I was very excited that I would be traveling to Bikaner. Other than Bikaner Bhujia and other savories made famous by Haldirams, I had limited knowledge about the city. Bikaner was beyond my expectations and the two days spent exploring it was amazing.
In the early 15th century, Bikaner region was barren and desolate and was known as Jangladesh. This region is situated in the northwest of Rajasthan. On 12th April 1488, Rao Bika second son of Maharaja Rao Jodha of the Rathor clan established the city of Bikaner around the Ratti Ghati. Rao Jodha was the founder and Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Now, Bikaner is the largest city in the thinly populated Thar Desert and the 5th largest city in Rajasthan.
The other royals who have contributed to the region are Raja Rai Singhji, Karan Singh, Anup Singh, Gaj Singh, Surat Singh, Ganga Singh, Dungar Singh. All the above kings have contributed to the expansion and beautification of the Junagarh fort. Lieutenant-General Sir Sadul Singh son of Ganga Singh acceded Bikaner to the Union of India in 1949.
Sadul Singh’s son Karni Singh’s family still lives in Lalgarh palace.
Bikaner is called the Green City as the Ganga Canal completed in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal completed in 1987 has permitted the farmers to grow crops such as mustard, cotton and wheat.
His Majesty King George V, Emperor of India investing the G.C.S.I. to colonel his highness Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner at the imperial coronation durbar in Delhi on the 14th December 1911.
Bikaner is famous for sweets and savories. Asia’s biggest camel farm is located in Bikaner. The local dances of Bikaner are the fire dance and the Ghoomar dance.
During January the annual Bikaner Camel Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, of Bikaner, Government of Rajasthan. The camels are seen in their best form, dressed in their finery. Camels take part in races and dances.
Intricately carved Jharokas (partition screens) carved out of red sandstone are very popular in this city.
Interesting places around Bikaner:
Junagarh Fort
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Lalgarh Palace
Moolnayakji
Laxmi Nath Temple
Kolayat
Karni Mata Temple
Shiv Bari Temple
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Historical City
Situated: Rajasthan, India
Distance: 254 Km – Jodhpur, 352 Km – Jaipur
Transport: Well connected by road and rail
Facilities: Restaurants, lodges, resorts are available
