Bikaner - Citadel of Culture and Camels
Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.

Then royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Thar desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.Bikaner retains the medieval splendor taht pervades the citys life style.

Bikaner's history dates back to 1488 AD when Rathore prince Rao Bikaji a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji, estabilshed his kingdom here. Rao Jodha ji 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 's name.

Bikaner is more populary called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the worlds. 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 are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticted even from distance.

Bikaner's ‘unspoiled’ ambience of well preserved medieval splendour is evident and 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.

Places to See
Junagarh Fort : 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. The Suraj Pol or sun gate - It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the noteable of these Palaces are the beautiful Chandra mahal or Moon Palace with marvellous paintings on the lime plaster walls, mirriors and carved marble panels and the and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is decorated with inset mirror work. The gigantic columns, arches and graceful screen grace the palaces. other palaces wort visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Niwas or 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. 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 . Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adron the places.

Lalgarh Palace : The architectural masterpiece in red stone, the Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful lattice work and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing pecocks make it 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.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : It is the best Rajasthan 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. The museum hass a seprate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

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.

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. This one of the largest camel bredding farm in Asia.

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.

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

Excursions
Gajner Palace : Gajner Palace -a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing.A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.

In the 18th century ,when Maharaja Gaj Singh married a Jaisalmer Princess, she requested him to build a pleasure garden which he proceeded to do, also creating a tank in the process. This is how Gajner was conceived, and this was added to by the successive rulers, till maharaja Sardar Singh extended it into a hunting lodge with an even larger tank. It was this inheritance that Maharaja Ganga Singh was able to use for diplomatic gains, perfecting the hunt to a fine art, and contagious with the hospitality with which it became associated. It was during his rule too that the new Gajner palace was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, complete with twin dressing rooms per room to allow couples to get dressed at their own pace. While the annex to the main palace was opened as a hotel in 1976, the palace too is a hotel now with 25 rooms and a restaurant on the premises.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary : The sanctuary is just 32 kms away from Bikaner. Its the perfect place for adventure lovers to spot the Nilgai, Chinkara, Black buck, Wild boar , flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds. Jeep Safari with a guide is the best option to visit this wonderful sanctuary.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) : The famous 600 yrs old temple on the Jodhpur road about 30 kms from the city dedicated to karni Mata. an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She blessed Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner in establishing his kingdom and since then she was also worshiped as the tutelary deity of the erstwhile Bikaner dynasty. The temple is unique as the rats called Kabas, are venerated here and the shrine is a sanctuary for them. It is believed that these Kabas carry souls of future Charans/bards (children of the goddess) who inhabit the town of Deshnok. These Kabas are held sacred and they move freely in the temple precincts. It is considered highly auspicious. It is considered highly auspicious to sight a white Kaba. The temple has fascinating huge silver gates and marble carvings that were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singhji The most attractive feature of temple are the rodents who scamper freely within the premises and if one touches your feet its considered auspicious. They are regarded sacred and devotees buy prasad (feeding) to offer to them.

Kolayatji : A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) Kapil Muni sat in meditation near lake. Muni was propounder of Sankhya Philosophy The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when the thousands of devotees gather in a large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake( Kapil Sarovar) on the full moon day. Lake is considered to have the effect of washing off the sins of devotees. A cattle fair ,especially for the trading of camels is a part of he festivities.The town is connected to Bikaner by road as well as rail.

Katariasar Village : 45 kms from the city on Jaipur Road ,the village is rich in ethnic rural and cultural life.View sunset with typical desert landscape around,walk on a range of sand dunes and enjoy desert lifestyle.Villagers main profession is cattle rearing and milk production.the founder of Jasnathi sect of fire dancers- Jasnathji hail from this very place. Herds of chinkara, desert fox ,rabbit ,peacock, parrot and pat ridges are found in plenty around the village.

Devi Kund Sagar : The Royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs which were built in memory of the deceased members of the ruling family of Bikaner. The Chhatries (Cenotaphs) of the early rulers were made of red sandstone, ornamentation on which resembles very much with carving work on some of the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri.Maharaja Suraj Singh's Chhatri is the most impressive of all,created entirely n white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceiling The later Cenotaphs were made from marble and very beautifully sculpted and ornamented.Rajput painting adorn the ceiling of some of the Cenotaphs.