Bikaner, the seat of administration of
Bikaner District, is a royal walled city that lies at the northern tip of the desert tourist triangle of
Rajasthan. It is situated 193 km to the north-east of
Jodhpur.
Bikaner was named after the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, who founded it in 1486. It flourished as a prominent trade center between the Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries. The city was ruled by the descendants of Bikaji until its merger with India in 1947. A seven kilometer wall with five entrances surrounds the city. The wall was meant to protect the city from the vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. It still exists, though amidst ruins.
Places of tourist interest include Junagarh Fort Lalgadh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Anup Mahal, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar Temples and Devi Kund. Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary(32 km), Kalibanga and Kolayat constitute interesting excursions.
The Camel festival and Gangaur festival are to major events held in the city, which draws a large number of people from far and near.
Nearest airport is at Jodhpur (240 km). Bikaner Junction Railway Station has connections to New Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Allahabad. The luxurious 'Palace on Wheels' also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan. Regular bus services are available to nearby cities and towns of Rajasthan.
