Landmarks
Junagarh
Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor
Akbar, Junagarh is unusual because unlike other major forts which are
built on hill tops, it was built on the desert plains itself. A formidable
structure encircled by a moat it has some beautiful palaces within. The
Suraj Pol or Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort.
The palace complex's artistically and intricately decorated interiors are
better preserved than in almost any other region. Anup Mahal, with its
ornately lacquered walls in red and gold with panels of dazzling coloured
glass inlay set over the coronation throne, is worth admiration. The
marble columns are covered with delicate paint work, and leaves a visitor
spellbound.
In artist was specially commissioned to paint the Badal Mahal, so that
when the rare phenomena of rains occurred, the children of the royal
household would not get frightened. The exquisitely beautiful Chandra
Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvellous paintings, mirrors and carved
marble panels, and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and
mirror work are worth a visit. Other items of interest include an unusual
Rajput weapon collection and an old WW I biplane presented to Maharaja
Ganga Singh by the British.
The Har Mandir
It is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods
and goddesses.
Lal Garh Palace
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Lal 
Singh, the red palace with overhanging balconies and latticework make it
an imposing structure. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillaea and
dancing peacocks render it a breathtaking visual treat. Part of the palace
has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum, Shri Sadul Museum.
The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well
preserved old photographs of the maharajas, their personal belongings,
trophies of wildlife and a carriage from the maharaja's royal train.
| Lal Garh Palace is an imposing red palace with overhanging balconies and latticework.
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Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The exhibits here are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilisation,
Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the earlier eras. On display are
terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of the Bikaner school and
coins, making it one of the best museums of Rajasthan.
Bhandasar Jain Temple(5 km)
Beautiful 16th century AD Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Trithankara,
Parsavanathji.
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Camel Research Farm(8 km)
Set amid rolling sand dunes, this farm was set up to produce superior
strains of camels both for domestic haulage as well as, even today, for
military use. The only one of its kind in Asia, this farm extends over
2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government.
Interestingly, one of the efforts is to breed camels with longer, thicker
eyelashes to offer greater protection during sandstorms.
Devi Kund (8 km)
Built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers this royal crematorium has
several ornamented cenotaphs. Maharaja Suraj Singh's chhatri is the most
impressive of all, created entirely in white marble with spectacular
Rajput painting on the ceiling.
from here.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary(32 km)
A beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam, is the
most impressive feature of this late 19th century temple.
Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple(30 km)
Located on the Jodhpur road the temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an
incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved
silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Thousands of
rats scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Regarded
as incarnations of mystics, they are fed by priests and devotees because
of the belief that the rats will reincarnate as holy men. Spotting a white
rat is considered an omen of good fortune.
Kolayat(50 km)
Kolyat has a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni. The temple is the venue for
an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct.-Nov.) when thousands of
devotees gather in large numbers to take a sacred dip in the holy waters
of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day. Referred to as mini-Pushkar, the
cattle fair here though not on the same scale as that of Pushkar, is a
trading ground for camels. An idyllic picnic spot.
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| Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse.
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Kalibangan(205 km)
The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilisations,
found here in Hanumangarh district, are of immense interest to archaeology
enthusiasts.
General Information
Accommodation
Hotel Bhanwar Niwas in the Rampur Haveli has rooms built around a
courtyard and is an excellent choice. Lalgarh Palace Hotel with its bar,
billiards room, pool and resident astrologer is part of the maharaja's
modern palace. Hotel Harasar Haveli with its traditional fire dance
performances, the Bhairon Vilas and Hotel Padmini Niwas are some mid range
hotels in Bikaner. Hotel Meghsar Castle, RTDC's Hotel Dhola Maru, and
Hotel Desert Winds are part of the numerous budget options to stay.
Places to Eat
Hotel Bhanwar Niwas, Lalgarh Palace Hotel, Deluxe restaurant and Amber
Restaurant are places to check out. Bikaner is noted for its namkin (spicy
snacks) which are available along the Station Road. Check out the Chhotu
Motu Joshi Sweet Shop, which offers an assortment of Indian sweets.
How to get There
Rail : Bikaner is linked by rail to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi.
Road : Frequent ordinary and express buses to most tourist places in Rajasthan
are available at the bus stand.
Shopping
Abhivyakti, a small craft shop run by the Urmul Trust, offers high quality
items made by locals from the surrounding villages. Proceeds from here go
to health and education projects of these villages. The traditional usta
(camel leather) products are available at Usha Street in the old city.
Climate : Summer: 41.8 degree C 28.0 degree C Winter: 23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
Best Season:: October to March
Clothing :Summer Light Tropical; Winter Woollen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
