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Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in western India which was founded in 1488 A.D. This is the royal fortified city by with a timeless appeal which is surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. Bikaner is popularly known as the camel country and is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers. This city is especially famous for its school of miniature paintings which are an admixture of the Rajput and Mughal styles. This city is also famous for its minakari on camel hide, and golden minakari in the palaces of Bikaner. The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water is other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called 'Jangladesh' and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name.

Tourist Places in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
Revel in the architectural splendour, as you take an intimate look at this imposing fort, built by Akbar's contemporary Raja Rai Singh. Within the fort are thirty seven palaces, pavilions Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The palaces worth visiting are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals, breaking the monotony. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace
The magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truly mesmerised. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost -90 years ago, this is an extraordinary monument. The palace has a billiards room, a library, a cards room and a smoking room. Belgian chandeliers, cut - glass ornaments, oil paintings and lamps add to its charm.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
(5 km) Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.

General Information About Bikaner
Altitude: 237 mtrs.
Best Season: Oct - March
Climate: Summer
Mean Max. : 41.8 'C
Mean Min.: 28.0 'C
Winter Mean Max. : 23.2 'C
Mean Min. : 5.0 'C
Clothing : Summer light tropical or light Winter Woolen.

Excursions
Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8 km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33 kms.

How to Reach Bikaner
Air : Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
Bus : Bikaner to Delhi 949 km, Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.
Train : Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.