Bikaner
Bikaner- the royal fortified city, stands on a
slightly raised ground, and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled
wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created
with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich
cultural heritage. Bikaner, more popularly called the camel country
is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Junagarh Fort :- The Junagarh Fort, built by
Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with
37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above
seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and
can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely
decorated with magnificent stone carvings. The major buildings within
the fort include the Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal
Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal, Dungar Mahal, and
Ganga Mahal. The Chandra Mahal has remarkable frescoes. Beautiful
mirror work adorns the walls of Phool Mahal while golden pen work
decorates the Anup Mahal.
Lalgarh Palace :- Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh
in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north
of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite
imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks
and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to
the palace. To promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Development
Corporation has converted a portion of this palace into a hotel.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum :- One of the best
museums in Rajasthan, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has one of
the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings
of Bikaner school and coins dating back to Harappan civilization
and Gupta and Kushan era.
Raj Ratan Bihari and Rasik Shiromani Temple :-
These temples are situated inside the Ratan Bihari Park on the northern
side of KEM road. Built in early 19th cent by Ratan Singuji and
Sardar Singuji. They are of red sandstone and constructed in a mansion
style of architecture.
FESTIVALS
Camel Festival :- The festival brings to life
the desert town to full life with its spell binding display of the
desert life. Various camel contests are also held.
Karni Mata Fair :- Is celebrated twice a year
at the Deshnok during the Navratras in April/ May & Oct/ Nov.
Gangaur :- Begins a day after the Holi is 18 days
long festival.
Kapil Muni Fair, Kolayat: On the full moon day
of the month of Kartik the sacred lake of Kolayat becomes the venue
of the fair held in the honour of Kapil Muni. A cattle fair also
collaborate the event.
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