Bikaner Tourism & Travel Guide - Places to see in Bikaner

Bikaner Tour & Travel Guide - Places to See in Bikaner

If you feel that it's only cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur and Mount Abu that are worth visiting in Rajasthan, then you are in for a big surprise. Bikaner with its forts, palaces and temples, festival and feasts, is just as illustrious and interesting as some of the better known cities of Rajasthan. Grab your camera, slap on some sunscreen lotion and whip out your guidebook to explore the many realms of Bikaner.

Junagarh Fort

This ancient fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, who was the sixth king of Bikaner. This massive fort, which took five years to build, is surrounded by a long sandstone wall and a moat to keep the enemies at bay. The Lal Niwas is known to be the oldest palace in this fort while the Durbar Niwas is newest, having been built in the 20th century. See the Karan Pol with its massive elephant statues, and the Daulat Pol, which still has the handprints of two dozen women, who performed johar (self immolation) after their husbands died protecting the Fort. Other architectural marvels in the fort include the Anup Mahal, a beautiful hall for private audience and Chandra Mahal, which was built in honour of the queen Chand Kanwar and embellished with carved marble panels and painting.

Lallgarh Palace

Built completely in red sandstone, the Lallgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh to honour the memory of his father, Maharaja Lall Singh. This three-storied architectural wonder incorporates amazing examples of filigree work, lattice patterns and carved friezes. The construction began in 1902 and took another 24 years. This opulent palace has pavilions, smoking rooms, well-maintained gardens, tea rooms, guest rooms, swimming pools, halls and a sprawling dinging room where 400 people can sit down to a meal. As you walk through the palace, soaking in the old-world charm, you can also see several old portraits and hunting trophies that dot the walls, and will take you back in time. The palace is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm on all weekdays.

Gajner Palace

This beautiful summer palace, which is about a short drive outside Bikaner, was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the 20th century. Created on the banks of the Gajner Lake, from where it gets its name, this red sandstone palace spans over an area of 6000 acres. While this place is now a luxury hotel, in its earlier avatar, the Gajner Palace was the place where the royal family threw lavish parties and hosted hunting expeditions. Ensconced within a forest, which is now a wildlife sanctuary teeming with black bucks, antelopes, chinkara and blue bull, and lots of birds like peacocks, bar-headed goose, Imperial Sand Grouse, among others.

Prachina

If you’d like to know all about Bikaner’s rich history, pop into Prachna, a museum that documents and presents the highlights of the past, and traditional and cultural facets of the city. Founded in October 2000 by the present king Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji’s daughter, the museum is definitely worth a visit.

Karnimata Temple

If you liked the cute Jerry of Tom & Jerry series, have a err weird fascination for mice or just want to take a sneak peek at one of Ripley's Believe it or Not places, then do plan a trip to the Karnimata Temple in Deshnok village, south of Bikaner. This is the only place in the entire world, where rats are worshipped. Dedicated to the 14th century ascetic, Karnimata, the temple construction was completed during the rule of Maharaja Ganga Singh. It’s well-known now for its 2.5 feet tall statue of Karnimata as well as for the 20,000 or more rodent population that’s offered a sumptuous diet of sweets, sugar balls, milk and grains everyday. If you’ e in Bikaner duting the months of September to March or March to April, do attend the Karnimata Fair.

Shiv Bari Temple

This is a beautiful and peaceful sandstone temple with ornate domes, intricate columns, pretty pavilions and ‘aawris’ - reservoirs. Decorated with miniature paintings, this temple is well-known for its Shiva statue made of black marble, depicting four faces of the lord, and the bronze idol of Nandi bull.

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