Bikaner Travel Guide
Travel to Bikaner - City Of Fortresses, Palaces And The Famous Rat Temple
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Lying in the north of the desert state Bikaner sits resplendent, retaining much of the medieval grandeur in the form of its well-known and impressive fort, Junagarh. Famous for centuries for its camels and today its camel-safaris the city has a warren of backstreets, impressive Jain Temples and, to the south, Karni Mata Temple, home to thousands of free-roaming holy rats.
The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, one of the five sons of Rao Jodhaji, illustrious founder of Jodhpur, founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one of 5 sons and the most adventurous. 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 abandoned 'Shankhlas' villages; when Bikaji died in 1504 his rule extended to over 3000 villages.
Bikaner, as with Jaisalmer and others lies on what was a strategic caravan route from east to west. The city stands on slightly raised ground and is encircled by a seven kilometre-long wall pitted with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with artistry from reddish-pink sandstone bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Within twisting streets and colourful bazaars make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.
The city has distinguished itself by breeding what are considered some of the best riding camels in the world and boasts one of the largest research and breeding farms in the world.
Attractions in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort is the city’s premier attraction, an unassailable fortress which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. 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.
Inside the walls of the old city can be found two Jain temples. Bhandeswari dates from the fifteenth century and is the oldest monument in Bikaner. The temple is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. Pillars bear floral motifs in a dizzying swirl and it is said melted butter rather than water was used in the mortar. It is dedicated to the fifth Jain tirthankar, Sumtinath. Sandeshwar is the second of the two, though smaller it is no less impressive.
At Deshnok, some 32km south of Bikaner lies Karni Mata Temple. A magnet for the brave the temple is home to thousands of rats left free to roam and fed by the temples priests. A visit is a nerve-shredding experience for those that have a fear of rats; aversion therapy perhaps?
Activities in Bikaner
Bikaner’s sights can be enjoyed over two days however the town is becoming known for its camel treks, so longer could be given if you want to explore the desert and its villages. Less commercialised than Jaisalmer the town provides a good centre to explore from.
Relaxing
The wonderful Lalgarh Palace Hotel just out of town provides the perfect place to relax on lawns. Inside the public areas are decorated with all manner of exhibits from the time of the Raj and it feels like you have stepped back to the 1920’s.
Getting Around
The town is easily explored on foot and by auto rickshaw.
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