Entry

Tourism in Bikaner.

Apr 4th, 2008 23:12
kumar gaurav, http://www.rajasthantravelguide.co.in/

INTRODUCTION
This desert city of Rajasthan (India’s north-western province) is an
eye-catching site of well-fed camels and citadels. Being near to Delhi,
it had to withstand the worst of Mughal invasions during earlier times.
The exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous forts and the worship of
thousands of holy rats at Mata Kali temple are some of the most
interesting aspects of Bikaner. The camel festival held in the month of
January is also an event worth witnessing if one wants to get the actual
color of the place.
LOCATION
Bikaner is situated in the north of Rajasthan. The city, just like
Jodhpur, is surrounded by great walls. It has Ganganagar and Hanumangarh
in its northern side whereas Churu lies in its eastern side. Nagaur,
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are in its south while in the western part it has
the neighboring country Pakistan. It is situated on a slightly higher
place (altitude 237 meters) and has an arid climate most of the year.
Due to the geographic location of the city, it was one of the most
important trade centers for the traders of west-central Asia.
HISTORY
Just like the history of the entire state, Bikaner also has its own
glorious past to talk about. It has examples of courage, motivation and
happiness. It was in 1488 that a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji (a
descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji), established his
kingdom here. It has faced many foreign intrusions and fought a number
of wars with the Mughals and the British.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
unagarh fort was built by a Mughal army general, Raja Rai Singh, in
1593. The courtyard of the fort along with the balcony, kiosks and
windows are perfect examples of the artisanship of that time. The
beautiful cutworks and dots on the red stones and the marbles are
fascinating. The various parts of the palace-the Dewan-iI-khas, the
Phool Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal-reflect the glorious
architecture of Bikaner.
Lalgarh Palace, built by Maharaja Ganaga Singh in memory of his father,
is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. The Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation as part of their tourism promotion program has
converted some portions of the palace to tourist hotels. Other parts of
the palace have been converted into a museum named as the Sadul Museum
to preserve the glory of the yesteryears of Rajasthan in general and
Bikaner in particular.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is one of the best museums of Rajasthan with
some fabulous collection of antiques and artilleries.
The Bhandasar Jain Temple, dedicated to the 23rd Jain tirthankara, is
also a place worth visiting.
The Camel Research Farm carries out breeding and training of camels-the
only fighting force and medium of transportation in the past.
PLACES AROUND BIKANER
The temple of Mata Karni and Goddess Durga is a must-visit place to
experience the rare sight of rats being worshiped in thousands of numbers.
The Gajanir Palace and the wildlife sanctuary, 32 km from the main city,
is also a place worth visiting. A large number of wild species are
available like the nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, etc. This place was the
summer resort of the former kings.
Shiv Bari Temple, just 6 km away from the main city, is a well-curved
and neatly worked out temple. It has a bronze Nandi statue and a Shiva
lingam.
Kalibangan is an archeological site containing remains of the
pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations. This is a much-recommended site
for historians and others who want to gain an insight of India’s rich
heritage.
Besides these, there are several places of pilgrimage like Kolayatji,
Devikund, etc., which are famous among the people of religious minds.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
To know the local hues and colors of Bikaner, one has to witness the
local fairs and festivals.
The Camel Festival, held in the month of January, is the most exciting
festival. Competitions related to camels like camel races, milking,
dancing, etc., make this festival even more interesting.
Kolayat Festival is the holy festival when the people take a dip in the
holy water of the Kolayat Lake. It normally takes place on the full-moon
night of the Hindu month Kartik (November).
Gangaur Festival, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, is an 18-day long spring
festival celebrated during the month of April.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Bikaner is well connected to the nearby towns and cities of
importance. Jodhpur is the nearest airport. The airport is easily
accessible by road.
BY RAIL - Bikaner has number of train links to connect it with the major
cities of India.
BY ROAD - It is also linked with the big and small cities of India by
the national highways and other roadways. We would provide you all India
tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the
intercity drives too.
WHERE TO STAY
Bikaner has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate its guests. The
price range varies noticeably to meet the demand for various levels of
tourists.
Most tourists plan daylong trips to Bharatpur. However, there is good
accommodation available at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Forest Guesthouse
and Saras Tourist Bungalow. All the three have multi-cuisine
restaurants. Accommodation is also available at the Circuit House, Hotel
Golbagh Palace, Shanti Kutir, and the Tourist Lodge near the sanctuary’s
Mathura gate.
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