Know The City
In the middle of a desolate land is positioned the legendary city of Bikaner infused with tales of valour and romance. The city is rich with culture, handirafts and traditions that it's inherited generation after generation. Rao Bikaji, offended by his father's comments, left home with a mission to establish his own kingdom in the late 15th century. In 1488, he founded a fortified city called Bikaner. Owing to the city's location on the caravan routes, Rao Bikaji met with success and piled up much wealth. However, the success came over a span of 30 long years. Initially when the Mughals attempted to lay hands on the kingdom, they failed to accomplish the intended result. It was due to Akbar's diplomacy that the rulers of Bikaner admitted to become allies with the Mughal emperor. In the 18th century, the British took control of the region. And then the city fell upon bad times. But once again in the 19th century an outstanding recovery was noticed here. In the year 1866, Bikaner had the distinction of being the first princely state to introduce electricity.



Go There For
The desert city of Bikaner offers a lot of attractions to the tourists and vacationers. The first and foremost thing that strikes you is the grand edifice of the Junagarh Fort that remains unconquered even to this day. Built in the 16th century, the fort saw a number of additions made by the successive rulers. Around thirty seven palaces were later added to the fort and it was not easy. Each of the constructions had to natch the previous architecture and the design of the fort so as not to seem awkward. There is also a museum inside that exhibits an interesting collection of ancient miniature paintings. The next site to visit is the Lalgarh Fort which is now a heritage hotel. The fort was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharja Ganga Singh. The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is also a big draw for tourists. The museum displays a fascinating collection of specimens belonging to the Harappan civilisation, the Gupta and the Kushana era. While in Bikaner, you can also get to the Camel Breeding Farm which is no less an experience for tourists. There are also interesting excursion options to see the Karni Mata Temple, Devi Kund, Bhandasar Jain Temple and Kalyatji Temple. Shopping in Bikaner is of no less interest. You can pick some of the most exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to take with you the Bikaneri Bhujia that is a must buy for all.

People & Culture
The richness of Bikaneri culture lies in its simplicity and creativity. Mirthful celebrations and expounding rituals mark the friendliness of the people. Folk dances including Ghoomar, Ger, Tandava and Pisach can be enjoyed on various occasions. The people are fun loving and contented. Fire dance is one of the most popular dances here. Men can be seen dressed in kurta, pyjama and turban. Rajasthani and Hindi are the chief speaking languages here.

Feasting & Celebration
Fairs and festivals are a way of life in the city of Bikaner. From the religious to the traditional, all the festivals are celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm. The Camel Festival, that's organised in the month of January every year, is an accumulation of varied experiences. Tourists pour into the city to partake in the festival and enjoy the camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics and camel milking competitions. Another significant event is the Gangaur Festival that falls in the month of April. The festival is celebrated to honour and worship goddess Parvati, the consort of lord Shiva. The grand celebration spans eighteen days and finally a huge procession is taken out as female dancers grace the occasion. Besides, festivals like Holi, Dussehra and Kartik Purnima are also held with great fervour. The Kolayat Fair that's held in the month of November sees a lot of devotees taking their holy dip in the in the Kolayat Lake on the full moon day of Kartik.