Visitor's note about
Bikaner
I had expected Bikaner to be a city with princely charm and it came out
just the same. The forts and palaces of Bikaner reminded me the royal past
of the city. The colorful markets provided me all the stuff that I could
take back home as souvenirs. But at the end of trip I realized more than
anything else, it was the hospitality of the people here that touched the
core of my heart.
Factfile
Location: Rajasthan
Best time to visit: November-March
Must visit attraction: Junagarh Fort
Excursion: Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples
A word about Bikaner
Bikaner, the royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle
lying on the northern tip of the triangle. The Bikaner city is named after
Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji who founded it in 1486 AD. A seven-kilometers
wall with five entrances surrounds he city protecting it from vagaries of
the desert and any external aggression.
PLACES
OF INTEREST IN BIKANER
Junagarh
Fort in Bikaner
I wanted to see this unconquered fort and what an imposing site it was! The
exquisite beauty of the Junagarh fort was best reflected by a high wall and
deep moats that surrounded the fort. The 37 bastions guarded the Junagarh
fort but there were only two gates providing access inside the fort. I chose
Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate to enter into the fort and was surprised by the
inside beauty.
There was a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions made of red
sandstone. The exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and mirrors,
paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace were enough for me to
comprehend the architect's zest for excellence.
Explore
Rajasthan tourism and its royalty
The
next destination was the glorious Lalgarh Palace. The very first sight of
the palace was spellbinding terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes
adding to its beauty. The intricate filigree work and latticework exhibited
the excellence of yesteryear's architecture. The Lalgarh palace museum
displayed well preserved hunting trophies and old photographs. 
