Hotel Gaj Kesri

Bikaner - Gainer

by Luchonda

A little to the south of Bikaner - you will find a former hunting lodge of the Marahadjas.
The lake is impressive - the small pavillions too.
They use to tell a story - an Indian legend.
Go and visit them;

Sardar or Badal mahal/Clouds Palace

by RAJASTHANBYCAR

Sardar Mahal or Badal Mahal or Clouds Palace built by Maharaja Sardar Singh Ji for play Music.The attraction here is beautiful shading of blue and white depicting clouds and lightening on walls. It is a beautiful example of Matheran art from Bikaner.Maharaja Sardar Singhji was great Patron of art and Music.His musical instrument Mayur Veena and Garud Veena are dispayed in show case in Sardar Mahal. Maharaja Sardar Singhji liked to play the classical compositions and he loved to play Rag Malhar, which is usually played during the monsoon season. But in Bikaner the desert less monsoon for Rag Malhar, he got the walls painted like clouds and lighting and rain drops. To imitate real rain drop of water and then he would play Rag Malhar. Because of these, he painted clouds.

Bikaner-Royalty in full splendour

by mallyak

If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, it's located in north west part of Rajasthan state in INDIA. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner.

"Junargarh fort"

This fort was built by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled form 1571 to 1612 AD. Raja Rai Singhji could Marshal the revenues of a Kingdom increased by the conquest of half Marwar and grant of half Gujrat and made use of ample funds from Jodhpur and Western Deccan for the construction of this fort. A contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jehangir, he held a very high rank in the Imperial court. As a reward for this services as military commander, he was granted fields of Gujrat and Burhanpur by the Emperor. During his tenure in imperial service he traveled far and wide which gave him vision and great ideas about art and architecture and we can see how meticulously these ideas were incorporated in the architectural styles of his building in Junagarh fort.

"Camel breeding farm"

Acquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding centre, the only one of its kind in Asia."
This government-managed farm is unique and largest in Asia. There are hundreds of camels here and the scenario in late afternoon is great when camels come back from grazing. It's here that you can see what an interesting animal the camel is. You can have some thick camel milk while listening to a Raika or Rebari, a camel breeder's tribe telling you about camels and camellore and how they are bred. The gamboling baby-camels make a very enchanting sight.The British army had camel corps drawn from Bikaner during WorldWar I.

BIKANER

by tabatha

"In the beginning"

I left Delhi not as I wanted in the morning for arriving in the evening, but at 21.45 o'clock. For the first time with the train and also by night ??? If everything will be ok ?
Actually yes, the ticket was booked for the Ladies part so I had to stay with other four women and two children.
First I was still a little bit frightened to sleep, but when everybody was sleeping and the light was off what else could I do ?
Nothing wrong happened and so I arrived in Bikaner full of power and energy.

"Accomodation"

Not far from the Train Station are a lot of hotels. Check as usually the prices and the rooms. Because of the small numbers of tourist it was no problem to find a good place for not to much money.
Evergreen Hotel has clean rooms (this time with window), with TV (no I don't really need it), a single for 125 INR.
Just on the other side of the street it's a small place for email and internet (60 INR/hour)

"To see Number 1: Junagarh Fort"

With the riksha easily to reach for 10 INR and an entrance of 50 INR/person and 20 INR/camera, you'll find a really amazing place and in contrast to Red Fort in Delhi also very cheap.
You can take a guide or visit it by yourself, but take care, I lost myself inside.
A lot of beautyfull painted walls will surprise you and also the beautiful architecture.

"To see Number 2: Deshnouk Temple (The Temple of Ra"

From the fort with the riksha to the bus station for 10 INR. Take the bus to Deshnouk but only if you don't care about the rats.
This 600 years old temple has beside the rats, huge silver gates and is dedicated to Karni Mata, a reincarnation of Durga.
The rats and mouses inside are considered holy because once a child was transformed in a rat. So everywhere in this really beatiful temple are this animals.

"To see Number 3: Jain Temple"

Don't be lazzy just have a walk to this wonderful place. I met in the old city only two tourists. So everybody looked at me, children said "hello", everybody helped me finding the temple and everybody was happy being in front of my camera.

Arrived at the temple I met an old guy who was very friendly telling me something about the place, because the guides avoid this spot.
It's the only Jain temple made of stone and painted. Looking the walls you had the impression it's wood. Walking up the stairs through the other two temples built on each other you'll have a brilliant view over the city.