|
|
Bikaner
Bikaner lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan state of India.
This desert city has a stark beauty which is totally unique. The wide-spread
sand dunes, the moonlit glittering beauty and desert agility, the
worth-seeing natural sites, the marvelous palaces and temples, wild
life sanctuaries and archeological treasures all combine to make this
city a place of lasting charm and permanent attraction. |
| GENERAL INFORMATION : |
Area : 27,000 sq. kms
Altitude : 237 meters
Climate : Max ºC Min. ºC
Summer : 48 28
Winter : 22 4
Rainfall : 26-46 cm.
Best season :Oct-March |
| FESTIVALS : |
Camel Festival (January) : A lively and colorful event, The
Camel Festival, is organized by Department of Tourism, Art and Culture,
Rajasthan in Bikaner during January each year. Camels, the stalwart
of the desert give an unmatched performance in the festival, bringing
the desert town to life with its spell binding display of graceful
parades, camel races, camel dances and many other camel acrobatics.
Gangaur Festival (April) :This eighteen day long festival
begins the day after holi. Married women pray for the well being and
long life of their husband and the young ladies seek the blessings
for a life partner of their choice. Processions of Gauri , are taken
out with pomp and gaiety from Junagarh and the old city. Women sing
melodious folk songs, accompanied by musicians and bands .
Kolayat Fair (November) : The sacred lake of Kolayat
55 Km from Bikaner is the venue of this fair .Its held during the
full moon of kartik (Nov). The devotees come to take a holy dip in
the lake. At this time ,all the fifty ghats bordering the lake are
crowded. In addition to the worship of saint Kapil Muni , the propounder
of Sankhya, one of the six major philosophical schools, thousands
of people also visit the cattle fair held here at this time. |
| PLACES OF INTEREST : |
| Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum. |
| EXCURSIONS : |
| Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8
km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33
kms. |
| ACCESS : |
- Rail : Bikaner is directly linked by rail with major
cities. Some important travel connections are from Delhi Sarai
Rohilla, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta,Jammu, Kalka, Ambala, Ahemadabad,
Baroda, Surat, Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhatinda,
Jodhpur etc.
- Road : A wide network of bus services link Bikaner with
several destinations. There is Rajasthan Roadway Deluxe, Super
deluxe and AC buses as well as private travels also available
from the major cities to make your travel comfortable.
- Air : Nal Airport is 17 Km from the city center. At present
there are no commercial flights. Nearby airports are Jodhpur (254
kms) and Sanganer airport Jaipur(325 kms).
|
| LOCAL TRANSPORT : |
| Un-metered taxis, auto-rickshaws, and tongas are easily available
for local transport. |
| SHOPPING : |
| Abhivyakti, a small craft shop run by the Urmul Trust, offers high
quality items made by locals from the surrounding villages. Proceeds
from here go to health and education projects of these villages. The
traditional usta (camel leather) products are available at Usha Street
in the old city. |
|
