Bikaner
the city of Merchants, valiant rulers, hardy dwellers, arid country and camels
City of Thousand Havelis
The Walled city of Bikaner was where Rao Bika founded the Kingdom. It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes with clusters of houses of various communities and interesting markets and a laid back attitude of its inhabitants. The traders of this city who brought the wealth of the world here, have been huge contributors to the social and economic well being of the city. Their love for art and architecture is reflected in series of beautiful Havelis with spectacular carved facades and temples that resemble a massive abode of God’ instead of being just a place of worship..A Heritage walk through the city with a local amateur photographer taking you through its interesting markets, social gathering places, and temples giving you a very local and interactive experience of the city and its life will be an experience in itself. Udai Niwas supports amateur photographers and artists of the old city and interaction and local tours with them can be arranged. The Rampuria and Kothari Havelis, The Chai Patti, Mawa Patti, Bhujia Bazaar, Bada Bazaar,, churi bazaar, the Laxminath and Bhandashah Temples are places not to be missed amongst host of other places.
Junagarh Fort
Initiated by the sixth ruler of Bikaner Maharaja Rai Singhji, the Junagarh Fort is a feat in itself. With high walls, a wet and a dry moat around the fort and two spectacularly fortified Gates, the fort is invincible from the outside and just as rich and regal from the inside. The series of Palaces and courtyards, The beautiful Halls of Public and Private Audience’ the courtyards and special purpose halls reflect a mix Of Old Rajput Architecture with influences from the Mughals, the Deccan and the British over the years. Various art forms have been used in the fort like Stucco, wall paintings, inlay work, mosaic stones and lattice work. Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal , Badal Mahal and the Darbar Hall are some of the fine palaces that catch your eye. The museum at the Fort houses one of the largest & a fine collection of post medieval period arms and ammunition, the insignia of the Rathore Dynasty, an array of modes of transportations and their accessories, a gallery dedicated to the life and times of the most prominent of its rulers – Maharaja Ganga Singh ji, other artefacts & old paintings depicting the chivalry of its chieftains. You can learn more about the dynasty and the history of the kingdom from the family members of Udai Niwas who are also descendants of the same clan. There is also a gallery initiated by one of the princesses of Bikaner- Prachina. It showcases, the regal costumes and artefacts and potraits of the ruling family of Bikaner.
The Palaces
In the late 19th and 20th century as part of giving employment to residents of rural Bikaner affected by the Great Famine, a series of Palaces were built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji amongst them Lalgarh Palace with its three wings and a seris of courtyards is one of the most fascinating palaces in the country. Currently some parts of it are with two Hotel Chains and one part is used by the family to reside. It also houses the Shardul Museum reflecting the life and times of the three last rulers of the kingdom, Maharaja Ganga Singhji, Mahara Shardul Singhji and Dr. Maharaja Karni Singhji . Vijay Vilas Palace next door houses the Veterinary University and is equally an amazing architectural feat. Gajner Palace, the old hunting reserve of the royal family on the Bank of Gajner Lake and wild life Sanctuary also houses a Palace hotel and is a beautiful Get Away or a stop en-route Jaisalmer.
Deshnoke – Land of Maa Karni
35 Kms outside the City lies a place that proudly calls itself the 8th wonder of the world. It is a temple dedicated to the Guiding Deity of Bikaner and its Royal Family.. Godess Karni. The temple is renowned the world over as a Rat Sanctuary where Kabas (as the local rats are called respectfully) live a harmonious live coexisting with the human world
Shri Kolayat ji
Kapil Muni- the exponent of Sankhya Darshan is supposed to have practised his penance at Sri Kolayat a small pilgrim centre about 50 Kms from the City. It is a small man made reservoir surrounded by Temples and Ghats on three side. A place thronged by locals and pilgrims alike. if you want to experience and learns the fine tenets and various philosophies of Hindu Beliefs, this is the place to be.. Udai Niwas can arrange a visit to Sri Kolayat ji with a learned scholar on a prior notice.
The arid countryside
Bikaner was in ancient days known as Jangaldesh or the desertland, the terrain was absolutely dry but over the years with canal network developing the terrain can now be looked as Semi-arid. With a large variety of crops being cultivated, however it has preserved its essence of the desert in the dunes and the rural hamlets as also the wildlife . We encourage you to take a Jeep or a Camel Safari in the country to explore more of it.
Sagar Cenotaphs
Sagar is the crematorium ground for the Royal Family and their immediate relatives. Cenotaphs were constructed for each ruler and his consorts, brothers and other family members. You get an insight on the architectural styles from the old Hindu Architecture to the latter ones influenced by Islamic Art. The older ones are made of Red and Yellow SandStone and the latter ones were made of White Marble. The site in all its quite aura is also a treat to the Camera..
National Research Centre for Camels
What Ships are to Seas, Camels are to the Desert… These Camels ere intrinsic part of human existence in the desert. As their transport or companion, Camels have been used for long as the most common means to cut through the desert . The culture of the region revolves around the camels and they are part of celebrations, festivals, marriages, music and dance, and day to day existence. The Research Centre is the only one of its kind in the country with four different breeds of camel being nurtured. There is also a museum dedicated to the camels. Bikaner army always had a camel mounted cavalry regiment which even today is part of the Border Security Force of the country.
Bikaji Ki Tekri
Where the Story of a Great Kingdom Begins. Rao Bika initiated the building of the city by making a small settlement around this tekri. This was his residence and the initial fort of Bikaner from where the first five rulers served the kingdom.
Enquiry
You can reach out to us if you want us to organise or help you connect for any of the above sites or activities at the destination