India

Being a very vivid, dust-swirling desert town with outrageous fort and a refreshing outpost feel. the city of Bikaner is a forth largest city in Rajasthan. Situated in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in northern India. It is just 330 kms away from the state capital Jaipur.

HISTORY

Before the 15th century, Bikaner was known by the name of Jangladesh and was ruled by Rajputs. In 1486, Rao Bika was a Rajput ruler who built this place. Rao Bika was the first son of Rao Jodha, challenged by his father to build a kingdom of his own and he chose Jangladesh as his focus point and transformed it into an impressive city of Bikaner. He accomplished this task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers. He also built a fort named Junagarh fort in this region in 1478 AD.

Then came Raja Rai Singh Ji, around a century after Rao Bika found Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611. He served under Mughal Emperor Akbar and his son Jahangir as a high army general. His successful military exploits which involved winning half of Mewar Kingdom for the empire, made him win rewards from the Mughal emperors. His skillfulness in art and architecture can be seen easily in the numerous beautiful monuments built by him at Junagarh Fort.

Modern Bikaner is the result of its eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943). Being a very foresighted as well as a zealous ruler, Maharaja Ganga Singh transformed the town from a principality to a premier princely state.

Lieutenant-General Sir Sadul Singh son of Ganga Singh, succeeded his father as a Maharaja in 1943, but acceded his state to the Union of India in 1949. The royal family still resides in Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner.

VISIT BIKANER

Being known for producing great warriors, the city of Bikaner has a rich cultural cultural heritage. Just like other cities of Rajasthan, the city of Bikaner is also well fortified. Initially it was small but eventually it got developed and now it has become the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. Later, canals such as Ganges Canal as well as Indira Gandhi Canal further facilitated its development.

Because of its royalty as well as rich history and culture, Bikaner has always attracted a great number of tourists. Some of the frequently visited places include: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Gajner Palace, Gajner wildlife Sanctuary, Ganga Singh Museum and Jain Temple.

On visiting these impressive forts and places, you will be amazed by its beauty. You will admire the subtleness in its creation as well as wide use of reddish-pink sandstone. The surging lanes as well as vibrant colours of the city will make you enjoy the beauty of this place even more.

People of Bikaner are followers of both Hinduism and Islam. They are highly courteous people who great the tourists coming to their city whole heartedly. You will find them dressed in colourful and traditional attire. Rajasthani, English and Hindi are the common languages spoken here. English is common in tourist areas, particularly in hotels and resorts.

CLIMATE

Bikaner has a hot semi-arid climate with extreme temperatures. The temperature in summer can exceed uptil 45 degree Celsius. Whereas the temperature of Bikaner in Winters comes down to 4 degree - 5 degree Celsius. The region receives very little rainfall, annual rainfall is in the range of 260-440 mm.

HOW TO REACH BIKANER By Air

Bikaner has a domestic civil airport which receives regular flights from Jaipur.

By Train

The city is well-connected with railways. It has direct rail connections to major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Alwar, Bhubaneshwar, Gwalior, Jaipur, and many more.

By Bus

Bikaner is well-connected with bus. Regular buses are available from major cities of India to Bikaner.

WHAT TO DO IN AGRA

• Admire the beauty of palaces and forts with rich Mughal and European style architecture.

• Visit the museums in Bikaner and appreciate their various artefacts and paintings.

• Delight in the folk dance and music of Rajasthan.

• Get immersed in the sanctity of temple of Bikaner.