Bikaner

Bikaner is the royal fortified city, it stands on a slightly raised ground, and Bikaner is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy & style in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to Bikaner's rich cultural heritage. Bikaner, more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Tourist Attaraction : Bikaner

Junagarh Fort: This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD.

Lall Garh Palace:
The Lall Garh Palace is an architectural masterpiece made in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Sing (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this great palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles , Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this jewel of the desert.

The Lall Garh palace has it's own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges. Palace has wild peacocks spreading their feathers at almost every step flowering rows of bougainvillea. Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace. A portion of palace is now a hotel.

Timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM on all weekdays except on Sunday
Entry Fee : Rs. 10./-

Gajner Palace:
Gajner Palace was a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas has often been described as 'an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The Gajner palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace.

The architecture of Gajner palace is awesome. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing. Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.

Museum:
Daughter of present Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji recently (Oct, 2000) opened a museum "PRACHINA". It is an endeavor to recreate the past and highlight the pace of modernization activated with times and a representation of regional museum as there was a lacuna of courtly tradition and craft Museum in Bikaner.

"PRACHINA" is an effort to highlight the aristocratic patronage which thrived and survived in Bikaner. This museum hopes to build and develop a cultural center to revive the dying craft of Bikaner and amalgamate it to present life.

Devi Kund Sagar (Cenotaphs) :
Devi Kund sagar is situated 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here.There is also one cenotaph of a SATA (male sati) of a ruler.The architecture of the cenotaphs is the prime attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling. Close by is a Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer which is held in high esteem by muslim community and other people.

Shri Laxminath Temple:
Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner.  This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temple :
This temple is oldest existing structure in Bikaner. The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them. This marvel piece of architecture is dedicated to 23rd teerthankar "PARSVANATH JI".
This temple is Carved in red sand stone and white marble - its famous for carvings ,wall paintings , structural beauty and artisticly designed statues. The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah: and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

Camel Breeding Farm:

This government-managed farm is unique and largest in Asia. There are hundreds of camels here and the scenario in late afternoon is great when camels come back from grazing. It's here that you can see what an interesting animal the camel is. You can have some thick camel milk while listening to a Raika or Rebari, a camel breeder's tribe telling you about camels and camellore and how they are bred. The gamboling baby-camels make a very enchanting sight.The British army had camel corps drawn from Bikaner during WorldWar I.