Top 5 Places to Visit in Bikaner The connection of the Britisher’s biplane during the first world war and sand dunes set across the North-east and Southern area make an impact about the beautiful city – Bikaner.
The northern region of Rajasthan is where Bikaner is located. Being one of the eldest cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner holds the value of Rajasthan in its forts and palaces, which is made of red sandstone. As the moniker goes by, Bikaner is really the Camel Country where the best camels in the world are ready to take you for a ride.
The world’s largest camel breeding farms and research is located in Bikaner only.
The Rat Temple is another Cultural shock for many Europeans and Americans, as in Karni Mata aka Rat Temple offers food for rats. It is in Deshnok and is definitely not for the light-hearted.
The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble and visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. The impenetrable bastion of Junagarh is a unique monument in Bikaner which has never been captured by anyone.
Raja Rai Singh had constructed this marvel in 1588 AD. He was one of the linchpin ministers of the Akbar army. Travellers from all around the world can enjoy the marvellous works in the balconies, windows, courtyards, and kiosks of Junagarh Fort. They are all built with red sandstone and marbles in an exquisite manner Bikaner Tour Packages.
Just 8 km away from the city, the National Research Centre for camel is present and this one is the exclusive breeding and research centre in the whole of Asia. The Government of India manages this 2000 acres of terra. Lalgarh Palace and Museum came to existence due to the valiant efforts of Maharaja Ganga Singh.
To commemorate Maharaja Lal Singh, in 1902, this memorable monument made of red sandstone came to place. Sir Swinton Jacob conceptualized this design and he used a blend of European, Rajputana, and Islamic architecture.
The residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh, king of Bikaner is Laxmi Niwas Palace. Again, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the British architect is responsible for this stunning structure which was built between 1898 and 1902.
The Indo-Saracenic architectural style residence is now a luxury hotel for all domestic and international travellers. There are separate sections for paintings, arts and craft, woven carpets, clay pottery, ancient coins and Rajput weaponry. Bikaner’s best museum is Ganga Government Museum and it contains an opulent collection of Early Gupta and Harappa archaeological artefacts. From Rajput weaponry to art, craft, paintings, clay pottery, woven carpets, and ancient coins, Bikaner museum is a must-visit destination in Rajasthan.
Junagarh Fort
Raja Rai Singh constructed Junagarh Fort in 1593. The fort’s structure is made up of palaces and temples. The exquisitely designed gardens, lawns, and windows draw visitors’ attention. The Zenana quarters are a popular attraction here because of their stunning designs of incredible creativity.
Its surroundings, Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and Phool Mahal, are equally well-known. It is believed that crocodiles were bred within the water canals surrounding the fort’s impressive structure as part of their defense strategy. The structure is a stunning blend of Mughal, Gujarati, and Rajputana styles. It is one of the top places to go in Bikaner.
Timings: 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is a famous place of worship in Bikaner. This Temple is famous for its huge population of rats, which remain permanent inhabitants. The sanctuary dates back to the 15th century and is dedicated to Karni Mata, Goddess Durga’s incarnation.According to legend, Karni Mata’s son died after drowning in a pond from which he intended to drink water. Then, Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to revive her child. At first, he refused, but afterward, he relented. He said that her son and all of her male children would be reincarnated as rats.
Presently, about 25000 rats live on the temple premises, and eating food after getting it nibbled on by the rats is considered auspicious. The Temple was sculpted out of marble and stones and had gates made of silver, crafted in the name of Maharaja Ganga Singh, and an edging that shields rats from birds.
Timings: 4 AM to 10 PM.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace is among the most visited tourist attractions in Bikaner. It is a lakeside palace with a sanctuary adjacent to it. The palace was erected by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, an earlier ruler of Bikaner province. Gajner Palace was used for hunting purposes and was a holiday lodge in the past times. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel.The red sandstone structure is a perfect example of skillful craftsmanship. Beautifully sculpted and intricately designed pillars, jharokhas, and screens are prime features of the palace.
The palace is located amidst a dense forest; visitors can see wandering birds such as Imperial Sand Goose; animals like Antelopes, Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras, Blue Bull, and Deer are also visible. This place is considered among the most splendid destinations in Bikaner.
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Lalgarh Palace
Another architectural marvel within Bikaner is the Lalgarh Palace. The marvelous palace was constructed under Maharaja Ganga Singh. The palace has been modified into an opulent hotel and is a great spot to spend your time. The lavish Rajputana design, paired with the exquisite interior design, draws guests to this place.
Built-in the 20th century, the mansion also has a museum located in the Ganga Niwas.An existing library located here contains a huge assortment of Sanskrit Manuscripts printed on parchments and plaques made of silver, copper, and gold. Here, one can see the miniature paintings closely related to the Bikaner school of arts. Artifacts from the Harappan culture, Kushan era, and Gupta era are also preserved at this site, and it is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bikaner.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (except Sundays)
Rampuria Haveli
Havelis of Bikaner are not only an aesthetic delight but a wonderful illustration of the exquisite aesthetics that our forefathers had entrusted to us. They are stunningly beautiful. The wealthy merchants of Bikaner built Rampuria Havelis over about a hundred years. The Havelis of Bikaner take us back to the ancestral times. These Havelis are one of the top places to visit in Bikaner within a single day. And when you see the awe-inspiring splendor and beauty of its architecture, it feels like you are transported back by many years.
They are adorned with gold work that is of the finest quality. The rooms and halls are decorated and embellished by the aesthetics of art. The décor comprises top-quality artifacts and paintings made of high-quality wood. The drawing-room in the Havelis takes visitors back to Mughal and Rajput times. You can see a lot of Victorian Influence in their designs and decor. The wood carvings of Rampuria Havelis are extremely exquisite. Animals, flowers, and birds created in red sandstone look more vibrant and beautiful than the ones you see in reality. They are located in close vicinity of one another. The Havelis are stunning to look at Top 5 Places to Visit in Bikaner.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
