset
#6 Sri Sadul Museum – The epitome of the royal family of Bikaner can be seen at this museum. It was the vision and efforts of Maharaja Karni Singh Ji that the museum came into existence in the year 1976. The museum has a vast collection of old photographs, artifacts, weapons, garments, etc. A trip to Sri Sadul Museum will take you inside the lifestyle of the royal family and the time journey of the princely state.
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
#7 Bikaji Ki Tekri – This is the place to commemorate the rulers of Bikaner and their contribution to this historical city. The Rajput-style chhatris are erected in memory of the rulers and the engravings and depictions on the walls are the timelapse journey into the world of Maharajahs. It is adjacent to Lakshminath Temple which again is a must-go place.
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Apart from the above-mentioned monuments, you must also visit Lalgadh Palace, Prachina Museum, and Devi Kund Sagar when in Bikaner.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan a fun trip exploring the forts and palaces of Bikaner.
What is the best time to visit Bikaner?
The temperature could rise to 50 degrees in Rajasthan during the summer months. On the other hand, days in the winter season are pleasant with moderate cold and soothing sunshine. It is best recommended to plan your visit in October to March when the weather is supportive of traveling.
Food in Bikaner
The royal city is known for its love for spicy snacks. Snacks like Bikaneri Namkeen are always in demand all over the world. Apart from the snacks, you can also taste other delicacies like Bajre ki roti, Dal-Bati Churma, Ghevar, Gulab-jamun, Halwa, Papad, etc. Some other snacks like Samosa & Kachori are made freshly every day and served while hot.
No meal in Bikaner is complete without some sweets. And you will always find Bikaneri Rasgulla on the plate to finish the meal. If your travel dates coincide with any of the local festivals then you can expect to have some of the traditional Rajasthani dishes as well.
Best restaurants:
- Gallops Restaurant & Coffee House, Opposite Junagarh Fort
- Restaurant Moomal, Panchshati Circle
- Garden Café and Restaurant, K.E.M Circle
- Kings Pavillion Restaurant, Lallgarh Palace
- Hang Around Zone, Medical College Road
Top hotels in Bikaner:
- Lallgarh Palace
- The Laxmi Niwas Palace
- Narendra Bhawan Bikaner
- Udai Niwas
- Heritage Resort Bikaner
How to reach Bikaner, Rajasthan?
Bikaner is a significant city in the state of Rajasthan. It is very well connected via roads and trains to major cities in India.
By Road: The city is 334 km away from Jaipur city and you will find many cabs, taxis, and buses (private & government) available from the pink city. It takes almost 6 hours to reach the city. The alternative to finish the journey is by boarding a super luxury bus to Bikaner from Jaipur at night and you will reach in the morning afresh.
By Train: Regular trains are also available to Bikaner from major cities of India including Jaipur.
By Airport: The nearest Airport is Jodhpur Airport which is 251 km far from the city. However, regular trains and buses, cabs, and taxis are readily available from Jodhpur to Bikaner.
FAQs
Q. Does Bikaner have Sand dunes?
A. Yes, the city lies amidst the Thar desert and there are some desert camps in the city.
Q. Are two days enough for visiting Bikaner?
A. Yes, you can plan your stay for two days.
Q. What is the distance between Delhi to Bikaner?
A. The two cities are 450.6 KM apart.
Also, read
That is what you need to know to plan your trip to Bikaner. We hope you find our article helpful. If you would like to add something do leave us a comment. Or if you have any queries leave us a message and our team will help you.
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