Location: North India in the state of Rajasthan
Famous for: Junagarh fort, Lalgarh Palace
Founded by: Rao Bikaji, 1488 AD
Fairs and Festivals: Camel festival
Ideal Time to Visit: July-March
Rainfall: 44 cm
Temperature: Summer Mean Max. 44 °C Mean Min. 28 °C
Winter Mean Max. 23.2 °C Mean Min. 10 °C
Language Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi and English.

An Over All View Of Bikaner
Bikaner is a desert city perched on a slight raised platform and girdled by an extended wall perforated by 5 arched gates. The majestic fort built by Raja Raj Singh in 16th century is a main source of attraction.
Bikaner's magnificent forts, royal palaces and temples with their architectural splendor are the exquisite edifices constructed in red and yellow sandstone. All these treasures are vital manifestations of its opulent ancient and architectural legacy and this venerated charm can also be felt in its enchanting city's lifestyle.

Historic Perspective
Following under the famous Golden Triangle route Bikaner was established in the year 1488. This royal colossal city was flourished as a significant trade and commerce center between the seaports of Gujarat and the West Asian countries. With Junagarh fort, Lalgarh Palace and the camel festival as its foremost charms, Bikaner beckons tourists from all over the world.

In Bikaner, culture and heritage becomes mortal in its kaleidoscopic bazaars, and havelis. Besides its rich cultural heritage Bikaner is also quite renowned for the best riding camels in the world. One can cherish the cheerful caparisoned camels at the amazing Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.

Charms of Bikaner City
Junagarh Fort
This magnificent fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh in 15th century one of the efficient and trustworthy minister of Akbar. The most dignified fort of northern India was never conquered by any army.
Within the premises of the fort there are 37 palaces and garden house. The palaces, splendidly fabricated in red sandstone and marble are embellished with mirror work, exquisite carvings and paintings. The worth visiting palaces are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main gateway to the fort.

Lalgarh Palace
Built in red sandstone, a charming resemblance of the Oriental style and European delicacy that leaves you absolutely spellbound. Constructed by Sir Swinton Jacob a British architect for Maharaja Ganga Singh the palace is equipped with excellent billiards room, a massive library and many other playrooms. Crystal chandeliers with delicate cut glass work add to its charisma.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
Exquisite carved, 16th century Jain Temples are sanctified to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Other significant shrines of Bikaner are the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple that are renowned for their architecture splendor.

Excursions
Ajmer also offers some beautiful excursions to near by places.

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke (30 km)
This 600 years ancient shrine is dedicated to Goddess Karni often referred by Hindus as Kali Mata - a personification of Goddess Durga. The temple is unique in itself as the other deity of the temple are rats, the place is a bliss for this species as devotees coming from far flung areas offer food to the rats. The people have a strong notion that these rodents will be reincarnated as divine human. The temples also have some beautiful specimen like heavenly arched gateway of the temple delicately carved in marble.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km)
This wild life sanctuary is situated on the Jaesalmer highway, as one saunter around the lush green forest and blue water lakes one can encounter covey of august sand grouse, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar and black buck. The place is also famous for its beautiful Gajner Palace, a summer residence of erstwhile rulers perched on the tranquil lake. Tourist is totally spellbound by the inlay work and the location of the palace.

Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar temples (5km)
The temples are the most ancient shrines of refined legacy, proclaiming some bizarre glass, mirror inlay work and some exquisite gold leaf paintings. The visitors from all over the country come to see these masterpieces.

Kalibanga (205 km)
The ruins of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilization are traced in the district of Hanumangarh. Many objects depicting the lifestyles of Harappan era like a honey pot is of great interest to archaeology zealot.

Festivities in Ajmer
Camel Festival (January)
The festival is celebrated on the full moon night and is sanctified to the mandatory camel also known as the ship of the desert. Camel can be watched in its sporting best, a charming presentation of camel performances are organized in the form of camel races, camel dances and camel safari. An amalgamation of happiness, hue and puissance ads a magnificent charm to the glory of Ajmer and becomes the major source of allure for the foreign tourist.

Kolayatji Fair (October)
A huge fair is organized at Kolayat in the month of October. The fair has its religious aspects, as thousand of devotees crowed the place to take a holy bath in the Kolayat Lake on the full moon of Kartik or Poornima. People also pay their devotion and offer prayers in the temple dedicated to Karni Mata.

Shopping
Bikaner is very popular for its camel products like purses and slippers made from camel skin that are of great demand in international market. Other items like hand woven carpets and its woodcrafts are much popular among the tourists. The King Edward memorial is the main shopping area offering diverse variety of products of all ranges.

Getting Around
Air: Nearest airport is Jodhpur 240 km. Tourist cab or buses can be taken from there for Bikaner.

Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail transport with cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The fabulous Palace on Wheels tour also covers the city of Bikaner.

Road: Well developed road services connects Bikaner to Jaipur- 316 km, Jodhpur- 240 km, Delhi- 949 km and Jaisalmer- 330 km.