Forts in Bikaner

1. Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

One of the most massive forts in all of India, the entire city of Bikaner had been constructed around the Junagarh Fort. The fort is so massive that it boasts 37 pavilions within its compound. It was constructed in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, who moved in with his family from Lalgarh Palace.

The architectural style is Indo Saracenic. The fort has withstood most invasions by foreign forces. Even Kamran, a conqueror, who laid siege to the fort could only capture it for 24 hours before it was taken back.

• • Fort Timings: 10 am to 4:30 pm

• Fort Address: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner

2. Amber Fort

Amber Fort

Amber Fort was built by Man Singh I, ruler of the Kachwaha clan, along with the help of Mughal Army General. The fort boasts of magnificent structures such as the Ganesh Pole, Jai Mandir, and Sukh Niwas. The entire fort is dotted with beautiful gardens and large chamber rooms.

All the structure in Amber Fort represents opulence and architectural genius. The Sukh Niwas Palace has water flowing within its walls, mimicking air conditioning. The Sheesh Mahal is known for the massive collection of mirrors it has.

• • Fort Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm

• Fort Address: Devisinghpura, Amer

3. Dundlod Fort

Dundlod Fort

Dundlod Fort is located in the Shekhawati Area in Nawalgarh. The fort was erected in the year 1750 AD by Kesari Singh. The architecture of the fort is a beautiful blend of Rajputana and Mughal styles. The interiors of the fort are lined with traditional Rajasthani and European art.

Dundlod is a beautiful village in the Shekhawati, 7 kilometres from Nawalgarh. The Dunlod Fort was constructed by Kesari Singh in 1750 AD. While the exteriors combine the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture, the interiors of the Fort are done up using traditional Rajasthan and European artifacts.

• • Fort Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

• Fort Address: Dundlod, Rajasthan

4. Chittor Fort

Chittor Fort

Chittor Fort is the most famous fort in all of Rajasthan. Chittor Fort is spread across 700 acres of land and its history goes back as far as the Mauryan Empire. The Mewars of Rajasthan later made the fort their home and made several renovations.

The fort has seen many sieges and attempts at conquest. The famous conqueror Alauddin Khilji laid siege to the fort in 1303 in an attempt to capture Queen Padmavati, whose beauty was unrivalled. The men of Chittor fought till their deaths and the women committed the act of self-immolation.

• • Fort Timings: 6 am to 8 pm

• Fort Address: Chittor Fort Road, Chittorgarh

5. Taragarh Fort

Taragarh Fort

The Taragarh Fort was constructed in 1354 on a massive hillside. The fort’s marvellous architecture attracts a massive footfall every year. The fort is constructed at multiple levels on the hillside, each part serving a purpose of its own.

There are six gates and a huge reservoir made entirely of stone. The fort houses a famous cannon called the Garbha Gunjan.

• • Fort Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

• Fort Address: Nahar ka Chauhatta, Bundi

Every fort in Bikaner tells a  spectacular story of stoicism, valour, and glory. Even if you are not a history buff, a visit to these forts will leave you with a sense of awe. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan a fun trip exploring the forts of Bikaner.

The post Top 5 Forts In Bikaner That You Must Absolutely Visit appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Across the city, there are various kinds of restaurants, cafes and home kitchens serving delicious local and Indian cuisines. If you are in Bikaner, for a true experience, you would want to explore and enjoy the local cuisine.

Food in Bikaner is delicious and served with joy. While everything here is good to try, for a local gastronomic experience you might want to try the local and famous food of Bikaner.

Famous Food in Bikaner

1. Bikaneri Bhujia

Shops selling Bikaneri Bhujia

Made using moth beans and gram flour (besan), Bikaneri Bhujia is a hot favourite in Bikaner. A local tea staple, Bikaneri Bhujia has a close connection to Bikaner as it was first made in this city.

There are many different varieties of Bikaneri Bhujia available, but for the real deal, stick to the classic version.

• Where to Get: Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop

2. Raj-Kachori

Raj-Kachori

Kachoris may be a popular snack in Rajasthan, but in Bikaner, the people love their Raj-Kachori. Unlike the other kachori, the Raj-Kachori is stuffed with potato and sprout filling and served with curd, chutney and sev.

Great for a tea time snack, enjoy this delicacy at almost every farsan shop in Bikaner.

• Where to Get: Chappan Bhog

3. Ghevar

Ghevar being prepared in Bikaner

A favourite sweet in Rajasthan, Ghevar is normally eaten during festivals, but these have also become a popular after-meal delicacy.

Served fresh at sweet marts and restaurants in Bikaner, anyone visiting the city has to bit into this sweet, warm and delicious dish. To enjoy it the best, have Ghevar with dollops of Rabdi.

• Where to Get: Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala

4. Khasta

Khasta street food

Khasta is just like a kachori, but bigger in shape. Made using a spicy mixture of dry fruits and sauces, this dish is great for breakfast or as a snack. Near the market and commercial areas, you will find many food stall serving fresh and hot Khasta. For the best experience, have it with a combination of a spicy and sweet tamarind sauce.

• Where to Get: Food stalls at Daga Chowk

5. Kesar Fini

Kesar Fini

It is a sweet dish made using kesar, rice flour, semolina and then deep fried in ghee to enhance the taste. You’ll find this sweet dish on counters at sweet marts and with street food vendors near the market. Best eaten after a meal, some people prefer having it as a tea time or an afternoon snack.

• Where to Get: Kishan Sweets

6. Gatte Ki Sabzi

Gatte Ki Sabzi

Gatte Ki Sabzi is the crowning jewel of all the Bikaner’s foods. A must-have dinner or lunch vegetarian curry, this dish is spicy and can be had with a roti or rice. It is prepared with gram-flour dumplings and a variety of spices. A must-have for any foodie visiting Bikaner.

• Where to Get: Laxmi Niwas Palace

7. Rasgulla

Rasgulla

Besides Bhujiya, the second famous dish in Bikaner is the spongy and delicious Rasgulla. Served with food or as an after meal delicacy, Rasgulla is made from milk and is drenched in a sugar syrup. In Bikaner, you get different varieties of Rasgulla, but the two most popular ones are classic and kesar.

• Where to Get: Chappan Bhog

8. Rajasthani Thali

Rajasthani Thali

For a complete foodie experience in Bikaner, we suggest that you try the Rajasthani Thali. Served with rice, roti, vegetables, dal and a sweet, thali will introduce you to typical Rajasthani food. There is no better way to explore the gastronomical journey of Bikaner than by eating a Rajasthani Thali.

• Where to Get: Heeralal Restaurant

9. Laal Maas

Laal Maas

Non-vegetarians and those who love spicy food should devour Laal Maas in Bikaner. A delicacy that is not for the faint-hearted, this dish packs a punch with it spiciness and rich aromatic flavours.

Laal Maas is best savoured with bread, roti or rice. Although it is very spicy, the dish is still a favourite among the non-vegetarian eating people of Bikaner.

• Where to Get: Heeralal Restaurant

10. Pakodi

Pakodis

Pakodis or Pakoras as they are also called are a favourite snack in Rajasthan.  Pakodis come with potato or corn or a mix vegetable filling, but the favourite is onion. It is served with a sweet red sauce and sometimes with a mint sauce too.

You get Pakodis all over Bikaner, you can find them at local snack stalls around the market and even at local eateries in the state.

• Where to Get: Krishna Sweet Center

Bikaner is a foodie paradise, there is plenty of choice when it comes to food in the city, with many places, too, to choose from. You have the regular local restaurants, hotels that specialize in thali, pizza cafes and even coffee shops, where you can enjoy yourself.

While there are the regular dishes such as samosa, kebabs and a host of different sweets to try in Bikaner, for a true local gastronomical experience, savour the above-mentioned dishes.

The post 10 Mouth-Watering Foods in Bikaner To Relish On Your Trip appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Here you will find ancient temples and the ruins of the Harappan Culture, which was at the forefront of modern civilizations. With so much to see, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Bikaner. Let’s take a look.

Places to visit in Bikaner: Forts and Palaces

1. Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

The Junagarh Fort was constructed in 1593 as the home to Raja Rai Singh. The fort houses numerous temples and palaces. The Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal are some notable places to visit in the fort.

The fort boasts of massive galleries, meticulously manicured lawns and beautiful windows that overlook a scenic surrounding. The Zenana quarters is highly-praised for its impeccable artwork that consists of intricately woven designs. It is said that crocodiles were domesticated in the nearby canals as a means of security to the fort.

• Location: Junagarh Fort Road
• Timings: 10 am to 4.30 pm
• Price: Rs. 30

2. Gajner Palace

Gajner Palace

Gajner is a famed sightseeing attraction located amidst a dense forest. The palace is located on the banks of a lake and was used as a hunting and summer retreat by various Maharajas. Ganga Singh Maharaj commissioned the construction of the palace for his family.

The palace is carved out entirely in red sandstone and features meticulously carved pillars and jharokhas. The Gajner Palace is very close to Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot animals such as antelopes and black bucks.

• Location: Kolayat, Gajner
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm
• Price: Depends on your booking

3. Lallgarh Palace

Lallgarh Palace

Lallgarh Palace was built by the British Regency for Maharaja Ganga Singh as they felt the Junagarh palace wasn’t suitable for a modern King like Ganga Singh. The palace boasts of a museum that has an art collection of miniature painting. There is a library that houses Sanskrit Manuscripts printed on papyrus parchment.

Besides this, the library also has plaques that are made of silver, copper and gold. The artifacts from the museum have been traced back to the Harappan Civilization and the Gupta Dynasty. The palace now has been converted into a heritage hotel for tourists to enjoy

• Location: NH15, Samta Nagar
• Timing: 10 am to 10 pm
• Price: Depends on your booking

4. Rampuria Havelis

Rampuria Havelis (source)

Rampuria Havelis is the gift that the ancestors of Bikaner left behind for the coming generations. The havelis of mansions were built by the rich merchants in Bikaner over a couple of centuries.

A visit to the havelis will transport you back in time. Every part of the haveli exudes a sense of wonder; something you will likely have never felt experienced before.

• Location: Rampuria Haveli, Joshiwara, Mohalla
• Timing: 10 am to 6 pm
• Price: Free

Places to visit in Bikaner: Temples

1. Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple

The Karni Mata Temple is perhaps the most unusual of all places in Bikaner. It attracts a following from all over the country. The temple, often considered a sanctuary to rats, is dedicated to Karni Mata, who was an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga.

Legend has it that Karni Mata restored the life of her child and ever since the entire lineage is said to be resurrected in the rats that surround the temple. As of today, an estimated 20,000 rats live in the temple. The temple is carved out of marble and stones and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The temple also has a protective mesh to protect the rats from predators.

• Location: 30 km from Bikaner Junction. Accessible by local transport
• Timings: 4 am to 10 pm
• Price: Free

2. Jain Temple Bhandasar

Jain Temple Bhandasar

Another famous temple in Bikaner, The Jain Temple of Bhandara is highly revered by the Jain community of India. The temple was commissioned by the Jain merchant, Bhandara Oswal, for the fifth Jain Tirthankar Suminat. The temple was constructed in the 16th century.

The temple is made from yellow stone carvings and it is said that instead of water, the cementing agent used for the temple was approximately 40000 kilograms of pure ghee. The temple overlooks the eastern part of the city and provides a panoramic view from the top floor.

• Location: Old Bikaner
• Timing: 5 am to 1 pm, 5.30 pm to 11.30 pm
• Price: Free

3. Kodamdesar Temple

Kodamdesar Temple (source)

The Kodamdesar Temple is the most ancient structure in all of Bikaner. Kameshwar Temple was built by Rao Bikaji, the founder of the city of Bikaner. Rao Bikaji initially wanted to build the city around this temple but, due to unknown reasons, he decide against it.

A peculiarity and distinct feature of the temple is that you can’t find any rooms or doors. The temple is also asymmetrical in structure and has a marble flooring. Here you will find the idol of Bhairo Ji, who is a form of Lord Shiva.

• Location: Vaidya Mangharam Colony
• Timing: 5 am to 9 pm
• Price: Rs. 100

4. Shri Laxminath Temple

Shri Laxminath Temple (source)

Shri Laxminath Temple is another famous temple in Bikaner, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Devotees from all over the world gather in large numbers to visit, especially during Janmashtami.

The temple is also known to celebrate festivals like Ram Navami, Nirjala Ekadashi and Diwali with utmost fervor. Inside, you will find the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, modelled in pure silver. A visit to this temple while in Bikaner will complete your spiritual journey.

• Location: Mangharam Colony
• Timing: 5 am to 1 pm, 1 pm to 11 pm
• Price: Free

5. Shiv Bari Temple

Shiv Bari Temple (source)

Shiv Bari Temple is located 6 kilometers from the city of Bikaner. The temple has been constructed by Lord Shiva devotees as a symbol of their eternal devotion to the God. The place is surrounded by a fortified wall that has been made entirely from red sandstone

In the compounds, you can see the famous Shiv Linga and paintings of Lord Shiva’s trusted Nandini bull. The temple also has the statue of Lord Krishna, along with his many wives, also known as ‘Gopis’.

• Location: Jai Narayan Vyas Colony
• Timing: 7 am to 7 pm
• Price: Free

Places to visit in Bikaner: Museums

1. Ganga Singh Museum

Ganga Singh Museum (source)

Ganga Singh Museum is a renowned attraction in Bikaner. The museum consists of displays of a collection of archaeological findings. The excavation sites for many of these expeditions targeted findings from the Harappan civilisation and the Mewar Dynasty.

The museum also displays art, craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and Rajputana weaponry. There are paintings made on camel hides by Usta craftsmen and the silk robe of Shahzada Saleem to see.

• Location: Ganga Niwas
• Timing: 10 am to 6 pm
• Price: Rs. 50

2. Sadul Singh Museum

Sadul Singh Museum (source)

The Sadul Singh Museum in Bikaner offers great historical insight into the rich past of Bikaner. The museum was erected in 1972 and is a sanctum of gregorian paintings, rare artifacts, and hunting trophies. The museum also pays homage to various kings such as Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh, and Karni Sing.

Here you can get a good idea of the history of the kings through family pictures and artifacts. The museum is located within Lalgarh Palace that to this date houses some descendants of the royal family.

• Location: 1st Floor, Lalgarh Palace
• Timing: 10 am to 5 pm (Sunday closed)
• Price: Rs. 200

Places to visit in Bikaner: Interesting Places

1. National Research Centre on Camel

National Research Centre on Camel

The National Research Centre on Camel will be perhaps one of the most unique places you will visit in Bikaner. The research center operates as a breeding nursery for camels and has over 230 camels that belong to 3 different camel breeds. The center offers samples of cake made with camel milk, and lassi made of camel milk.

Here you can go on a guided tour of the facility for a better understanding of what happens. There is also a museum dedicated to camels that can be visited by guests.

• Location: Jodhpur Bypass
• Timing: 12 pm to 6 pm
• Price: Rs. 150

2. Royal Cenotaphs Devi Kund Sagar

Royal Cenotaphs, Devi Kund (source)

Located nearly 8 kilometers from Bikaner, the beauty and the history of the cenotaphs of Devika and Sagar will leave you absolutely spellbound. The cenotaphs act as the resting places for the various prominent royal members that once ruled the city of Bikaner.

The architectural brilliance of the cenotaphs is really something to experience. The cenotaph of Surat Singh is made entirely out of white marble and is an absolute gem. Besides Surat Singh, there are cenotaphs to warrior princes Jet Singh and his great-grandson Rao Bika Ji as well.

• Location: Ridmalsar
• Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
• Price: Free

3. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a 2 hour drive away from Bikaner and is abundant in wildlife and flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to various animals such as Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild Boars and many other animals. There are also several species of resident and migratory birds that you can spot here, including Sandgrouse and the Great Indian Bustard.

The sanctuary used to serve as hunting grounds for the various maharajas of Bikaner, but has since been converted into a protected reserve. The Gajner Palace and lake are also located within the sanctuary’s protected boundaries.

• Location: Gajner, Rajasthan
• Timing: 9 am to 7.30 pm
• Price: Rs. 250

4. Kote Gate

Kote Gate (source)

Kote Gate is a place that will delight the shopaholic in you. However, the items for sale here are not your traditional gift shop stuff – items include buffed camel hide and paintings of the local scenery, Khadi articles and wood carvings. You can also find some delicious exotic local food here such as bhujia and rosogollas.

• Location: Kote Gate
• Timing: 10 am to 8 pm
• Price: Depends on your shopping bill

Bikaner sees a massive influx of tourists every year, both national and international. The tourists come here to experience the rich cultural history the city possess as well as explore its delicious cuisine.

If you plan on visiting Bikaner, do visit these places and let us know of your experiences in the comments section below.

The post 15 Places To Visit In Bikaner To Truly Explore The City appeared first on Treebo Blog.