:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: N O R T H I N D I A -- B I K A N E R -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: N O R T H I N D I A > B I K A N E R ::

	Brief -
	A citadel of culture and camels, this royal fortified city has a timeless appeal. Dotted with many sand dunes, Bikaner is an oasis. The rocky outcrop in a barren landscape, provides a dramatic setting for the Junagarh Fort, one of the finest in Rajasthan. The old walled city, also retains the medieval splendour, that pervades the lifestyle of the city. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned, for the best riding camels in the world, which is an inseparable part of life here. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating bazaars and bright cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

	History -
	History of Bikaner dates back to 1488 AD, when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (Rao Jodhaji), established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons, but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness and called it Jangladesh and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the name of the founder.

	Culture -
	Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed, by a seven km long embattle wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	It is extremely hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. Bikaner lies on the northern tip of the desert triangle, at an altitude of 237 meters. It is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by a seven km long embattled wall marked by five gates.

	How to Reach -
	Bikaner is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is Jodhpur at 253 km. By rail, Bikaner is the main railhead and is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhatinda, Kalka and Howrah (Kolkata). Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities of India. Some important road distance are Delhi 456 km. Jaipur 334 km, Jaisalmer 333 km.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Junagarh -
	Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure, encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

	Lal Garh Palace -
	Maharaja Ganga Singh, in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh, built the palace, which is an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks, has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife.

	Camel Research Farm -
	Spend a day, with the indispensable ship of the desert, at their camel research and breeding centre - one of its kinds in Asia. 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 defence through the Border Security Force (BSF).

	Devi Kund -
	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.

	Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary -
	The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road, is a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse. The Gajner palace, a summer retreat of the kings, stands on the bank of the lake and has been converted into a hotel.

	Deshnoks Karni Mata Temple -
	The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road, is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The most interesting things about the temple, are the rats that scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees, owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

	Kolayat -
	A famous pilgrimage spot, with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (Saint). The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct. - Nov.), when thousands of devotees,, gather in large numbers,, to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake ,on full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels, is a part of the festivities. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.

	Others -

	BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE - A beautiful 16th century AD Jain temple, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshavanathji.

	GANGA GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM - It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.

	KILIBANGAN - The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place, in the Hanumangarh district, causes immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

	SHIV BARI TEMPLE - Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

	THE SURAJ POLOR OR SUN GATE - It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces,are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvellous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace, ornate with glass and mirrors.