Bikaner, Rajasthan Tourism
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Perhaps words cannot quite capture the desert charms of Bikaner, located in the northern part of the state. The city started out as a watering hole for caravans moving to the west after trading in the interiors of India. Gradually, as the desert oasis became an important stopover for traders, a city sprung around it. The city got its defining character during the rule of Rao Bikaji, who commissioned the building of forts and palaces that adorn the city.

Sightseeing

Junagarh Fort

The Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in the sixteenth century. This magnificent fort did its job well – it could never be taken by the enemy. What protected the fort was its intelligently designed system of moats, walls, and gates. It contains palaces, temples, marketplaces, and squares.

Lal Garh Palace

This palace is built from red sandstone that was quarried locally. The unique thing about this palace is the beautiful way the sandstone has been carved. The etchings were inlaid with silver to add to the splendor of the palace. The palace today houses a 5-star hotel.

Temples

Bikaner is home to dozens of temples. Karni Devi is the largest one in the city, while the smaller temples include Shiv Bari and Laxminath. The city was home to Jain traders as well, and they left their stamp on Bikaner through the construction of the Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar Temples.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

This museum traces the history of the region from the prehistoric times. Pieces of pottery, weapons and other items found during excavations in the area date back thousands of years.

How To Reach Bikaner

By Air : Bikaner does not have an airport. The nearest airport is located 250 kilometers away at Jodhpur. However, the airport at Jodhpur is small and facilitates only chartered domestic flights.

By Train : Taking a train is the more popular option, because trains connect Bikaner to larger as well as smaller cities in Rajasthan and other parts of India. These cities include New Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Kolkata.

By Road : The highways and roads of Rajasthan connect Bikaner to New Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. You can opt for the state run buses or private luxury buses and taxis.