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Area
: 38.10 meters, Altitude
: 237 metres, Climate : [ Summer : 41.8
degree C 28.0 degree C ] [ Winter : 23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
], Rainfall : 26-44 cms, Best Season
: oct-mar, Clothing : Summer light tropical,
Winter light woolen Languages : English, Hindi,
Rajasthani
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The splendor of the city of Bikaner is still the same even when
the glory of its rulers is now only a part of the history. Founded
in 1486, it is now a part of the desert tourist triangle and is
frequently visited by the tourists. The magnificence of the city
is spread everywhere in forms of various temples, forts, palaces
and colorful markets.
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PLACES
OF INTEREST
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Junagarh Fort
The splendid Junagarh Fort is reputed as one of the very few forts
in India that have remained unconquered through ages. High walls
and wide moat defend the fort and its interiors are sure to leave
any onlooker speechless. It also houses various temples and 37
pavilions that are simply matchless in terms of architectural
finesse. The major attraction of the fort is the Karan Mahal with
gold leaf painting adorning its pillars and walls.
Lalgarh Palace
The sturdy Lalgarh Palace presents a breathtaking example of the
fusion of Oriental and European architectural styles. Built of
red sandstone, the palace enjoys a distinct identity for its intricate
filigree work and latticework. The Shri Sadul Museum, located
within the premises, displays collection of ancient artifacts
including well-preserved manuscripts, gold & silver plaques
and parchments.
Ganga
Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum offers a collection of royal costumes, weapons, ornaments,
ancient statues and exquisite Paintings, one of which depicts
the signing of the Versatile Treaty by Ganga Singh. In addition
to this, it also has collection of terracotta from the Gupta period.
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Special
Interests
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Karni Mata Temple
Camel Festival
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HOW
TO REACH
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Bikaner is connected to all the major Indian cities by train.
Buses, taxis and other coaches are available from Delhi, Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Udaipur and all the other major cities.
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EXCURSIONS
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National Research center on Camels (8 kms)
This is the only center in the country for research on camels,
a animal which is an integral part of life in desert .The efforts
are being made to breed camels with longer, thicker eyelashes
to offer greater protection during sandstorms.
Devi kund (8 kms)
There are cenotaphs of the rulers of Bikaner at the place. The
tank makes the place attractive.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok (32 kms)
The temple is dedicated to the. Charan woman Karni who is believed
to have blessed Bika when he was still to establish the state.
The main gate of the temple has attractive carvings. The most
surprising aspect of the temple are the rats which roam about
unharmed. There is a belief that the souls of the devotees of
the Karni Mata resides in rats and hence nobody ever think of
causing any harm to them. It is considered auspicious if one sees
a white rat.
Gajner (32 kms)
Wildlife sanctuary is situated here.The lake at Gajner attracts
water birds in thousands, the imperial sand grouse from Siberia
being most important of these. It is considered the prettiest
place in the district with a lake, a palace, wooded hills and
gardens. The palace served as a resort.
Kolayatji (50 kms)
It is a Hindu place of pilgrimage famous for the holiness of it's
tank and considered one of the most sacred places in the country.
It is associated with Kapil Muni who is believed to be the originator
of the sankhya system of Indian philosophy. It has many magnificent
marble temples with sandstone Pavilions & Ghats (bathing places)
which are located around an artificial lake.There is an annual
fare at the place.
Kalibanga (205 kms)
A archaeologists delight, the findings of the remains of pre-Harappan
and Harappan civilization has generated immense interest. It is
almost as large as Harappa and Mohenjodaro, and designed on the
same plan.
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FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS FUN
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The Camel Festival (January)
A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel
acrobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part
of the celebrations.
Kolayat Fair ( November)
Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the
Koplyat take on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.
Gangaur Festival (April)
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati-the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand
processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are part
of the eighteen day long celebrations.
Holi: (March)
Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actual
day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.
