Excursions from Khichan

Excursions from Khichan The sleepy town of Khichan, 4 kms from Phalodi is a sleepy town off the main tourist track is well known for Bird watching. Every year though, around the month of August, is the turn of Demoiselle Cranes of Eurasia and Mongolia to migrate to Khichan. The local people consider themselves the cranes' guardians. Khichan has become a natural sanctuary for these winged angels and Bird watching has become the major attraction for travelers. Packed breakfast can be arranged from the hotel incase the guest wants to go in their vehicle. Jeeps can also be arranged from the hotel for guided tours.

Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh - Bada Bagh, a huge park famous for royal cenotaphs or chattris built by various Bhatti rulers is located at a distance of 6 km from the Jaisalmer city. The cenotaph of King Maharawal Jait Singh is the most ancient cenotaph among all. Apart from cenotaphs, tourists can also see the Jait Sar tank, the Jait Bandh dam, and a Govardhan Stambh inside the park. Solid blocks of stones were used in the construction of both the dam and the tank.

Amar Singh Palace - Amar Singh Palace was constructed by King Maharawal Akhai Singh in honor of Amar Singh in the 17th century. This royal palace located at a distance of 7 kms away from the Jaisalmer city on the banks of the Amar Sagar Lake. This water body is surrounded by various stone carved figureheads of animals which are believed to be the protectors of the royal family. There are numerous ponds, walls, and a Shiva temple inside the building complex.

Akal Wood Fossil Park - Akal Wood Fossil Park is located at a distance of 17 km from the city of Jaisalmer. This park is a 180-year-old reserve and is spread over an area of 21 hectares. Tourists can see huge fossilized tree trunks and antique seashells here. Future excavations under the administration of the archaeological department are expected to bring even more fossils into the light.

Mool Sagar – Mool Sagar, located at a distance of 8 km from Jaisalmer is a popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan. It lies on the road leading to the Sam Sand Dunes. Maharawal Moolraj II constructed the Mool Sagar complex in the year 1815. Mool Sagar has a beautiful garden along with a tank and was built as a summer retreat for the royal families of Jaisalmer. A Shiva temple, three Jain Temples, dedicated to all the Jain Tirthankaras, several wells and a Raj Mahal can be seen inside the garden.

Jaisalmer Fort – Jaisalmer Fort is regarded as ‘The Pride of Jaisalmer’ and is located at the heart of the city. It is also known as the ‘Sonar Quila’ or the ‘Golden Fort’ as this yellow sandstone fort sparks like gold during sunset. It was constructed by Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler on the top of the Tripura hill in the year 1156. Jaisalmer Fort houses many beautiful havelis or mansions, temples and residential complexes of the soldiers and traders. This huge fort is surrounded by a 30 ft tall wall and has 99 bastions. The fort depicts an ideal fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural style.

Haveli Shreenath – Haveli Sreenath, a picturesque building was constructed by the Vyas family during the 15th century. Earlier, this building was the residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Presently, one half of this building is occupied by the ancestors of the royal family and the other half has been converted to a heritage hotel. Tourists visiting Jaisalmer can enjoy royal hospitality here. The beautiful wooden carvings and iron fittings of the doors add attraction to the haveli.

Gadsisar Lake – Gadsisar Lake, an artificial lake was constructed by the King Maharwal Gadsi during the 14th century. This rainwater lake served as the prime water source during that period. There are various small temples situated on the banks of the lake. Tourists can see various migratory birds on the lake. Visitors can also see the ‘Gate of Tillon’ located close to the lake. This gateway arches crossing the road and is adorned with an idol of the Hindu deity Vishnu, installed in 1908.

Chandraprabhu Temple – Chandraprabhu Temple, a Jain shrine dedicated to the 8th Jain Tirthankara was constructed in the year 1509 and is located inside the Jaisalmer Fort. the temple is dedicated to the 8th Jain Tirthankara. This is one of the prominent seven Jain Temples of the country made of red stones and is famous for its Rajput architectural style. The intricate carvings, geometrical patterns, and attractive facades add attraction to the overall view.

Pokhran
Baba Ramdev Temple – Baba Ramdev Temple is located in a village called Ramdevera at a distance of around 12 km from Pokhran. The Samadhi of Ramdev Ji, a Hindu folk God of Rajasthan, is situated in the premises of the temple. A Rajput King and saint from the 14th century, Ramdev Ji is believed to possess extraordinary powers, the fame of which spread far and wide. The recent building of the temple was constructed in 1931 by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner around the spot where Ramdev Ji renounced his mortal body. The samadhis of Ramdev Ji’s chief disciples are also situated in the temple complex along with the tombs of five Muslim Pirs. These Pirs had come here from Mecca to pay their homage to Ramdev Ji, who was called by the name ‘Ram Shah Pir’ in their community.

Fort Phokhran - Fort Pokaran, popularly known as Balagarh was built in the 14th century. The monument stands in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is historically situated on an old trade route through which spices, salt, and silk were exported to Persia and other countries. The glorious past and the history of the fort attract a number of tourists from different parts of India and abroad. There is a museum in the fort displaying the royal collection of weapons, clothes, paintings, and handicrafts. In addition, there is a Grand Library with a rich collection of classic books about the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singhji Pokaran.

Khimsar
Khimsar Fort – Khimsar Fort was constructed by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur in the 16th century. This yellow-colored fort is the most popular tourist attraction of Khimsar, located at the edge of the Thar Desert and is an example of the Rajputana style of architecture. Originally, the fort was constructed for the purpose of wars, and later on, in the 18th century, the royal family shifted into it. Zanana, a special wing exclusively for the royal women was added later. The lawn of the fort is spread over 11 acres, and it further enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Half part of the fort is still occupied by the ancestors of the royal family while the other half has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Sand Dunes Village – Sand Dunes Village is a popular heritage hotel located at a distance of 6 km from the Khimsar Fort. This royal hotel is surrounded by artificial sand dunes. Apart from enjoying luxurious accommodation in the huts, travelers can also enjoy campfire and dinner near the picturesque pond located inside the complex here and can also choose to go for Jeep/camel safari into the nearby sand dunes or villages.

Nagaur
Hadi Rani Mahal – Hadi Rani Mahal is one of the superb pieces of architecture of Rajasthan. The walls and ceilings of this palace are adorned with antique carvings and scriptures. A beautiful collection of mural paintings, which depict the Queen Hadi Rani with her numerous attendants are still there inside the palace.

Jain Temple in Glass – Jain Glass Temple of Nagaur is situated behind the Kamla Tower. This whole temple is made of glass, and it is a unique shrine among all the Jain temples. Tourists can see the attractive glass works inside the temple which represent the ancient art in the form of the Jain scriptures. This temple has different figures of Lord Mahavira apart from the statues of the other 23 Jain Tirthankaras and adorned with ornamental arches and beautiful marble works.

Nagaur Fort – Nagaur Fort is a prime tourist attraction located in the Nagaur city. It is a beautiful sandy fortress built in the 2nd century. This is the best flat land fort of Rajasthan and is famous for its high walls and huge campus. The Nagavanshis constructed this fort and later on, it was renovated by Mohammed Baalim. The fort has three main entrances; the first entrance was made of iron and wood spikes to guard against elephant charges and enemy attacks. The second entrance is ‘Beech Ka Pol’ and the last entrance is ‘Kacheri Pol’. Tourists can see many palaces, fountains, temples, and beautiful gardens inside the fort.

Deepak Mahal – Deepak Mahal is a beautiful palace located in Nagaur and is a place of tourist attraction. The walls of this palace are decorated with unique floral designs.

Rani Mahal – Rani Mahal, one of the superb pieces of architecture of Rajasthan was the living place of the Queens and was adorned beautifully. Tourists can see grand royal swimming pools inside the palace.

Saiji ka Tanka – Saiji ka Tanka, another tourist place of Nagaur is also known for the Samadhi of the saint, Shri Saiji Maharaj. This place is visited by large numbers of devotees who come to offer their prayers to the saint.

Bikaner
Gajner Palace - Gajner Palace was built by King Ganga Singh using red sandstones, a famous tourist spot situated on the banks of a lake inside a forest in Gajner near Bikaner. During those days this palace served as a hunting and retreating lodge for the kings of Bikaner.

Junagarh Fort – This is an inaccessible fort and was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in the year 1593. The fort is surrounded by a moat and houses several beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Rang Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. The Junagarh Fort is counted among the most popular tourist attractions of Bikaner and has 986 long walls, 37 bastions, and two entrances.

Lallgarh Palace - The Lallgarh Palace is just 3 kms away from Bikaner city. This palace was constructed by King Ganga Singh using red stones in 1902 in memory of his father, King Lal Singh. The splendid lattice and filigree work in sandstone is the prime attraction of the palace. Sir Swinton Jacob designed the building’s framework by excellently collaborating Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture on one platform.

Sadul Singh Museum - Sadul Singh Museum, well known as Shri Sadul Museum is a famous tourist attraction, located on the 1st floor of the Lallgarh Palace. This is an art museum dedicated to the successful kings of Bikaner including the kings Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh, and Karni Singh. It exhibits a number of old photographs, hunting trophies, Georgian paintings, and artifacts.

Bhandaser Jain Temple – Bhandaser Jain Temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Bikaner. This temple was constructed in the 15th century and dedicated to Sumatinath, the 5th Tirthankara in Jainism. The mesmerizing mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings on the walls of the temple attract tourists to this place. It is believed that pure ghee and coconuts were used in the foundation of the temple.

Camel Breeding Farm – The Camel breeding farm was founded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the year 1984 and is located at a distance of 8 km from the city center of Bikaner.