Around a century after Rao Bika founded Bikaner, the state’s fortunes flourished under the sixth Raja, Rai Singhji, who ruled from 1571 to 1611. During the Mughal Empire‘s rule in the country, Raja Rai Singh accepted the suzerainty of the Mughals and held a high rank as an army general at the court of the Emperor Akbar and his son the Emperor Jahangir. Rai Singh’s successful military exploits, which involved winning half of Mewar kingdom for the Empire, won him accolades and rewards from the Mughal emperors. He was given the jagirs (lands) of Gujarat and Burhanpur. With the large revenue earned from these jagirs, he built the Chintamani Durg (Junagarh fort) on a plain which has an average elevation of 760 feet (230 m). He was an expert in arts and architecture, and the knowledge he acquired during his visits abroad is amply reflected in the numerous monuments he built at the Junagarh fort.
Junagarh Fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or “Old Fort” in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort.
The fort complex was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD.
Historical records reveal that despite the repeated attacks by enemies to capture the fort, it was not taken, except for a lone one-day occupation by Kamran Mirza. Kamran was the second son of the Mughal Emperor Babur who attacked Bikaner in 1534, which was then ruled by Rao Jait Singh.
Lalgarh Palace is a palace and heritage hotel in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan, built for Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. Laxmi Niwas Palace is a part of Lalgarh Palace but it has been given on lease and recently is being used as a heritage hotel.
The building was commissioned by the British-controlled regency for Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881–1942) while he was still in his minority as they considered the existing Junagarh Palace unsuitable for a modern monarch. Ganga Singh decided that the palace should be named in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh.
The complex was designed by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. After a ritual blessing ceremony construction commenced in 1896 on empty land 5 miles from the existing Junagarh Fort on what is now Dr. Karni Singhji Road.
Ganga Singh was legendary for his shikaars (hunts) at his hunting preserve at Gajner, in particular, his Imperial Sand Grouse hunts at Christmas. As a result, the palace hosted many guests including Georges Clemenceau in 1920, Queen Mary, King George V, Lord Harding, and Lord Irwin. Lord Curzon was the palace’s first notable guest.
Bhandasar Jain Temple or Banda Shah Jain temple, is situated at Bikaner, Rajasthan. This temple is famous for wall painting and art work. This temple is protected by Archaeological Survey of India.
This temple was constructed by Bhandasa Oswal in 15th century. The temple is dedicated to the 5th tirthankar Sumatinatha. According to legends 40,000 Kgs of ghee was used in the construction of this temple instead of water in mortar.
Bhandasar Jain Temple is a three-storey temple, famous for its beautiful leaf paintings, frescoes and ornamented mirror work. This temple was constructed using red sandstone with beautiful paintings and yellow-stone carvings on walls, pillars of the sanctum and mandapa. On the walls there are illustrations depicting the lives of the 24 tirthankaras. The temple consist of garbhagriha, antarala, mahamandapa, and ardhamandapa. The sanctum is pancharatha (five rathas) is covered by shikhara having karna-amalakas and amalakas at top.
National Research Centre on Camel was established in 1984 by the Central Government under Indian Council of Agricultural Research at the outskirts of Bikaner city to promote research and development on camels. It is located about 8 km from Bikaner city in the state of Rajasthan in India.
The key objectives of NRCC are camel breeding and health, utilisation of camel milk and its byproducts like ice-cream made of it, which makes it a one-of-a-kind institute in India. The farm is a complex of camel stables, enclosures, and buildings.
Scientists engage with all stakeholders like camel herders, traders via collaborative programmes for development of camels.
Significant growth had been made on opportunities of camel milk trade in India as a functional food because of its therapeutic health benefits, models of successful camel dairying on cooperative basis, Camel usage by BSF India as this species is found mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Camels have greatly caught the attention of tourists from India and abroad.
Camels are fondly called the “Ships of the Desert” because of their utility in arid climate. They can live without water for many days. They provide alternative means of goods transportation in many districts of Rajasthan, which, in turn, saves fuel and also provides livelihood to many camel herders. The Thar Desert is filled with glorious palaces, natural marvels and, of course, camels which adds to the tourism sector.
Bikaner city in Rajasthan, surrounded by Thar Desert is famous for camel safari and desert camping. It’s one of the best city for tourists and travellers who love the desert, welcome to BIKANER. Explore the desert and experience the best Camel Safari in Bikaner, Rajasthan! Camel Safari is a thrilling experience in Infinite Ocean of sand in Rajasthan. It is quite a new adventure in the smooth path of the desert.
If you love nature, animals and desert then this trip can be very delightful for you. The beautiful view of sunset & sunrise in desert, gazing at the glittering stars at night, lots of adventure camel safari in desert, beautiful sand dunes view, homemade food in dinner, know the history and stories of Bikaner, beauty of desert and much more all of which you can experience. Explore the different regions of Bikaner on camel safari.
Trudging through the Desert on the back of a seasoned camel is an experience that you would remember for years to come. Add to that the aura of nothingness that the desert creates, and you have the perfect recipe for some adventure!.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 32.0 km (19.9 mi) from Bikaner. In former times, it was a hunting ground for the Maharajah of Bikaner. There is a lake in this sanctuary and a variety of animals come here to quench their thirst in summer. This is one of the proposed forests for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India.