Bikaner Things to Do

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This impressive fort was built between 1588 and 1593 under orders of Rai Singh (a general in Akbars army). It has a 986m- long wall with 37 bastions, a massive gate , two entrances and a moat. Equally impressive are the many palaces contained within the walls of the fort. The interiors of the palaces are lavish, and beautifully decorated with jalis, painted walls, mosaics and gold leaf.
A compound still stands that used to be the staging ground of Elephant fights, which were popular as an entertainment at the time. It is now overgrown with grasses and shrub bushes.
The entrance gate, the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) has two massive elephant statues guarding it, and iron stakes implanted in the door.
Although this fort was constructed on flat ground, as opposed to other Rajput forts which were built on high ground-it has never been conquered. This may be the reason that it is so well preserved.
Near the second gate, Daulat Pol, are twenty-four handprints of women who performed sati (self-sacrifice) when their husbands died while defending the fort.

Entrance fee (R100) includes a guide- (9am-6pm)

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The multi-storeyed Anup Mahal was the chamber (called Hall of Private Audience) wherein the ruler would recieve his guests.. These beautifully maintained rooms now display the treasures of the Royal family. The inner walls are covered with exquisite lacquer work of red and gold as well as inlay work in glass. Gold leaf has been used to decorate the pillars made of white plaster. Anup Mahal Palace of Rajasthan is very ornate. It was built in 1690 by Maharaja Anup Singh
It has mosaic ceiling tiles, superb mirrors, beautiful latticework, and a large, grand carpet made by prisoners in the Bikaner jail. Coronation ceremonies were held here.

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The Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) shows the small, low bed that Rao Bika slept on-the bed was designed so that Rao could sleep with his feet touching the ground, enabling him to rise quickly at any sign of danger. Pholl Mahal has magnificent wall paintings depicting flowers, birds and royal emblems.The flower paintings are a beautiful example of Rajput art. The red colours are still vibrant-although I suspect that these are updated and maintained to keep their brilliance. The wall artwork at the entrance doors is quite exquisite, highlighted with gold-leaf. Also inside are carved marble panels.

This government run camel farm is a project of great importance. Three different types of camel are reared here.They are cared for mostly by Rabaris, who are desert nomads, and have been camel experts forever. There are about 300 camels at the farm, and research plays an important role too.. The British army used camels from Bikaner during the World War I. The camels used in the Indian Army are bred at this farm.
.There is not a great deal to see here unless you are interested in camels, as we are. You can , however, take a camel ride, visit baby camels and look around the small museum.
Camel milk tasting is available-and quite an experience.
Camels are also of utmost importance for transport in India- particuarly in Rajasthan. They can carry heavy loads for over 100kms at 15kms per hour. They are called "Ships of the Desert" and with very good reason. The best time to visit is late afternoon. The camels return from grazing, and seem quite good natured after their feed!
I am rather fond of them- and loved my camel ride.

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Vikram was the sanskrit name of Rao Bika Ji, it was the part of old palace.But in 1937 remodelled by Maharaja Ganga Singh as Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) was use to receive kings, dignitaries.The most attractive, Sandal-wood throne.North to the throne up's there, the pavilion are jali (Net) screens to enable the women of the court to watch durbar hall without being seen anybody.This beautiful palace built by local red sand-stone from Bikaner, the dexterous fingers of the stone carvers have best created masterpieces of art.
Now a museum of arms, daggers, knives, chhuris, bow and arrows swords, shoulder plate guizis of royal past.

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This is oldest part of the palaces and was built by Raja RAi Singhji.Later on it was remodelled by Gaj Singh Ji for Queen Phul Kanwar.Its decoration with motifs of trays, flower vases and rose water sprinkles reminds of the decoration popular in Jehangirian period. Inside the rooms the interior walls are decorated with stucco work and glass inlay work.

This mahal consisting of small rooms behind the Phul Mahal, it is named after Maharani Chand Kanwar, one of the queens of Maharaja Gaj Singhji. The most interesting here is the dadoed paintings that resemble the precious stone inlay work of Agra. One of the rooms here displays the idols of some of the Hindu divinities placed in the niches under the ceiling.

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Gaj Mandir palace was built by Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji as a private apartment for his two chif Queens Phul Kanwar and Chand Kanwar.This few rooms apartment know refinements and luxuries of architecture and tasteful decorative arts.This fairy world was built under the supervision of an architect whom the Maharaja had personally brought from Jaipur. The wall are covered with elaborate Mughal niches and panels enclosed by a framework of marble plaster slabs, which are carved into various Mughal open-work floral design behind which mirror have been placed.
Left side to the entrance Lord krisna Sandal Wood Swing in Gold polish see in the Pictur.