Facts
Area : 38.10 sq km
Altitude : 237 metres
Language : Rajasthani, English, Hindi
STD Code : 0151
Best Tiime to Visit : November to February.

Bikaner is situated directly on the ancient caravan routes that come from West/Central Asia. It was therefore a great centre of trade in the ancient world. This gave rise to a curious phenomenon. The fortified city of Bikaner is encircled by imposing battlements and stands on a slight eminence. Its roads undulate through colouful bazars and the predominent hue of the buildings is the strong reddish- pink of local sandstone.

The city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Its proximity to Delhi made it bear the brunt of Mughal invasions time and again. Legend has it that before embarking on his campaign, Rao Bhikaji sought the blessings of mystic Goddess Karni at Deshnoke. Since then the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke continued to be patronized by the ruling family. Today hundreds of pilgrims flock the temple everyday to invoke the blessings of the Goddess, who is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Bikaner is also called the camel country, being renowned for the best riding camels in the world. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils). Being a desertscape, the summers are very hot in Bikaner. The best time to visit this place is in winters when the weather remains cool and tolerable.

Excursions

• Junagarh Fort
  Built between 1588 -1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh , a general in army of Mughal emperor, Akbar. The imposing fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pole or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.
• Lalgarh Palace
  Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh between 1902 -1926 is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone.
• Laxmi Nath Temple
  Constructed during the reign of Rao Lunkaran boasts of the archeological skills of artists and artisans. Statues of deities Vishnu and Laxmi stand here.
• Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
  This museum has a collection of terracotta ware, traditional Rajasthani musical instruments, a miniature of the Royal Bikaner train, antique carpets and royal vestments. The royal decree of Prince Jehangir advising Rai Singh to immediately proceed to Delhi ‘as Emperor Akbar is dying is also kept.

How to Get There

• Air
  Bikaner is well connected to the nearby towns and cities of importance. Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms. The airport is easily accessible by road.
• Rail
  Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
• Road
  Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km, Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.