Bikaner Travel Guide

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when 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.

Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

Bhandasar Jain Temple (5km) :
Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 13th Trirthankra.

Devi Kund (8km):
Devi Kund is a marvel that attracts thousands to tourists from the different parts of the world. It is located just 8 kms from the city of Bikaner. Devi Kund is a world class example of architectural marvels. The Devi Kund is one of the famous sites of Bikaner that reflect the Rajputana architectural style. The Devi Kund at Bikaner is a collection of the royal cenotaph or 'chattris' built in the memory of the Bikaji Rathores. The Devi Kund contains a number of chattris that commemorate the great Bika rulers. The chattris are erected on the spot where the Bika rulers were cremated according to the Hindu norms. Each of the chattris reflect the grandeur of the Rajputana architecture. The cenotaph of Maharajah Surat Singh is one of the most intricately designed architectural structures; the beautiful frescoes drawn on the ceiling bear intricate detailing and miniature pictures

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32km):
The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary of Bikaner is situated about 32 kms away from Bikaner town. This place has a lot of historical importance. In the past, the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary at Bikaner used to be a favorite site of hunting for Bikaner's Maharajah.
Some of the most well known species of wild animals that are housed in the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner are deer, wild fowls, nilgai, antelope, black buck, chinkara, wild boars and desert foxes.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (30km)
The famous 700 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, who was born in 1387 in a Charan Family. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Kolayatji (50km):
This small oasis town is now famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) & also serves as an idyllic picnic spot for tourist. The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (oct-nov) when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivals. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.

Shiv Bari Temple (6km)
Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 10th century in the memory of his father Maharaj Lall Singhji is located on the way to the Camel Research Farm. The temple is fortified by a high wall and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Kalibangan (205km)
Kalibangan is located on the left bank of Ghaggar (Ancient Saraswati) river. The area is of immense interest as here one can witness the extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harroan civilization.

Fairs & Festivals:
The Camel Festival (January):
A spectacular event of Camel performances, races, camel acrobatics dances and camel milking competition.

Kolayat Fair (November):
Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the Kolayat lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.

Gangaur Festival (April):
This eighteen day long celebrations is the festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati- the consort of Lord Shiva. The festival highlights the Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women.

Holi: March
Exuberant festivals beginning several days before the actual day of Holi make it a special and spectacular occasion.