Bikaner (Rajasthan): The desert city of the ‘Camel Festival’

Bikaner (Rajasthan)

Bikaner is a vibrant and historic city located in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage, magnificent forts, and palaces that showcase the grandeur of the past. Some key highlights about Bikaner are as follows:

1. Forts and Palaces: Bikaner is famous for its impressive architecture, which includes the Junagarh Fort, a magnificent structure made of red sandstone. The fort houses several palaces, temples, and beautifully decorated halls.
2. Camel Safari: Bikaner is situated on the northern edge of the Thar Desert, making it a popular destination for camel safaris. Tourists can explore desert landscapes and experience the traditional mode of travel.
3. Karni Mata Temple: One of Bikaner’s unique attractions is the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the “Rat Temple.” It is home to thousands of rats, considered sacred and a place of religious importance.
4. Camel Breeding Farm: The city is home to the National Research Centre on Camel, a renowned breeding and research center that promotes camel conservation and study.
5. Local Cuisine: Bikaner is known for its delicious snacks and sweets. The city is famous for its Bhujia, a spicy savory snack, and Rasgulla, a popular Indian sweet.
6. Festivals: Bikaner celebrates various festivals with enthusiasm. The annually celebrated Bikaner Camel Festival is a major attraction featuring camel races, cultural performances, and other traditional programs.
7. Handicrafts: Bikaner is known for its intricate handicrafts including textiles, leather items, and pottery. Shopping for souvenirs and traditional crafts here is a delightful experience.
8. Heritage Hotels: The city has some beautiful heritage hotels that were once palaces and havelis. Staying in these properties allows travelers to experience the royal lifestyle of the past.

Overall, Bikaner offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and desert experiences, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking an authentic Rajasthan experience.

Origin History and Legends of Bikaner (Rajasthan)

Bikaner has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. The city was founded by Prince Rao Bika of the Rathore dynasty, a descendant of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Bikaner was established in 1488 AD when Rao Bika decided to create his own kingdom.

Legend has it that Rao Bika, the second son of Rao Jodha, was unlikely to inherit the throne of Jodhpur according to the customs of that time. Therefore, he set out to establish his own kingdom and chose the arid region of Jangladesh to assert his dominance. This place was strategically important as it was located along an ancient trade route, making it suitable for trade and commerce.

Rao Bika named the new kingdom “Bikaner” after himself. He began constructing the city, and over time, it developed into a prosperous trade center and a formidable empire. The Rathore rulers of Bikaner played a significant role in the history of Rajasthan and contributed to the region’s growth and development.

Over centuries, Bikaner evolved as a prominent princely state known for its military strength, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage. The city’s history is associated with stories of valor, royal intrigue, and architectural brilliance.

Notably, like many ancient cities, Bikaner’s history is a mix of historical records, local folklore, and legends passed down through generations. These stories add charm and mystery to the city’s origins and enrich its cultural heritage.

How to Travel from Delhi to Bikaner (Rajasthan)?

To travel from Delhi to Bikaner (Rajasthan), you have several transport options:

1. By Train: Bikaner is well-connected to Delhi by trains. Several trains run between Delhi and Bikaner, including Bikaner Express and Lalgarh Express. Depending on the train and schedule, the journey takes around 6 to 8 hours.
2. By Air: Bikaner has its own domestic airport, Nal Airport (BKB), but with limited flights. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Delhi to Jaipur, which is well-connected to Bikaner. After reaching Jaipur, you can continue your journey to Bikaner by train, bus, or taxi.
3. By Road: Bikaner is approximately 450 kilometers from Delhi, and the road journey takes about 8 to 9 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi. There are also government and private buses that run between Delhi and Bikaner.
4. By Bus: As mentioned earlier, both government and private buses run regularly between Delhi and Bikaner. Depending on the type of bus and route, the journey takes around 9 to 10 hours.

Before traveling, check the availability and schedule of trains, flights, or buses as per your preferred mode of transport. Choose the best option for your trip to Bikaner based on your convenience and budget.

Fame of Bikaner (Rajasthan)

Bikaner, Rajasthan, is famous for many reasons, making it a popular destination for tourists and travelers:

1. Junagarh Fort: Junagarh Fort, a magnificent structure made of red sandstone, is one of the main attractions of Bikaner. It showcases impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and beautifully decorated halls.
2. Camel Safari: The proximity of Bikaner to the Thar Desert makes it a favored spot for camel safaris. Tourists can explore desert landscapes and experience the traditional desert lifestyle.
3. Karni Mata Temple: The Karni Mata Temple, also called the “Rat Temple,” is a unique attraction of Bikaner. It is famous for its large population of rats, which devotees consider sacred.
4. Forts and Palaces: Apart from Junagarh Fort, Bikaner is home to other historic forts and palaces such as Lallgarh Palace and Laxmi Niwas Palace, which showcase the city’s royal heritage.
5. Local Cuisine: Bikaner is famous for its delicious snacks and sweets. The city is known for its Bhujia, a spicy savory snack, and Rasgulla, a popular Indian sweet.
6. Festivals: Bikaner celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm. The annual Bikaner Camel Festival is a major attraction featuring camel races, cultural performances, and traditional events.
7. Handicrafts and Shopping: Bikaner offers a wide range of handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, and pottery. The city is a shopping paradise for those looking to buy traditional Rajasthani artifacts.
8. Desert Heritage: The rich cultural heritage and desert lifestyle of Bikaner add to its fame as a vibrant city offering a unique experience of Rajasthan’s traditions and customs.
9. Temple Architecture: Apart from the Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner has many other beautiful temples that reflect intricate architecture and religious significance.

Overall, the fame of Bikaner lies in its historical sites, desert experiences, cultural heritage, and delicious culinary offerings. The city offers an authentic Rajasthani experience, attracting tourists from around the world to explore its royal past and vibrant present.