North
India Travel Guide
Bikaner Tourism
City, north-central Rajasthan
state, northwestern India. It lies 240 miles (386 km) west of Delhi.The city was
the capital of the former princely state of Bikaner. About 1465 Bika, a Rajput
chieftain of the Rathor clan, began to conquer the area from other Rajput clans.
In 1488 he began building the city of Bikaner ( the settlement of Bika ). He died
in 1504, and his successors gradually extended their possessions.
The
state adhered loyally to the Mughal emperors, who ruled in Delhi from 1526 to
1857. Rai Singh, who succeeded as chieftain of Bikaner in 1571, became one of
the emperor Akbar's most distinguished generals and was named the first raja of
Bikaner. As Mughal dominance ebbed, wars between Bikaner and the princely state
of Jodhpur raged intermittently in the 18th century.
A treaty establishing
British paramountcy was concluded in 1818, and order was restored in the country
by British troops. The rebellious behaviour of the local thakurs, or subsidiary
chiefs, continued, however, until the princely state was made subject to the Rajputana
agency in 1883. The state's military force included the Bikaner Camel Corps, which
gained renown in China during the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and in the Middle East
during World War I. In 1949 Bikaner, which by then totaled more than 23,000 square
miles (60,000 square km) in area, became part of the Indian state of Rajasthan
and was divided into three districts .
Bikaner's history date backs to
1488A.D. when a Rathore Prince. Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459A.D.)
Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Jodhaji
had five sons but rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. The well of Bikaner-an
important source of water are another attraction of the city. These are built
on high plinth with slender minareted towers on each of the Four Corners and can
be noticed even from a distance.
Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called
"jangladesh" and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji
after the Founder's Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan
routes that came from west/Central Asia, made it a Prime trade center in the times
of the year. 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 reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical
and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful
folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
Fairs
& Festivals of BikanerThe Camel Festival (January) :A
spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics dances
and camel milking competition are a part of of the celebrations.
Kolayat
Fair (November) : Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy
dip in the Kolayat lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.
Gangaur
Festival (April) : Dedicated to Goddess Parvati- the consort of Lord Shiva.
Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of the
eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi : March Exuberant festivals
beginning several days before the actual day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular
occasion.
Places to See in BikanerJUNAGARH
Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh(1571-1611 A.D.), a general in the
army of emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat
and has some beautiful places within.
These places, made in red sandstone
(Dulmera) and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of countryards, balconies, kiosks
and windows dotted all over the structure.
The imposing fort has 986 long
wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. It is approached through the Karan Poal
which is the main entrance. Among the places of interest are Anop mahal, Ganga
niwas and Rang mahal or palace of pleasure. The Anoop Mahal is famous for it's
gold leaf painting. Har Mandir- a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped
there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace has exquisite paintings
on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with
inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the
palaces. Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal
Aurangzeb.The other important important parts are Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh
Mahal or mirror chamber etc. Timings : 10 AM to 4.30 PM
Ganga Golden
Jubilee Museum Established near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner in 1937
on the eve of the Golden jubilee celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh, this Museum
now run by the Government of Rajasthan, was shifted to a new building in the Civil
lines in 1954It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collection
of Terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.
The exhibits are splendid master pieces of Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan
era and sculptures of the late classical time.
Some principal sections
of the museum are: - Maharaja Ganga Singh Memorial
- Local Arts and
Crafts
- History
- Sculpture, Terracotta and Bronzes.
- Armory
- Miniature
Paintings and Folk-Arts
- Dr. L.P. Tessitori Memorial Section.
- Lithoprints
of the British interpretation of the war of Independence 1857.Timings Open: 10.00
am to 5.00 pm
Closed: Friday and gazetted holidays.
Bhandaser Jain
Temple The 15 century Temple,is the oldest and distinct monument of bikaner
dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji,the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain Religion.The temple
is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings..The beautiful
temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.Pure ghee (butter oil) and
coconuts were reported to have been used in laying the foundation. Carved in red
sand stone and white marble - its famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural
beauty and artistically designed statues.
Distance :5 km.
Camel Research
Centre The National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner is located in the
Jorbeer area at a distance of about 10 km from Bikaner city. It was established
on 5th July 1984. Prior to that the Centre was known as camel breeding farm under
the aegis of college of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan Agricultural
University, Bikaner.
The Centre has the responsibility to conduct basic
and applied research for the improvement of camel. Over the years NRCC has developed
excellent laboratory facilities and infrastructure. An elite herd of Bikaneri,
Jaisalmeri and Kachchhi breed of camel has been developed and maintained at the
Centre. Scientists of the Centre were successful in finding out the genetic variation
within and between camel breeds using molecular markers. The technique of embryo
transfer has been used successfully in producing two camel calves at the Centre.
Extensive studies on evaluation of draughtability of camel breeds have been carried
out by the Centre. The feed requirement during various stages i.e. lactation,
pregnancy, draught has been studied and locally available feed/fodder resources
were evaluated by the Centre. The Centre has also generated useful information
on double humped camel found in Nobra Valley of Laddakh region.
The Centre
has been identified as one of the important tourist place of Bikaner and is included
in the tourist map of Rajasthan. The Centre has developed a camel museum which
attracts the attention of researchers and tourist. Every year thousands of Foreign
and Indian tourists visit the Centre. The Centre remains open on all days from
2.30 PM to 5.30 PM for the visitors. The Centre also participates in various events
held during the camel festival organised every year by Rajasthan Tourism Development
Corporation and Local Administration.
Laxmi Nath Temple Lakshmi
Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner
was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical monument
has special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran
and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . It was
later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi
- have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through
the last four and half centuries.
Ratan Behari Temple A splendid
temple building made of white marble. It is a fime example of Indo-Mugal architecture,
situated on King Edwats Memotial Road, near Junagarh Fort. The temple was built
by the 18th rular of Bikaner state, Lork Ratan Singh, in 1846 A.D., It is dedicated
to Lord Krichna. The outer portion of this this temple has an ethereal beauty.
The xanctum of the temple is unique where the idol of lord Krishna and his wife
and his girl friend are fixed. The temple has very spaciors quadrangle floor made
of marble. Arcade design beside the Quadrangle floors mades the sight very magnificent.
You are recommended to see the sight of this lovely temple. Visiting hours of
the temple. Summer Winter
7.00 A.M. to 9.30 7.15 A.M. to A.M. & 6.00 P.M.
10.00 A.M. & To 7.15 P.M. 5.00 P.M. to 6.15 P.M.
Entry charges. It is
free of cost.
Photography charges. Free of cost
Note: You may take photograph
of temple building from outside and inside, but Photography of the idol is prohibited.
LALLGARH
PALACE & SADUL MUSEUM The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone,
the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942 A.D.) in the memory of
his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902 AD. The palace has beautiful latticework
and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks
make it to be a not -to-be missed visual treat.
This oriental fantasy Designed
by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely a hybrid architecture -a mixture of different
elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles and can be categorized as Indo-Seresanic
style. The Rajput exterior of this palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental
decor within. The intricately dexterous carving on red sandstone is a hallmark
of great craftsmanship. The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved
fire mantles , Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom , adding to
the magic of this jewel of the desert. Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the
past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The palace has it's
own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and
skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges.
Bikaner royal family
still lives in part of the palace. part of the palace has been converted into
a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul museum which was donated by late
his highness maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji of Bikaner to Maharaja Shri Ganga singhji
Trust Bikaner in the year 1972 . Princess Rajyashree Kumari of Bikaner, Chairperson
of Trust played a very important role in the establishment of this museum.
The
museum covers the entire first floor of the Lallgarh palace and depicts the lives
and times of three successive - Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh
through the various artifacts and photographs displayed in 22 rooms.
Visiting
hours : 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Shiv Bari Temple Built
by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement
wall. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi facing the
Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.
This
red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (Feb) especially
on mondays.
How To Reach BikanerAir
: The nearest airport is Jodhpur 235km
Rail : Bikaner
is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, kalka and Howarh (Culcutta)
Some important train connection are :
Kalka Express (Bikaner-Jodhpur);
Bikaner Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner),
Chetak Express (Delhi-Sarai
Rohila)
Bikaner Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohila-Bikaner)
Road : Bikaner
is connected by road with the major cities of India.
Some important distance
are : Delhi 456km Jaipur 334km, Jaisalmer 333 km .
