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.
