Bikaner

BIKANER is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple. Another unique aspect about Bikaner is the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the north-east down to the southern area.

WEATHER

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March, which is during the winter season. Camel festival takes place in January every year. Rest of the year is extremely hot and should be avoided. Bikaner witnesses extreme winters and extreme summers. From March to June, the days are sweltering with the temperature rising to 46 degrees Celsius. Dust storms are very common during this season. The monsoon arrives during the period of July to September. These months are also not as suitable as the weather becomes hot and humid. October to February is the winter season. The temperature may fall to 4 degrees. However, this is the best time to visit Bikaner since the weather is pleasant.

CUISINE

Bikaner is often almost identified by its popular Bhujjias, Namkeens, Papads and Baris. Make sure you try these while in Bikaner and take some home too. Along with this you can enjoy the other staple Rajasthani snacks such as Samosa, Kachori and many more. Bikaner also offers most of the typical Rajasthani preparations such as Dal Bati Choorma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Khata, Pakodi as well as deserts such as Ghevar, Fini, Rabri, Malpua and more.

SHOPPING

If you like purchasing thoughtful gifts and home décor items to take back home from your vacation, then you are going to love shopping in Bikaner. The best places to visit for shopping include Mahatma Gandhi Road Market, Station Road Market and Kote Gate. Here you can purchase items such as beautifully Printed Leheriya Sarees, Kundan Jewelry, Leather Footwear, Bangles, Light As Air Quilts and of course, some Bikaneri Bhujiya. You can also find some great options in terms of handicrafts and home décor, apart from the usual knick knacks that tourist places are famous for.

LANGUAGE

In Bikaner, various languages are spoken such as Hindi, Marwari, and English. The majority of population speaks Marwari, the local language here.

THINGS TO DO

1. MARVEL AT THE ARCHITECTURE OF JUNAGARH FORT

The Junagarh Fort of Bikaner is a magnificent structure around which the city of Bikaner grew up. The foundation of the Junagarh fort was built in 1478 by Rao Bika. However, it existed just as a stone fort then. The present grand structure was inaugurated on 17th February 1589. Besides having a rich history, the Junagarh Fort is a feat of architecture. The palaces inside the fort, the gardens, balconies, kiosks, etc. depict a composite architectural style which is influenced by the cultural differences of the different rulers and also foreign inspirations. The impressive Junagarh Fort stands with all its regal glory as an epitome of architectural brilliance. Visiting the Junagarh Fort is one of the best things to do in Bikaner.

2. VISIT THE UNIQUE KARNI MATA TEMPLE

The Karni Mata Temple, also popularly known as the Nari Mata Temple, is a highly popular tourist spot amongst devotees that is dedicated to Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Maa Durga. What is unique about this temple, however, is not its architecture or location, rather the fact that 25,000 black rats live, and are worshipped, in the temple. In fact, the food that is eaten by them is considered to be holy and is later served as 'prasad'. So visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Bikaner, for both the tourists and the locals.

3. SCALE THE DESERT AT DESERT SAFARI

The ships of desert, Camels, enable us to discover some of the beautiful and relatively unexplored regions of Bikaner. You can witness the vibrancy of colors, jubilant music, men with colorful turbans and massive moustaches and an evening full of dance and music. However, one will need a group to do the camel safari. Camel Safari options are limited in Bikaner and one needs to plan in advance. Also, it takes minimum of 2-3 days to venture out on a camel safari tour from Bikaner.

4. BE A PART OF THE ANNUAL CAMEL FESTIVAL

Camel Festival in Bikaner is a two-day event organized annually in January in the land of camels, Bikaner which is situated in the north-west Indian state of Rajasthan. The Festival is a grand celebration of the rich culture of Bikaner that draws tourists from all over the world to this land of camels. The event has camel safaris, camel rides, processions, folk dance and various other cultural activities and competitions. On the occasion of the festival, the camels are dresses in bright and colourful ornaments and bridles. The burst of vibrant colours in the golden dunes is a sight that cannot match any other celebration in the world. 

5. ENJOY A CAMEL RIDE AT NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON CAMEL

Identified as one of the important tourist place of Bikaner, National Research Centre On Camel is open for tourists during afternoon. Tourists can see the camel of different breeds and their behavior. A camel museum is available to apprise them of the developmental and research aspects of the camel in the desert ecosystem. Facilities of camel riding, safari and video/photography are also available. Special attraction of the centre is Camel milk parlour and you can have unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages. This is one of the most unique things to do in Bikaner.

6. REVISIT THE HISTORY OF BIKANER AT SADUL SINGH MUSEUM

Dedicated to the Maharajas of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh and Maharaja Sadul Singh, the Sadul Singh Museum has a fabulous collection of artefacts belonging to the kings, paintings, trophies, weapons, photographs to mention a few. It is the best place to get insights into the heroic activities of the Maharajas. If you are a history buff, you should definitely include visiting here in your topmost things to do in Bikaner.

7. SHOP FOR LOCAL HANDICRAFTS AT KOTE GATE

If you are a shopaholic then Kote Gate is full of surprises for you. You can shop for buffed camel hide articles, miniature paintings, Khadi industry articles, as well as wood carvings apart from mouth watering Bhujia and Rosogollahs here. You can also find locally made handicrafts here and traditional apparels and goods unique to the region.

8. TAKE A PEEK INTO JAIN CULTURE AT BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE

Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of the 27 beautiful Jain temples located in Bikaner. This temple is dedicated to the fifth Tirthankara, Sumatinath and it is also considered to be the most beautiful and the highest temple. This temple was built by a Jain merchant, Bhanda Shah. The foundation of this temple was filled by pure ghee and dry coconuts. The three-storied temple is made of red sandstone and one can enjoy the wall paintings and usta art here.

9. RELISH THE LOCAL CUISINES

Bikaner is often almost identified by its popular bhujjias, Namkeens, Papads and Baris . Make sure you try these while in Bikaner and take some home too. Along with this you can enjoy the other staple Rajasthani snacks such as Samosa, Kachori and many more. Bikaner also offers most of the typical Rajasthani preparations such as Dal Bati Choorma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Khata, Pakodi as well as deserts such as Ghevar, Fini, Rabri and more.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. JUNAGARH FORT

The Junagarh Fort of Bikaner is a magnificent structure around which the city of Bikaner grew up. The fort was initially called Chintamani and later renamed the Junagarh or Old fort in the 20th century. The foundation of the Junagarh fort was built in 1478 by Rao Bika. However, it existed just as a stone fort then. The present grand structure was inaugurated on 17th February 1589.

The palaces inside the fort, the gardens, balconies, kiosks, etc., depict a composite architectural style influenced by the different rulers' cultural differences and foreign inspirations. 

The unique monuments on display in the fort represent 16 generations of rulers in Bikaner starting from the late 16th century.

2. KARNI MATA TEMPLE

The Karni Mata Temple, also popularly known as the Nari Mata Temple or 'Rat Temple', is a 600-year-old temple located around 30 km from Bikaner in a small town of Deshnoke in Rajasthan. What is unique about this temple is the fact that 25,000 black rats live, and are worshipped, in the temple. Infact, the food that is eaten by them is considered to be holy and is later served as 'prasad'.

These holy rats are known as kabbas, and people from all over the world travel great distances to come and visit the temple to pay their respects to these rats.  Numerous tales and legends are associated with the temple and the rats that live here, but no one knows the exact history of this unique shrine. 

The Karni Mata Temple is also noteworthy for its architecture that has been influenced by the Mughal style of construction. The beautiful temple is adorned with a fantastic marble facade and marble carvings that further add to the charm of this place. While the entire concept of this temple may seem as gross or weird to some, it is a unique experience altogether and is something you should not miss out.

3. LALGARH PALACE AND MUSEUM

Maharaja Ganga Singh commissioned the construction of this majestic palace. This architectural marvel is made entirely of red sandstone and was built in 1902 to commemorate his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The design was conceptualised by Sir Swinton Jacob, who created this oriental fantasy by blending Rajputana, Islamic and European architecture.

4. NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON CAMEL

The National Research Centre on Camel is 8 kilometres from the city. This camel research and breeding centre is the only one of its kind in Asia. The centre is spread out over 2000 acres of semi-arid land and is managed by the Government of India.

5. RAMPURIA HAVELI

Bikaner has several havelis (aristocratic homes), the most famous cluster being the Rampuria Group of Havelis. Built of dulmera (red) stone, every aspect of the havelis – jharokhas (casements), entrances, latticed windows, divankhanas, gumaharias or basements – is simply exotic. Leaves and flowers decorate every jharokha, lending it a pleasant touch. These massive havelis are decorated with golden work of the highest quality. Their dankhanas (drawing room) take one back to the Mughal and Rajput era. One can notice an abundance of Victorian influence in their design as well. The wood carvings in Rampuria Havelies are extremely exquisite. Spaced close to each other, the havelis are truly a sight to behold.

6. GAJNER PALACE

Gajner Palace is located in the city of Bikaner on the banks of Gajner Lake. This regal palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge for him and his family but was converted to a hotel in 1976. Gajner Palace offers you a variety of leisure activities from boat rides to desert safaris. Built as a traditional Rajasthani Palace, it is an architectural beauty that now is modernised to host guests. The entire vicinity is filled with lush green trees while the glorious palace itself offers recreational activities like billiards, lawn tennis, cycling, bird watching and wildlife safaris.

7. BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE

Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of the 27 beautiful Jain temples located in Bikaner. This temple is dedicated to the fifth Tirthankara, Sumatinath and it is also considered to be the most beautiful and the highest temple.

8. GANGA SINGH MUSEUM

Ganga Singh Museum has a marvellous collection of artefacts belonging to the Harappan Civilisation and Gupta Dynasty. The museum is a perfect attraction for history and archaeological buffs as the stunning antiques like pottery, paintings, terracotta artwork, etc. are sure to give one a peep into the rich ancient heritage of India.

9. LAXMI NIWAS PALACE

Once a royal palace of Maharaja Ganga Singh, Laxmi Niwas Palace is a stunning attraction which is now open to the public as a heritage hotel. The architectural beauty of the palace and its rich historic and heritage value draw guests in large numbers. The grand palace also has a museum that can be explored to get a glimpse into the royalty of Bikaner.

10. DEVI KUND

8 kilometres from Bikaner is the royal crematorium. It has several exquisite chhatris (cenotaphs), each dedicated to the memory of a ruler of the Bikaji dynasty and situated on the exact spot where each of them was cremated. The chhatri of Maharaj Surat Singh is a fine example of the architecture of that era. Devi Kund also has cenotaphs of 22 female members of the royal family prior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji, who committed sati. There is also one cenotaph of a Sata (male sati) of a ruler. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling.

11. KOLAYAT

Kolayat is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus. Locals as well as devotees from distant places visit this temple complex every year. History tells the story of Kapil Muni, the advocate of Shankya yoga, who was so mesmerised by the serenity of this place that he interrupted his journey to the northwest and stopped here to carry out a ‘tapasya’ (penance) for the redemption of the world. The main attractions of the town are its several temples, ghats, the sacred lake and the town market. Kolayat is about 50 kilometres from Bikaner.

12. KATARIASAR VILLAGE

45 kilometres from Bikaner on the Jaipur Road is a village rich in ethnic, rural and cultural life. In Katariasar, one can walk on sand dunes and view the sunset against the desert landscape. The main attraction of this village is its inhabitants, the Jasnathjis, who are fire dancers. Herds of chinkaras, desert foxes, rabbits, peacocks, parrots and partridges can be spotted here.

13. HORSE ECOTOURISM

The National Research Centre on equines, Bikaner Campus has recently taken an initiative to conserve and propagate equines through ecotourism. The Campus has now been opened for the Indian and Foreign tourists. The ambience of thecampus in itself is a big attraction. However, the campus has initiated Horse Riding, Pony Riding, Tonga Riding and Buggy Riding in the lush green zones of the campus to give nature-talking environment on one hand and a Desert Point with a traditional hut for the fragrance of the state, the Rajasthan, on the other hand. The elite Marwari horses, the Pride of Rajasthan; Kathiawari horses, the Elegance of Gujarat; Zanskari horses, the Ponies of Ladakh and Manipuri horses, the Famous Polo Ponies along with the French Poitou donkey and White Gujarati donkeys constitutes other major attractions. An Equine Information Centre has been developed for the depicting the basic technical details about the horses. The equine harness and implements are also worth seeing. The hydrotherapy pool for the natural treatment of equines is also worth visiting. Another beautiful part of the campus is the Souvenir shops offering the handicraft items, leather items and traditional Rajasthani dried vegetables for sale.