Sightseeing in Bikaner (Rajasthan)

 

Sightseeing in Bikaner (Rajasthan):

> Junagarh Fort
This imposing fort was built between 1589 and 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the trusted Rajput generals of Akbar. The fort defied every attack that was made on it and today, stands proud and unconquered. The perimeter wall is nearly a kilometer long, with 37 bastions and two gates. The Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) is the main access to the inside. Within are a profusion of palaces (37 of them), pavilions and temples. Each palace is, in turn, a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, towers and kiosks. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings.  A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.

> Lalgarh Palace
The red fort-palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902, the enlightened ruler who steered Bikaner through the first half of this century, in honour of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace, designed by a British architect, is made of red sandstone and adorned with marvelously intricate latticework and carvings that exhibit great delicacy and refinement. There are several terraced lawns and bougainvillea bushes, and peacocks stroll the yards. Part of the Palace has been converted into a hotel, but the rest remains a museum, displaying an excellent collection of old photographs and hunting trophies. There is also a library which is supposed to possess the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts in the world. These manuscripts are on parchment, copper, and gold or silver plaques.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
5 km from Bikaner, these are beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.

Other important temples of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji Temple at Kodamdesar, about 40 kms from Bikaner, is another noteworthy temple.

 

Excursions Around Bikaner:

Short excursions to the places of cultural and architectural interest around Bikaner can certainly add more fun to your trip. Some of them being:

Camel Breeding Farm: Acquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding center. This institute is only one of it's kind in Asia. It is situated 8 km from Bikaner. It is open from 3 pm to 5 pm and is closed on Sundays. Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding center. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government. The Camel Corps of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the 'Raj' and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defense through the Border Security Force (BSF).

Shiv Bari Temple: Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Doongar Singhji, the temple is encircled by a high wall. Beautiful paintings and a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple. It is 6 km from Bikaner.

Devi Kund (8 km): A royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or 'chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh's chhatri is the most impressive of all, created entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceiling. These offer splendid example of the Rajput architecture.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km): Watch flocks of imperial sand grouse, as you wander through the lush foliage of woods located on the Jaisalmer road. Gajner Palace, a summer resort of kings built on the beautiful lake along the sanctuary, is a spot worth visiting. The lush foliage of the woods is home to a number of Nilgai or the Blue Bull, Chinkara and Black Bucks. Migratory birds like the Imperial Sand Grouse make the Gajner Lake their home during the winters.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (30 km): 30 km from Bikaner, this place is visited for an 600 years old Temple of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Devotees feed the rats, owing to belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Kolayatji (50 km): A sacred spot, dedicated to Kapil Muni. The temple here is the venue for a fair in the month of Kartik (Oct.- Nov.), attracting thousands of pilgrims. Kolayat is an idyllic picnic spot as well.

Kalibangan (205 km): The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place in the Hanumangarh district, are of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.