Bikaner Craft

Sightseeing

Festivals

General Info

Tour Packs

On the northern tip of the desert triangle, stands the royal Walled city of Bikaner.
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1486 A.D., when Rao Bika setout of his father's kingdom to conquer a separate kingdom for himself. He annexed the territories of Godara jats and through his shrewd military and administrative policies, consolidated his position. By 1587 A.D, the construction of Junagarh Fort had begun and the city of Bikaner had come into being.
A major center of trade in the 16th century on the ancient silk route, Bikaner has retained its medieval aura. Unlike most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences are minimal here and the traditional life-style endures.

BIKANER CRAFT

Bikaner is rich of Craft and Art. Some of world famous work includes
Miniature paintings :- Bikaner is famous for miniature paintings. Raju Swami Artists of Bikaner have world fame in botanical miniature paintings. Paintings of Mr. Raju Swami were selected for Unicef Cards.  He also participated in many International exhibitions.

In Bikaner is also famous for Fresco work.

Other Bikaner Craft includes Old and New silver items (these have special mention in "Marian" A German Magazine),camel hide, taxtile, architecture, wooden toys etc.



SIGHTSEEING
Junagarh Fort-The psychology behind the construction of forts is best explained after a good look at Bikaner's junagarh fort. Built around 1587 A.D. to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within, the fort is one of its kind, remaining unconquered till date expect once when kamran is supposed to have captured it but could not retain it over 24 hours.
Today junagarh houses a museum of valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old.
Lalgarh Palace-The imposing red sandstone monument is a successful blend of oriental façade and occidental interiors, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples- The oldest surviving monuments of aesthetic heritage, the 14th century Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar were built by two brothers and named them.
The rich mirror work, décor and frescoes of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar; and their gold-leaf paintings are noteworthy. The old jain havelis are the other popular tourist spots.

Other important temples of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari and Nagnechiji temples. Also worth seeing is the Bhaironji Temple at Kodamdesar about 40 kms. From Bikaner.

National Research Center On Camels-(8 kms.) A center for camel research and breeding; the only one of its kind in the Asia.

Devi kund- (8 kms.) Cenotaphs of the House of Bikaji Rathore are situated here.Tablets and chattris commemorating this surya vanshi household are prime attractions.

Karani Mata Temple, Deshnoke- (32 kms.)Dedicated to Karani Mata, a mystic. Legend goes that she foretold the victory and success of Rao Bika and the prophecy came true. Today along with her, thousand of rats are revered here. This strange mode of worship owes to the belief, that the souls of her devotees are housed in these rats, and consequently they must be protected and well fed. The intricate carvings on the main gate of the temple are worth watching.

Gajner-(32 kms.) A wildlife sanctuary surrounded by wooded hillocks and a lake along its side.
A grand palace provides accommodation within this paradise of birds and water fowls.

Kolayat- (54 kms.) Ancient place of pilgrimage, has now developed into a picnic spot as well.

Kalibangan- The priceless remains of the Harappan and pre-Harappan civilizations have been found at this place in Ganganagar district.This, makes it an area of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

FESTIVALS

Camel Festival-A festival when these majestic ships of the desert are seen at their sporting best. Camels fascinate tourists from all over the world with their movements,charm and grace. A spectacle of unusual camel races, camel dances and the bumpy, neck-shaking camel rides.

Karni Mata Fair- Devotees throng deshnoke for this fair which is celebrated on the 9th day of Navratra.
Held twice a year-april/may and October/November. Worship of Goddess Durga and her incarnations, prayer offering to the charan mystic Karani Mata- the festival has a distinct religious flavor.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BEST SEASON- October-March
ALTITUDE- 237 meters
CLIMATE- Summer Max. 41 c
Winter Max. 22 c

DISTANCE BY ROAD
Bikaner - Jodhpur 240 kms. Via Nokha, Nagaur
Bikaner - Delhi 510 kms. Via Ratangarh, Sardarshar & Hissar
Bikaner - Jaisalmer 320 kms.
Regular Bus service link Bikaner to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer (Pushkar), Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi & Agra.


TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to get here -
AIR:- Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur lie on the Indian Airlines route that links Delhi to Bombay.
RAIL: Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network of rail services. An excellent connection to jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi is the Pink City Express (8 hours run) which is a vestibuled, chair-seating rail service. Other places too are linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journey are usually long because of the distances involved, it is advisable to carry light snacks and water bottles as most stations enroute do not serve much by way of food.
Good Luxury Buses link most tourist places and business centers in and around the state. Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned cars can be hired from approved operators.

TRAVEL PROGRAM

If you are visiting Bikaner, You can enjoy Luxury Camel Safari too. You can find various Safari treks around Bikaner.

If you want assistance, we will be glad to provide. We have our own Travel agency, If you need Tour programs of Bikaner as well as Rajasthan then Please contact us we can suggest some good tour packs,  you can choose your tour program.