Bikaner

The city was the capital of the former princely state of Bikaner. About 1465 Rao Bika, a Rajputchieftain of the Rathor clan, began to conquer the area from other Rajput clans. Bikaner is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. Currently, the state carries the tag of the fourth largest city in Rajasthan and has a major role in the development of Rajasthan infrastructure. Another unique aspect of the city is its location, here one can see world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country. Bikaner with its magnificence in architecture, art and culture has sands filled with colour, festivity and cultural marvels. Sand Dunes and the Desert Safari are among major attractions. Bikaner is also famous for hosting the international Camel festival which draws tourists from world over. The city celebrates its foundation day on Akshaya Tritiya by flying kites and eating special Rajasthani food that includes Bajre Ka Khichda and Imli ka Paani (Tamarind Water) among other snacks. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade center in the times of the yore.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (October to February) is pleasant with a mild and cool atmosphere. Temperature levels during winters range between 10°C to 24°C. This is the perfect time to enjoy Bikaner tourism at its best.

Summer (March to June) are severely hot and humid with temperature levels ranging between 36°C and 42°C making it impossible to enjoy outdoor activities. Sunstroke is also a very common occurrence.

Monsoon (July to September) offer low to medium rainfalls in Bikaner. Though the temperature settles down to a more comfortable level, excessive humidity makes it difficult to travel outdoors.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:- The nearest airport is Civil Airport at Jodhpur which is 253 kilometers away

By Road:- The bus stand is north of the city centre. There are frequent express buses to Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Barmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur.

By Train:- Bikaner has railway connections to several destinations in India including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Churu, Jodhpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati etc.