The royal walled medieval city dating back to 1486 AD lies on the northern point of the triangle of desert cities. It was established by Prince Bika Rathore and came to be called Bikaner after him. Bika was the eldest son of the founder of the Jodhpur State - Rao Jodha. Bikaner was well protected from its enemies by the harsh deserts. Bikaner was also a major trade center as it stood on the ancient caravan route, which linked Central Asia and North India with Gujarat seaports. It was thereafter a great center of trade in the ancient world.

Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled 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, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting place.

Places of Interest
» Junagarh Fort : Started in 1587 AD this fort has never been conquered. The foundation of the fort was laid by Raja Rai Singh. Thirty - seven palaces, pavilions and temples were later added to the original structure by successive rulers and each has been cleverly built to connect with the previous buildings. Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas Durbar Hall, Har Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Karan Mahal, Pool Mahal and Chandra Mahal are some of the areas worth seeing. The museum in the fort houses valuable collection of miniature paintings dating back to several centuries.

» Lalgarh Palace : It was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost 90 years ago and has interesting combination of European luxury and oriental fantasy. Important sights are Laxmi Vilas and Shiv Vilas. Major part of the palace has now been turned into a luxury hotel.

» Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : The museum houses brilliant specimens of Harappan civilization, the Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time, besides a rich collection of terracotta pottery, carpets, paintings, armoury and coins.

Excursions in Bikaner
» Bhandasar Jain Temple (5 Km) : Beautiful Jain Temple of 16th century dedicated to 23rd Jain Tirthankara Parsvanathji.

» Camel Breeding Farm (8 Km) : The only of its kind I Asia managed by Central Governmen. Bikaner's Camel Corps (former Ganga Risala) was a famous fighting force and still maintains its importance in the desert warfare and defence through the Border Security Force.

» Devi Kund (9 Km) : It is a royal crematorium with several cenotaphs with decorative Chattris built in memory of the rulers of the Bika dynasty.

» Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (30 Km) : Temple devoted to Karni Mata, Offers a heaven to rats as they are believed to be incarnated as future bards and considered to be sacred.

» Kalayatji (50 Km) : Temple here dedicated to Kapil muni and a site of fair and Kartik month.




How To Reach
Air: Nearest Airport Jodhpur 243 kms
Rail:Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Ambala and Jammu Tavi
Road: Bikaner is connected by road with all cities in the State.

Hotel Accommodation