Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.

Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.

Climate

Summer : 41.8 degree C 28.0 degree C
Winter : 23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
Rainfall : 26-44 cms.

Accessibility

Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur which is 253 kms away.
Train : Bikaner has railway connections to several destinations including Jaipur, Churu, Jodhpur and Delhi. The tourist reception centre has a useful chart with details of timing and cost.
Road : The bus stand is north of the city centre, almost opposite the road leading to the lalgarh palace hotel. There are frequent express buses to the following destinations: Agra, Ahemdabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Barmer, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur.

	Gajner Palace Gajner Palace, an incomparable ‘Jewel in the Thar Desert’ is built on the embankment of a lake. Built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, Gajner Palace is approximately 30 kms from the city of Bikaner. Know More....
	Lall Garh Palace Maharaja Ganga Singh constructed the Lall Garh Palace in the year 1902. Tours and travel to Bikaner can become a memorable trip if you decide to stay at the Lall Garh Palace; this heritage hotel has been described as a poetry in sandstone. The architecture of this palace defies the bleak and rugged reality of the Thar Desert that lies all around Bikaner. Know More....
	Bhanwar Niwas Palace The Bhanwar Niwas heritage hotel is situated in the fortified city of Bikaner. Your tours and travel to Bikaner will become more lively and colorful during your stay at this heritage hotel. This hotel provides you with luxurious and comfortable accommodation with all the modern facilities. Know More...
	Karni Bhavan Palace Karni Bhavan in Bikaner is one of the famous heritage hotels of Bikaner. Maharaja Karni Singh built this heritage hotel. The Karni Bhavan Palace is located near the Junagarh Fort and the Thar Desert. Your tours and travel to Bikaner can be truly wonderful with the special cultural and folk evenings that are organized every day by the hotel authorities to entertain the guests. know more...
	Bhairon Vilas Palace The Bhairon Vilas Palace was the residence of the Maharaja Bhairon Singhji. This palace was built in the year 1872. This heritage hotel is situated near the Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan. During your tours and travel to Bikaner you can stay in this luxurious heritage hotel and enjoy tours to the nearby tourist destinations. This heritage hotel has 18 luxuriously furnished rooms. know more...