Bikaner

Bikaner is a must-visit tourist destination if you are planning to travel to Rajasthan. Travel to Bikaner, the historical city situated in the northern part of Rajasthan. Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. Like Jaisalmer, this town was an important city on the great caravan trade route during the medieval period. The city is surrounded by high fortifications comprising a seven-kilometre long wall which encircles the old city and has five entrances-all constructed in the 18th century.

The city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Its proximity to Delhi made it bear the brunt of Mughal invasions time and again. Legend has it that before embarking on his campaign, Rao Bhikaji sought the blessings of mystic Goddess Karni at Deshnoke. Since then the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke continued to be patronized by the ruling family. Today hundreds of pilgrims flock the temple everyday to invoke the blessings of the Goddess, who is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Bikaner offers several attractions to tourists traveling to Rajasthan, and of course the exotic camel safaris. One can visit the majestic forts or go to the Mata Karni Temple where rats are considered sacred and worshipped. The Camel Festival of Bikaner held in the month of January is also an event worth witnessing. Some of the major attractions around the city are Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Breeding Farm, Gajner Palace, Deshnoke Temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum. Bikaner travel will offer tourists a glimpse of not only a camel country, but also the opportunity to ride the best riding camels in the world. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils).

Being a desertscape, the summers are very hot in Bikaner. The best time to travel to Bikaner is during winters when the weather remains cool and tolerable.