Bikaner, a beacon of rich culture and heritage amidst the harsh desert surroundings was founded in 1488, by the Rathore prince, Bika, the son of Rao Jodha of Marwar. It was located 1! directly on the ancient caravan Lalgarh Palace routes, which linked West / Central Asia and North India with the seaports of Gujarat. The city studded with forts, palaces, and mansions was once surrounded by a 7 kms. long embattled wall with five gateways. Today, Bikaner is also famous for its delicacies like bhujias, papads, and rasgullas.
Junagarh Fort: The impregnable fort built by Raja Rai Singh in 1593, is encircled by a moat and has many palaces, pavilions and temples. Suraj Pol or ‘Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. Within the ramparts are fine monuments like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Rang Mahal, Har Mandir, Chandra Mahal, Durbar Hall, Gaj Mandir, and Sheesh Mahal, etc. The fort also has an excellent museum.
Lalgarh Palace: The magnificent red sandstone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. It has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Sri Sadul Museum is housed in one part of the palace.
Rajasthan State Archives: The department is internationally acclaimed for its rich collection of administrative records of the Mughal period, which were created during the administration of the princely States of Rajasthan.
Ganga Government Museum: It is one of the best museums in the State, with rnen treasure of antiquities from Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era, etc.
Bhandeshwar Jain Temple: The 15th-century shrine is the oldest existing monument of Bikaner. It is adorned with rich mirror work, decor, frescoes, and gold leaf paintings.
Raj Ratan Bihari & Rasik Siromani Temple: The 19th-century palatial shrine within Ratan Bihari Park was built by Ratan Singhji and Sardar Singhji.
Havelis: Bikaner is also known for its ornately carved red sandstone Havelis and mansions belonging to reputed business houses of the region.
Shiv Bari Temple (6 km): This 19th century Shiva temple was built by Maharaja Doongar Singhji. It is fortified with high walls and has beautiful paintings.
Devi Kund (8 km): It is the crematorium of the Airport: Jodhpur (243 kms.) royal family. The graceful white marble Chhatri Railhead: Well connected by rail (cenotaph) of Maharaja Surat Singh is a fine piece with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, of architecture. Kalka, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Camel Research Farm (8 km.): The farm is only Road Connected by good one of its kind in entire Asia. the network of roads.
Around Bikaner:
Deshnok (30 kms.)
The small town on the road to Jodhpur is known for the unique shrine of Goddess Kami Mata. The shrine is famous for the rats, who are venerated over here.