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City, north-central Rajasthan state, northwestern India. It lies 240 miles (386 km) west of Delhi.The city was the capital of the former princely state of Bikaner. About 1465 Bika, a Rajput chieftain of the Rathor clan, began to conquer the area from other Rajput clans. In 1488 he began building the city of Bikaner (“the settlement of Bika”). He died in 1504, and his successors gradually extended their possessions. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports.
Bikaner has a superb fort, camel safaris and 30 kms to the south is the extraordinary Karni Mata temple where thousands of holy rats are worshipped.
Bikaner Best Season
It has got extreme desert type of climate with high temperature difference and low rainfall. The best season to visit Bikaner between October and March. Also during any festival period its a real pleasure to visit this city.
About Bikaner Tourism
Founded in 1488, the city of Bikaner forms the third important destination in the desert triangle, along with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. It is Rajasthan's fourth largest city, situated in the Thar Desert. Popularly addressed as the camel country, it is a city surrounded by sand dunes. The imposing Junagarh fort and many palaces within it, contribute to its timeless beauty.
Area |
38.10 sq. km. |
Altitude |
237 mts. |
Temperature |
Summer : Max 41.8ºC, Min 28.0ºC.
Winter : Max 23.2ºC, Min 5.0ºC. |
Rainfall |
The average yearly rainfall varies from 26 - 44 cms. |
Languages |
Hindi, Rajasthani, English |
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Houses safari begins
Morning ride out with picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace. There is a possibility to invite ladies to decorate the palms of lady guests with henna.
Then sightseeing of nawalgarh by car/Camel Buggy with guide visiting Havelis, to see frescos and painted houses. Over night at Roopniwas palace.
Ride through semi desert areas with small farms and countryside dotted with Khejri trees. En route picnic Lunch and visit Farms where Women farmers are supported by NGO to encourage natural resources management and use of eco friendly farming technique to increase yiel |
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Arbi Camel Festival
The Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008 will take place in Abu Dhabi’s Western Province 2-5 April. It is part of efforts to promote local culture and folklore.The Bedouin way of life is characterized by nobility, gallantry and hospitality. It is also associated with horsemanship, falconry and camel riding. Camels still possess that special place in the true Arabian spirit," Sheikh Mohammed said. He stressed the importance of preserving the pure pedigree of Arabian camel, famous for its beauty, speed, agility and stamina. General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces yesterday visited the site of Mazaynat Al Dhafra Camel Festival in the Western Region. Sheikh Mohammed lauded the success made by the festival which emanates from the keenness of the UAE, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to preserve its deep rooted traditions and heritage.
A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics dances and camel milking competition are a part of of the celebrations.
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Karnimata Temple, Deshnok
The Karnimata Temple 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnoke is dedicated to an early fifteenth century mystic who was considered to be a reincarnation of goddess Durga.There are so many rats spread on the floor that people have to watch their steps. The rats are assumed to be representative of the souls of dead charans, the traditional bards.Spotting a white mouse is considered propitious. Devotees with utmost reverence, offer milk, grains and sweets to these rats during the time of aarti..
Bikaner's ruler Ganga Singh constructed the entire temple in marble. The domes, the mandap and the panels above the image are carved in silver and gold. The priests of Shakta cult worshiped the Goddess. The rats are fed on Milk and Laddu. The descendants of Karnimata who are Depawats of the Charan Community worship the Goddess. Whenever someone's whishes are fulfilled, he prepares prasadam in two big cauldrons of iron. This prasadam is distributed amongst who are present and all who visit.
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