The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.

A seven-kilometres wall with five entrances was built to protect the city from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. The city flourished as an important trade centre between Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries. The unbroken line of descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence. Bikaner is known for good breed of riding camels, which are among the best in the world. The Camel Festival held every year is famous all over the globe. Bikaner has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era, which makes a visitor come here year after year.

Camel Festival
A lively and colourful event, the Camel Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner every year. January is just the right month for a desert spree, and Bikaner just the right place to see the Ships of the Desert.

Fort Museum - Bikaner
Ganga Mahal, the imposing halls added by Maharaja Ganga Singh, now houses the Fort Museum. It contains a fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide 'dhals' (shields) and inlaid handguns and camel guns. Gold and silver 'howdahs', 'jhulas', 'palkis' and a First World War biplane are on view.

Ganga Golden Jubliee Museum
This small museum has a large collection of pre-Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich collection of pottery, carpets, paintings, armoury and coins make this museum one of the best in Rajasthan. The Bikaneri miniatures, which are displayed in a sepetrate section for local arts, makes visit to the museum a must.

Jambeshwar Fair
The Jambheswar Fair is held in the village Mukam of Tehsil Nokha, Bikaner District, twice a year on Phalgun Budi Amavasya and Ashvin Budi Amavasya, in memory of the founder of the Bishnoi sect Jambheswar ji.

Junagarh Fort
One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.

Kapil Muni Fair
The Kapil Muni Fair is the largest fair of Bikaner district held on Kartik Purnima at Kolayat -- originally Kapilayatan -- named after the sage Kapil who is believed to have done 'tapasya' (meditation) here for the redemption of mankind.

Karni Mata Fair
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in September- October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla Ekam to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.

Lalgadh Palace
Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a magnificent blend of Oriental and European style. The terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes add beauty to the palace. Peacocks stroll around the palace, which has been partly converted into a hotel.


Excursions from Bikaner

Kalibanga
(205Km.)
Kalibanga is one of the major excavated sites of the Harappan civilisation. This place houses immense treasure of India's past and is of particular interest to archaeology enthusiasts.
Devi Kund
(8Km.)
This is the royal crematorium with a number of cenotaphs. The 'chhatri' of Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. One cannot miss the spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings. 8 kms from Bikaner.
Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary
(32Km.)
32 kms on the Jaisalmer Road is located the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. Wooded hills and lakes surround the lush green forest. One can easily spot a Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck or flocks of Sand Grouse and Wild Boar living in the sanctuary.
Kolayat
(54Km.)
54-km from Bikaner, it is a picnic spot.

Leisure - Bikaner
Shopping in Bikaner
A stroll down the King Edward Memorial road and inside Kote Gate will reveal the shopping pleasure in Bikaner. The purses, slippers made from the camel hide are worth a bargain. The camel skin also ends up as cushions and lacquered lampshades. The local carpets and the woodwork are very popular among the tourists. And who can forget the world famous Bikaneri Bhujias and sweets. Wide range of accomodation facilites are available to meet the requirements of tourists. There are Palace hotels like the Bhanwar Niwas, Karni Bhawan, Gajner Palace Hotel. Also, available are the small but cosy comfortable private hotels. The government approved Paying Guest system is very popular among the visitors.

How To Get There - Bikaner
By Air
The nearest airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
By Rail
The Indian Railways connects Bikaner with cities like Delhi, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, Allahabad etc. The gorgeous 'Palace on wheels' also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.
By Road
Though the unfriendly desert sands surround Bikaner but the city is well connected by roads. There are local and inter-state bus services for Bikaner.

Places To Stay - Bikaner
Bikaner is counted among one of the major cities of the Rajasthan state and is well equipped with varied hotel options, which include luxurious and budget hotels as well as tourist lodges.