Bikaner, lying to the north of the desert state of Rajasthan, is dotted with many sand dunes. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. An enchanting desert city, Bikaner comes alive with music and dance during the camel festival. The wells of Bikaner, an important source of water in the region is a beauty in itself.


Location
The desert district is situated in the north western part of the state of Rajasthan. It is bounded to the north by Ganganagar, to the west by Jaisalmer, Churu to the east and Jodhpur to the south-east.

Climate
In the summers, the maximum temperature in the city is 42°C and a minimum of 28 °C. In winters, the maximum temperature is 23°C and minimum 5°C.


Tourist Attractions
The Lal Garh Palace - A great architectural masterpiece in red sand stone, the palace was built by Maharaj Ganga Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lal Singh. The palace is decorated with beautiful lattice work while blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacock make it a not to be missed visual treat. Presently, part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace, and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife.

The Junagarh Fort - The fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble makes up a picture perfect in the ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows that are dotted all over the structure. It was built by Akbar's general Raja Singh in 1593 AD. Among the notables structures of the Palace Fort are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal, with marvellous painting mirrors and carved marble panels and the Phool Mahal ornately decorated with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal.

Ganga Museum - This is the best Rajasthani museum with the richest collections of teracotta ware, weapons miniature paintings of Bikaner and coins of different ages. The exhibits show the splendid masterpieces of the Harappan civilisation, the Gupta and Kushan era and scriptures of the classical time. The museum also has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.

The Camel Breeding Farm - It is 10 kms away from the city and probably the only one of its kind in Asia managed by the government.The farm is a positive sign by the Rajasthan Goverment to preserve the most important species, the ship of the desert.

Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary - Just 32 kms ride on the Jaisalmer Road brings the visitors to the location of the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, where wooded hills and lakes surround the lush green forest. One can easily spot a Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck or flocks of Sand Grouse and Wild Boar living in the sanctuary.

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. Even the Dome is extraordinary.