Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect of Bikaner is the dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the northeast down to the southern area. Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.
The origins of Bikaner can be traced back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, founded the kingdom. Legend has it that Bikaji, one of Rao Jodhaji’s five sons, left his father’s Durbar in annoyance after an insensitive remark from his father, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. Bikaji traveled far and when he came upon the wilderness called Bangladesh, he decided to set up his kingdom and transformed it into an impressive city.
JUNAGARH FORT
Junagarh is an impregnable bastion that holds the distinction of having never been captured. It was constructed in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s most distinguished generals. The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble and visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, and windows.
LALGARH PALACE AND MUSEUM
Maharaja Ganga Singh commissioned the construction of this majestic palace. This architectural marvel is made entirely of red sandstone and was built in 1902 to commemorate his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The design was conceptualized by Sir Swinton Jacob, who created this oriental fantasy by blending Rajputana, Islamic, and European architecture.
RAMPURIA HAVELI
Bikaner has several havelis (aristocratic homes), the most famous cluster being the Rampuria Group of Havelis. Built of dulcimer (red) stone, every aspect of the havelis – jharokhas (casements), entrances, latticed windows, divankhanas, gumaharias, or basements – is simply exotic. Leaves and flowers decorate every jharokha, lending it a pleasant touch. These massive havelis are decorated with golden work of the highest quality. Their dankhanas (drawing rooms) take one back to the Mughal and Rajput eras. One can notice an abundance of Victorian influence in their design as well. The wood carvings in Rampuria Havelies are extremely exquisite. Spaced close to each other, the havelis are truly a sight to behold.
PRACHINA MUSEUM
Located in the great Junagarh Fort, this museum hosts royal costumes, textiles, and accessories of Rajasthani royalty. The ‘Poshaks’ (garments worn by ladies) are a reminder of the now-lost craft of traditional designs, styles, and workmanship. The family portraits on display narrate a story about how changing cultural settings influenced the style of immortalizing the former rulers.
DESHNOK KARNI MATA TEMPLE
The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok is a beautiful structure made of stone and marble, inside which resides an image of Karni Mata. The image is decorated with a ‘mukut’ (tiara) and garlands. The images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata give her company on either side. The temple is known the world over for the presence of kabas (rats) that roam freely within the temple precincts. Know More
JAIN TEMPLE BHANDASAR
ain Temple Bhandasar is a 15th-century temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar (a person that has conquered the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and paved the path for others to attain nirvana), Sumatinathji, and is one of the oldest monuments of Bikaner. The temple design includes intricate mirrorwork, murals, and gold leaf paintings. Devotees throng to the temple from all corners of the country.
SHRI LAXMINATH TEMPLE
The rulers of Bikaner regarded Lord Laxminathji (Lord Vishnu) as the real king of Bikaner and themselves as his Deewans or Ministers. This temple, made of marble and red stone, was constructed to enshrine Lord Laxminath whose throne rests here.
GAJNER PALACE AND LAKE
Gajner is an incomparable jewel of the Thar. The Gajner Palace was founded by Maharaja Gaj Singh ji of Bikaner in the year 1784, and then completed by the great Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the banks of the lake. It was meant to serve as a hunting and relaxing lodge for the royal family as well as for visiting guests. It has now been converted into a hotel
DEVI KUND
8 kilometers from Bikaner is the royal crematorium. It has several exquisite chhatris (cenotaphs), each dedicated to the memory of a ruler of the Bikaji dynasty and situated on the exact spot where each of them was cremated. The chhatri of Maharaj Surat Singh is a fine example of the architecture of that era. Devi Kund also has cenotaphs of 22 female members of the royal family before Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji, who committed sati. There is also one cenotaph of a Sata (male sati) of a ruler. Maharaja Surat Singh’s Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling.
JORBEED
Bikaner in Rajasthan is one of the best places for birders if they want to spot some vultures. But, drive for about 12 km from the city, and you reach Jorbeed. If you are a birder, then Jorbeed is your ‘spot of opportunities’. Jorbeed is one of the best places to look at raptors. Birds like the Steppe Eagles, Griffon Vultures, and Egyptian Vultures are as common as crows in this region. A place you’ll certainly have to come to terms with, you will hardly see a single tree here without some or the other raptor resting on it. A visit to Jorbeed is all about seeing the largest congregation of eagles and vultures in Asia, and if you are lucky, you might even spot the rare yellow-eyed pigeon here as well. With thousands of magnificent raptors dotting the landscape, Jorbeed is truly a birder’s paradise.
