Bikaner

General Information / History
The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city.

Sightseeing

Devi Kund (8km)
A yoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling.

Shiv Bari Temple (6km)
Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 10th century. The temple in surrounding by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Kolayatji (50km)
The temple is dedicated to Kapil Muni ( saint).It is also 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.

Karni Mata Temple (30km)
An old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, 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 that 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.

Kalibangan (205km)
The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and harroan civilization found at this are of immense interest to archeology enthusiasts.

Bhandasar Jain Temple (5km)
A Jain temple dedicated to the 13rd Trirthankra built in the 16th century.

Excursions

Lal Garh Palace
The palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal singh. It is architectural masterpiece in red sandstone with beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat.
Part of the palace has been converted into a palace hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum which houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife.

Junagarh
Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within made of red sandstone and marble that makes a picturesque ensemble of cou

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
It is one of the best museums in Rajasthan, having one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time.
rtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.