History :-
In 1488 AD, Rao Bika Ji chose an infertile land under Jodhpur province called "Jungladesh" and shaped it into an impressive city, called Bikaner. It took more than 30 years for Rao Bika to stabilize Bikaner as there were regular attacks on the newly formed state by desert invaders. History explains that Bikaner was continuously locked in combats with the Mughal Empire, but later forged a friendship with Emperor Akbar. But with the decline of the Mughal reign, the city of Bikaner suffered another setback. Afterwards, the rulers of Bikaner later signed a pact with the British and remained loyal to them till it was merged with the other princely states to form the state of Rajasthan. Ultimately it became a part of the republic of India after the Indian independence.
Culture:-
The culture of Bikaner is not just about the city and its regal buildings, but it also includes the people, their traditional dressing manner, language, food specialty, music, dancing and craftwork. Even after the arrival of modern transport, camel is still an indispensable part of life for the people of Bikaner.
The convenience through the camel paved the way of all aspects of life for the people of Bikaner. From catering and fashion to traveling and entertainment, the camel is a day-to-day necessity. This is the cause why Bikaner came to be known as the 'Camel Country'. The people of Bikaner have normal food habits as followed in other parts of Rajasthan. The Bikaneri aloo bhujias, sattus, Mirch Pacora, Bati-Churma, papads and Rasgullas are very well-liked among tourists. The Bikaneri people are chiefly Hindus and they observe a number of North Indian practices and beliefs.
One more thing for which Bikaner is famous is "Bikaneri Bhujia" and its sweets made with camel milk. Bikaneri Bhujia is a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. Its handicrafts, leather goods and intricately carved Jharokas are other qualities which make it unique. You will find the stone screens on the windows of forts and havellis. Usually such kinds of windows are being used by the women to watch the world while remaining hidden. This red sandstone for stone window screens is supplied by the nearby village of Dulmera.
This camel country of Bikaner is also a centre for Usta Art. This is a century old technique which is characterized by miniature paintings and gold embroidery. You will definitely get an interesting experience through the marvelous cultural uniqueness of Bikaner.
About Bikaner:-
Founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488 AD, a Rathore prince and the liveliest and most enterprising son of Rao Jodhaji of Marwar, Bikaner is the destination in Rajasthan where beauty has bloomed in the desert. Situated in North West part of Indian state of Rajasthan, this district has many richly sculptured temples made with red and yellow sand stones and many other attractive creations of Rajput civilization.
Contemporary Bikaner is the upshot of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative enthusiasm set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state. The planned location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is bounded by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The glorious forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colorful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore. Bikaner is widely referred to as the 'Camel City of Rajasthan'. During your travel to Bikaner, you can visit many tourist attraction places such as Lal Garh Fort, Junagarh Fort, Shri Sadul Museum, Junagarh Museum, Shiva Bari Temple, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Camel Research Farm, Karni Devi Temple (Well Known as Rat Temple which is 15 km away from main city). You will also enjoy the ride of Camal Safari, seeing awe inspiring monumental grandeur view of Bikaner such as Bhandasar Jain Temple, Prachina Museum, Gajner Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and Devi Kund during your Bikaner tour.
Bikaner offers a wide variety of accommodation options to its guests. Many heritage, luxury and economy hotels offer best hospitality and leave an everlasting impression on the minds of tourists. They are well known for their royal treatment of guests and outstanding services. Tourists have a number of options to choose from. These hotels are either located at almost near the tourist attraction places or at the centre of city.
Climate :-
Positioned at a height of 228 m, the city of Bikaner experiences a typically desert climate. During summer, the weather of Bikaner is quite hot. The normal temperature in summers falls in average in the range of 41.8° C to 28.0° C. In winters, the weather of Bikaner is quite pleasant and tourist is recommended to visit Bikaner during this time. The standard temperature in the winter season falls in the range of 23.2° C to 5.0° C. Regarding the climatic conditions of Bikaner, Rajasthan in the monsoon season, the rainfall averages between 26 cm and 44 cm. The best time to visit the city of Bikaner is period of October to February.
Weather remains usually in typically extreme form. It is either extreme hot or too cold.
Summer- 46-47 degree Celsius during the day time; and around 35-36 degree Celsius during nights
Winter- 22 to 24 degree Celsius during the day time; and 1 or -1 degree Celsius during nights
Brief Geographical Data :-
Longitude- Between 71º54' and 74º12' east
Latitude- Between 27°11' and 29º 3' north
Altitude- 238 mts. above sea level
Area- 27244 sq. kms.
Population- 723,982 (1991 census)
Rainfall- 26-44 cms.
Languages- Hindi, Rajasthani, English
How to Reach:-
By Air:-
The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport which is situated 235 kilometers away from Bikaner. The cities with which Bikaner is connected through air are Jaipur, Delhi and other major Indian cities.
By Rail: -
Bikaner is very well connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad through Indian railway. Two major trains that connect Bikaner to Delhi are Chetak Express and the Bikaner Express. The "Palace on Wheels" luxury train also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan. Kalka Express connects Bikaner to Jodhpur.
By Road: -
Bikaner is very well connected with road that connects with major cities nearby including Jaipur and Delhi. You can avail buses or private taxis that provide such transportation to Bikaner. Tourist can travel to Bikaner by using road transportations like jeeps and cars available on rent from Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur as they are located nearby. The distances of Bikaner with major cities are: Delhi -456 km Jaipur -334 km, Jaisalmer- 333 km.
Bikaner Heritage Hotels
Bikaner Deluxe Hotels
Bikaner Economy Hotels
