Bīkaner, India
Region: Rajasthan
Geographic Coordinates: 28.016700, 73.311900
Temperature Range: 30.0°C to 45.0°C (86°F to 113°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with low precipitation throughout the year in Bīkaner, India.
Population: 529007
Language: Hindi
Bikaner, Located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India, Is renowned for its cultural heritage, Forts and palaces. It was founded by Rao Bika in 1488 AD and has been an important center of trade ever since. The Junagarh Fort is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bikaner. Built by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, It is considered one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. The fort boasts several palaces, Temples and courtyards adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.
The Karni Mata Temple is another popular attraction dedicated to Karni Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple houses thousands of rats that are considered sacred by devotees from all over the world who come seeking blessings. Bikaner has a rich culinary tradition including mouth-watering delicacies like bhujiya (spicy snacks made from gram flour), Rasgulla (a syrupy dessert made from chenna), Kachori (deep-fried snacks filled with lentils or potatoes) and ghevar (a sweet dish made from flour).
Apart from its historical significance, Bikaner also boasts natural attractions such as sand dunes, Wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries. The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary near Bikaner attracts tourists who come to witness exotic wildlife species like blackbucks, Chinkaras, Desert foxes and wild boars. Visitors can also take a camel safari through Thar Desert which surrounds Bikaner on all sides. These safaris provide tourists with an opportunity to explore remote villages inhabited by local tribes such as Banjaras or Lambadis while experiencing their unique culture first-hand.
Bikaner hosts several festivals and fairs throughout the year including Camel Festival which takes place every year in January where thousands of camels are decorated paraded through streets while various competitions like camel races, Tug-of-war contests and beauty contests are held. Bikaner is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Cuisine and natural beauty. With its magnificent forts and palaces, Mouth-watering delicacies and vibrant festivals it has something to offer for everyone who visits this beautiful city.
- Junagarh Fort
- Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
- Lalgarh Palace
- Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary
- National Research Centre on Camel
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
- Shiv Bari Temple
- Prachina Museum
- Sadul Singh Museum
- Ganga Government Museum
- Tourism: Bikaner is a well-known tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world due to its rich historical heritage, forts, palaces, and temples.
- Agriculture: The region is famous for producing crops such as wheat, mustard, bajra (pearl millet), and pulses.
- Handicrafts: Bikaner has a thriving handicraft industry that produces items like pottery, leather goods, carpets, and textiles.
- Dairy farming: The city has a significant dairy industry with many milk processing plants.
- Mineral-based industries: There are several mineral-based industries in the region like gypsum plaster manufacturing units and salt works.
- Education: Bikaner has several educational institutions including engineering colleges and universities that contribute to the economy of the city.
- Small-scale industries: There are many small-scale businesses in Bikaner such as food processing units, garment manufacturing units, and jewelry making workshops that provide employment opportunities to locals.
- Rao Bika: He founded Bikaner in 1488.
- Junagarh Fort: Raja Rai Singh built this fort in 1593 AD, and it remains one of the most important landmarks in Bikaner.
- Karni Mata Temple: This temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a Hindu sage who lived during the 14th century.
- Ganga Singh Museum: This museum houses a collection of weapons, coins, paintings, and other artifacts from Rajasthan’s history.
- Laxmi Niwas Palace: Maharaja Ganga Singh built this palace as his residence; it now serves as a luxury hotel.
- Prithviraj Chauhan Memorial: This memorial commemorates Prithviraj Chauhan, one of Rajasthan’s greatest warriors who fought against Muhammad Ghori in the 12th century.
- Akbari Mahal: Akbar built this palace during his visit to Bikaner in 1599 AD; it now serves as an art gallery showcasing Rajasthani paintings.
- Lalgarh Palace: Maharaja Ganga Singh built this palace as part of his efforts to modernize Bikaner; it now serves as a heritage hotel.
- Sadul Museum- This museum showcases vintage cars used by members of the royal family along with other artifacts from their personal collection.
- Karni Mata Fair- Every year at Karni Mata Temple there is famous rat festival held where rats are worshipped for their religious significance.
- Junagarh Fort – A magnificent fort built in the 16th century.
- Lalgarh Palace – A beautiful palace with stunning architecture.
- Ganga Singh Museum – Showcasing the history and culture of Bikaner.
- Karni Mata Temple – Famous for its thousands of rats that are considered sacred.
- National Research Centre on Camel – An interesting place to learn about camels and their importance in the region.
- Prachina Museum – Exhibiting traditional Rajasthani costumes, textiles, and artifacts.
- Shiv Bari Temple- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its intricate carvings.
- Rampuria Havelis- A group of old mansions with unique architecture.
- Jain Temple Bhandasar- A beautiful temple made entirely of red sandstone.
- Devi Kund Sagar- An ancient royal cremation ground with cenotaphs and chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions).
- Bikaner Camel Festival is a two-day event held every January to celebrate the importance of camels in the desert region. The festival includes camel races, beauty contests, and cultural performances.
- Karni Mata Fair takes place twice a year (March-April and September-October) at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok near Bikaner. Devotees from all over India come to worship the temple’s resident rats.
- Gangaur Festival is a spring festival celebrated by women in Rajasthan to honor Goddess Gauri, who represents purity and marital happiness. Women dress up in colorful traditional attire and carry idols of Gauri through the streets.
- Kolayat Fair is an annual event held at Kolayat Lake that attracts devotees who come to take a dip in the holy waters during Kartik Purnima (November). The fair also features cultural performances, food stalls, and handicrafts.
- Laxmi Nath Mela is a five-day fair held every year during Diwali (October-November) at Laxmi Nath Temple in Bikaner city center featuring fireworks displays, cultural performances, food stalls, and carnival rides.
- Shri Sadul Museum Annual Exhibition takes place annually from December to January at Shri Sadul Museum in Lalgarh Palace Complex (Bikaner). The exhibition showcases paintings by local artists as well as rare artifacts from Rajasthan’s history.
- International Camel Festival is another event hosted by Bikaner around December-January that attracts tourists worldwide with its unique blend of culture and entertainment featuring camels as main attractions.
- Bikaneri Bhujia is a well-liked snack in Bikaner that’s made from gram flour and spices.
- Rajasthani Thali is a customary meal that comprises various dishes like dal, baati, churma, and more.
- Kachori is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced lentils or potatoes.
- Chokhi Dhani is an esteemed restaurant that serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine while providing cultural entertainment.
- Sankalp Restaurant is known for its tasty vegetarian food and offers rooftop seating with a great view of the city.
- Chappan Bhog has a broad range of vegetarian dishes on offer including thalis, chaats, and sweets.
- The Royal Cafe is celebrated for its kachoris and samosas served with chutney and tea.
- Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) holds the distinction of being one of the oldest sweet shops in Bikaner renowned for its rasgullas, gulab jamuns, and other traditional sweets.
- Bikaji Foods International Ltd., an acclaimed brand sells packaged snacks including bhujia, namkeen, papad etc., all over India.
- Junagarh Fort: A historic fort with beautiful gardens and a museum.
- Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary with opportunities for bird watching, nature walks, and safaris.
- Karni Mata Temple: Known as the Rat Temple, this temple is home to thousands of rats that are considered sacred by locals.
- Lalgarh Palace and Museum: An opulent palace turned museum that showcases the history and culture of Bikaner.
- Nehru Park: A public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a small lake for boating.
- Ganga Singh Museum: Another museum that displays art, artifacts, weapons, and other items related to the history of Bikaner.
- Camel Safari: The Thar Desert surrounding Bikaner offers camel safaris through sand dunes for an adventurous experience.
- Jain Temple Bhandasar: A stunning temple made entirely of red sandstone known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
- Sadul Singh Museum: Located inside the Lalgarh Palace complex, this museum displays vintage cars used by royalty in the past.
- Shivbari Temple: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on outskirts of city which attracts many devotees throughout year.
