Bikaner

Bikaner Established in 1488, this city is located in the middle of the Great Thar Desert and was considered an oasis on the trade route between central Asia and the Gujarat coast due to its abundant spring water. Bikaner is famous for Bikanneri Bhujia, a spicy snack made from dal, oil and spices; its handicrafts and leather articles; as well as its intricately carved Jharokas, the red sandstone stone jali screens found on the windows of the forts, temples and havelis of Northern India. below is given famous tourist places to visit in Bikaner.

Famous Tourist Places to visit in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort: Built in the late 16^thcentury, this impressive fort is graced with a myriad of carved surfaces, all decorated with exquisite paintings, inset colored glass panels or inlayed semi-precious stones. Located deep within the recesses of the massive fort, opulent rooms clad in gold and jewels lay in stately repose as they now hold only the memories of the many rulers and prominent businessmen who graced the chambers many centuries ago.

Laxmi Niwas Palace: this is a former home of royal family of Bikaner province of Maharajah Ganga Singh, a British Architecture named Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob had designed this great Palace  in the year 1898. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the magnificent red sandstone structure is one of the most popular destinations in Bikaner. It has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel and offers the upmost in opulence for those looking to live like the kings of centuries past.

Lalgarh Palace: Built as an expansion of the LaxmiNiwas Palace, this grand structure was constructed between 1902 and 1926 in a hybrid of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. It contains several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions and features grand detailing such as magnificent pillars, elaborate fireplaces, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework.

Camel Research Farm: Located on the outskirts of the city, this scientific facility is far more than just for research. This complex houses a museum, large open stables to view the camels and a walk-up cafe where you can savor numerous delicious ice-cold treats made from camel’s milk. Camel rides are also available onsite for those wanting a quick jaunt without venturing out into the desert.

Bhandasar Jain Temple: this is one of twenty seven beautiful Jain temples embellish the landscape of Bikaner, The temple is famous for its wall paintings and Usta art, a method characterized by painting miniature translucent and opaque floral patterns on camel leather, architectural elements and other objects and often embossed with gold. The temple is built of red sandstone and is divided into three floors, the top of which affords a panoramic view of the skyline of Bikaner.

Karni Mata Temple: The world famous shrine of Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, can be found 30km south in the town of Deshnoke. This temple is famous for its rats which can be seen everywhere in the temple and are treated with great respect. Although it may take nerves of steel, allowing one of the rats to scurry over one’s bare feet is considered to be of the utmost sanctity.

The Bikaner Camel Festival: By far one of the largest and most popular of festivals in India, this two day event is a grand spectacle praising the glorious camels, or ships of the desert, at their finest. The festival starts with a procession from the nearby fort of hundreds of camels, all of them decorated in typical Rajasthani attire which includes colorful bridles and saddles. Spectacular and unusual events include camel races, camel dances, and the rambunctious camel rides that take place at this event. Competitions take place for the best decorated camel, camel milking and the best camel haircut followed by races where the best camels compete for the honored prizes. In the evenings, the celebration continues with performances by folk singers and dancers of Rajasthan where jubilant swirling performers and awe-inspiring fire acrobats entertain visitors. In the grand finale, a magnificent display of fireworks takes place, illuminating the sands of the desert city.