| Bikaner |
| Population 723,982 Altitude 237 meters Area 270 square kms Languages Rajasthani, Hindi and English |
| Bikaner lies in north-western Rajasthan and is the administrative headquarters of the Bikaner District. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. As Jaipur is known as th pink city, Bikaner is called the Green City. The people of Bikaner specialise in farming of crops such as mustard, cotton and wheat. Other industries include wool production and the mining of gypsum, plaster of Paris and bentonite. Bikaner is famous for its "Bikaneri Bhujia" and its sweets. Bikaneri Bhujia is a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. Bikaner was and is the centre for Usta Art, a generic term for Art produced by Usta Masters. This generic term encompasses late 16th to early 20th Century techniques for paintings on paper and objects using translucent and opaque watercolors and a secondary technique incorporating embossed and unembossed gold patterns. Sights Lalgarh Palace was built between 1902 and 1926 and displays a perfect blend of Rajput and European architectural style. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and features magnificent pillars, elaborate fireplaces, Italian colonnades and intricate lattice and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum and the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still live in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel. Junagarh Fort was built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. The Fort was constructed on the plains, as a contrast to other forts of Rajasthan which are normally built on hilltops. It is a massive structure encircled by a moat, it houses many beautiful palaces. The Karni Mata temple at Deshnok is situated 30 km from Bikaner. The temple is dedicated to an early 15th century mystic, considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. Thousands of rats swarm all over the temple floors. According to the legend Karni Mata had gone on a long penance to restore life to one of her devotees who died due to snakebite. The Hindu deity of death, Yama, informed her that the person concerned had been reincarnated as a rat. It was then that Karni Mata was blessed with a boon that on death all her devotees would be reborn as rats till they were reincarnated as humans in their own clan. It is considered very lucky to spot a white rat in the temple. The Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar Jain Temples are located on the outskirts of Bikaner. These 14th century temples are dedicated to the 23rd Jain tirthankar, Parsvanath. The temples are famous for their mirror work and the gold leaf paintings. The Camel Breeding Farm, lacated 8 km from the town is the largest of its kind in Asia. These farms produce the fastest riding camels in the world. Visitors can also enjoy a camel ride or a cup of camel's milk at the farms. Accommodation There is plenty of budget of budget accommodation in Bikaner. Most are situated around the railway station but there are others scattered through the town. Prices start from around Rs 200 for a room. Banks and Internet All banking facilities are available in Bikaner and there are several internet cafes. |
Transport Trains Bikaner (BKN) to Jaipur (JP) Train numbers 2308A, 2467, 4738 Bikaner to Jodhpur (JU) Train numbers 339, 4707, 4887, 9224 Bikaner to Delhi (DLI) Train numbers 2464A Buses The main bus station in Bikaner is 3 km north of the centre. Bikaner to Jaipur Rs 150, Departs frequently Journey time 7 hours Bikaner - Fatehpur - Sikar - Jaipur Bikaner to Jodhpur Rs 130, Departs frequently Journey time 6 hours Bikaner - Nagour - Jodhpur Bikaner to Jaisalmer Rs 150, Departs 3 times daily Journey time 8 hours Bikaner to Delhi Rs 210, Departs several times daily Journey time 11 hours |