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BIKANER
PLACES TO VISIT
Binaker’s
history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince,Rao Bikaji- a dexdendant
of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom
here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising
of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’
and trandormerd it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’
name. More popularly called the camel country , the city is renowned for
the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable
part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working
on wells, camels are the prime helpers.You can also visit camel breeding
farms in Bikaner. The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water are
other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender
minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from
a distance.
Junagarh Fort
Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a
general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure
encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces,
made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards,
balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Suraj
Pol or Sun Gate It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable
of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon
Palace with marvelous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels, and
the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other
palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas,
Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal, Gigantic columns, arches and graceful
screens adorn the palaces from within.
Lal Garh Palace
The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone,
the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father
Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree
work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks
make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted
into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. The museum
covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved
old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr.
Entry fee Rs.5.00(closed on Wednesday). It is the best Rajasthan museum,
having one of the richest collections of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature
paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces
of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late
classical time. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.3.00(closed
on Friday). The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts
and crafts of the region.
Gardens and Parks
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful
shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic
spot for outings. |
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