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Timeless Appeal - Bikaner |
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The city of
palaces, richly sculptured forts, Jharokhas and Bhujias, Bikaner
in the northwest state of Rajasthan, is a picturesque city and a
tourist¿s delight.
This region was once just barren wilderness. The political
squabbles among the then rulers of Rajasthan, led Rao Bikaji the
son of Rao Jodha Rathore, to form a city on this desert land. It
is amazing how from its small origins it has developed into the
fourth largest city in Rajasthan.
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The city abounds in forts and
palaces. An interesting feature of the architecture is the
intricately carved Jharokas or screens which were used for
ventilation, and for women to watch the world while remaining
unseen, as per the customs of those days.
The Jharokhas (screens) made of red sandstone are found on the
windows of the Junagarh fort, temples and mansions. Recent
addition to the popularity of this city is the production of 'Bikaneri
Bhujia' a spicy snack. |
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Places
to see |
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Junagarh Fort - |
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The Fort was built by
Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner. The king who
travelled extensively had built this fort with great
care having incorporated the art and architecture of the
different places he had travelled. It is one of the most
imposing forts of Northern India and one of the finest
among the Rajput monuments.
Interestingly Junagadh is one of the few forts in India,
which was never conquered. |
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Laxmi Niwas Palace - |
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Laxmi Niwas Palace is a
former residential palace of the king of the former
Bikaner state, Maharajah Ganga Singh in Bikaner. The
palace was designed by the British architect, in the
year 1902. The style of architecture is Indo-Saracenic.
The imposing structure in red sandstone is one of the
most popular destinations for tourists in Bikaner. |
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Lalgarh Palace - |
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Combining Rajput, Mughal
and European architectural styles, this palace building
is coated in red sandstone unique to this desert city.
The palace houses several grand halls, lounges, cupolas
and pavilions, and elaborate fireplaces. Italian
colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work
form part of its design. |
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Shiv Bari Temple - |
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Built with red sandstone
n the late 19th century, the temple, houses the four
faced black marble statue of Shiva and a bronze Nandi
facing the Shiva Lingam. There are also two large
reservoirs of water known as bawaris. |
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The temple attracts thousands
of visitors especially during the month of Shravan (August). |
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Moolnayakji - |
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Moolnayakji was the
first Vaishnav Temple built in Bikaner. The presiding
deity is Lord Moolnayak Krishna.
It is interesting to note that the first of the Bhagavad
Katha Vachaks of the Rattani Vyas clan of Bikaner Shri
Rattoji Vyas gave the Bhagavad Updesh to the king, Rao
Bika and his aide Salloji Rathi. |
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Laxmi Nath Temple - |
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It is one of the oldest
temples in Bikaner. The foundation of the city was laid
here by the founder of the city Rao Bikaji. |
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Karni Mata Temple - |
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Karni Mata was believed
to be an incarnation of Durga This temple dedicated to
the goddess is found in the town of Deshnoke, 30 km
south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. |
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How to Reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest airport is Jodhpur
235km |
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By Rail |
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Bikaner is connected
with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howarh
(Kolkata) and all the majorcities in India. |
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By Road
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Bikaner is connected by
road with the major cities of India.
Mandawa - 170 kms
Phalodi - 170 kms
Delhi - 456 kms
Jaipur - 334 kms
Jaisalmer - 333 kms |
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DYK |
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The Lalgargh palace houses
the fourth largest library in the world. |
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Just like Jaipur, Bikaner
is called the Green City. The Ganga Canal completed in 1928
and the Indira |
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Gandhi Canal completed in
1987 have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard,
cotton and wheat. |
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Asia's biggest camel farm
is found here. |
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Bikaneri bhujia a traditional
snack, which is produced in cottage industries in Bikaner,
provides |
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employment to around 2.5
million people in villages. |
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