Leisure Tours India

Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh

became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.

Introduction
Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.

Climate

Summer	:	41.8 degree C 28.0 degree C
Winter	:	23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
Rainfall	:	26-44 cms.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur which is 253kms away.

SEE AIR SCHEDULE

For further details visit:

www.indian-airlines.nic.in, www.jetairways.com, www.airsahara.net

Road: The bus stand is north of the city centre, almost opposite the road leading to the lalgarh palace hotel. There are frequent express buses to the following destinations: Agra, Ahemdabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Barmer, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur. The bus stand Number is: 2523800

For further details visit:www.rsrtc.gov.in

Sight-Seeing

Junagarh

It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 AD. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat.

The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate], that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol meaning the sun gate. The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The premises also houses a museum which is an array of a rich collection.

Timings	10 AM - 4.30 PM
Fee for full Museum	Rs 50 per head
Fee for part Museum	Rs 10 per head
Fee for ordinary camera	Rs 30
Fee for Movie Camera	Rs 100