Introduction   

    Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. The city is encircled by high fortifications comprising a 7 km long wall which bounds the old city and has 5 entrances. All these were established in the 18th century. Bikaner, the sprawling desert city of Rajasthan is an interesting site of traditional Rajasthani attractions, well-fed camels and citadels. This camel country is also famous for its exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at Mata Kali temple. More popularly called the camel country , the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.

Fairs & Festivals Camel Festival (Jan) Is a colourful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels. Several competitions are held, marked with typical Rajasthani colour, joyous music and lilting rhythms and gay festivities. Teej (Jul-Aug) Teej is celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravan, corresponding with July-August every year and marks the advent of the monsoons, a time of joy and respite in Rajasthan. The festival is extremely popular with Rajasthani women. It is dedicated to goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Married women dress up in all their bridal fineries, they apply henna on their palms and swing on flower-decorated swings as they sing traditional songs. They pray to goddess Parvati for the long lives of their husbands.

Tourist Attractions

Junagarh Fort :   Raised by Rai Singh during the period of 1588 to 1593, the Junagarh Fort has a 986 m long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances.

Lalgarh Palace : The Lalgarh Palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father is an architectural splendour in red sandstone. It is situated 3 kms north of Bikaner city.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : It has a rich collection of local art & crafts, sculpture, terracotta, armory, miniature paintings and several historical records in terms of Mughal Farmans.

History: The city of Bikaner came into being in the 15th century when it was founded by Rao Bikaji , a descendent of Jodha (founder of Jodhpur). History proves that Bikaner was constantly locked in battles with the Mughal Empire, but later forged a friendship with Emperor Akbar. The city was already on the old caravan trade route that linked Central Asia, China and the Middle East to North India and the Gujarat seaports. The harsh desert climate aided Bikaji's descendants in preserving a leisurely lifestyle and custom that remained unchallenged by outside intervention. Set on yellow gold rocky Thar soil, charming and austere Bikaner has a rich history impregnate with countless tales of valor, passion and tender love. Tour the erstwhile military bastion of courageous Rao Bika who established Bikaner in the middle of a barren land.