Bikaner: An underrated jewel of Rajasthan

Most of us think Rajasthan is all about 'Pink City' Jaipur, 'Blue City' Jodhpur, 'Lake City' Udaipur or 'Golden City' Jaisalmer. Bikaner does not get the spotlight as compared to the other places. But this city has its beauty. Splendid Junagarh Fort, which was constructed over a period of four centuries, the famous Karni Mata Temple (popularly known as Rat Temple), where thousands of rats are roaming all over the temple premises, or the National Research Centre for Camel where one can see every detail about a camel, one can’t simply neglect the attraction of this city. Bikaner is an underrated jewel of Rajasthan.

Not only that, a city famous for a variety of mouth-watering sweets like moti paak, dal halwa, gond paak, methi halwa, kesar mawa petha, surshahi ladoo and many more. And how can one forget about the world-famous Bikaner bhujiya? This bhujiya has 8-10 types of different flavours and nearly 70 various items available in namkeen. All these things make Bikaner a worthy place to visit.

Junagarh Fort:

This fort is different from the other forts in Rajasthan. You may observe that other forts are built on the top of a hill. But this majestic fort is built on ground level. It took nearly 350 years to complete. Junagarh Fort is a blend of Rajput, Gujrati, Mughal and Western architecture. The combination of red sandstone and white marble make this one stunning. Moreover, intricate stone carving enhances the gorgeousness of this fort. There are a lot of palaces inside the fort with some elegant designs.

Karan Mahal: This white marble courtyard was a public audience hall to discuss and address their problems. It is the place where the coronation of every king took place. Here one can get to see the windows designed with European tiles.

Phool Mahal: Once you step into this place, you can feel the royalty. The speciality of this part is that, from walls to doors to windows everywhere, you can see beautiful flower paintings.

Anup Mahal: It was the administrative headquarter. The golden painting work, Italian tiled ceilings with inlaid mirrors make this place spectacular.

Ganga Mahal: This place is fascinating as some unique items are preserved here. Old war weapons, palanquin, howdah can be seen here.

An aeroplane used by British Army in the 1st world war has been conserved nicely. After the 1st world war, this plane was gifted to Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Another exciting thing that you can't miss is the spoon. On the upper side of this spoon has a pointed attachment. As the maharajas kept long moustache, it was a problem while drinking soup. It is the reason behind the unique design of this spoon.

Karni Mata Temple:

Karni Mata Temple, also known as the 'Temple of Rats', is 30km away from the city. This temple is the home of thousands of rats. When you walk around the temple premises, these rats will crawl over your feet. But one should be careful because if one of these rats is killed, a rat made of silver is to be given.

This temple is also renowned for its history. As per legend, Karni Mata’s son died after falling into a well. Karni Mata meditated and worshipped Lord Yamaraj and brought her son’s life back but as a mouse. Therefore, it is believed that Karni Mata’s progeny is born as rats.

If a rat passed over your feet or among these thousands of black rats, if you can find the white one, it is very auspicious for you, and you should consider yourself lucky. Another temple dedicated to Karni Mata is 2km away from this one.

National Research Centre for Camel:

Have you ever imagined a place full of different breeds of camel and their life? Yes, this is the place which gives you a whole new experience. The primary objective of this centre is to research camel breeding, camel milk, types of diseases that a camel can suffer from and find a cure for those diseases. Here you can also see the process of camels being milked. In addition, there is a museum which shows different information regarding camel.

Here you can also taste raw camel milk, flavoured camel milk, camel milk kulfi, camel milk lassi, camel milk tea and coffee; This will surely give you a whole new experience.

International Camel Festival is organised here annually in the month of January. This colourful festival includes camel race, camel dance, traditional folk dance.

Other places to visit in Bikaner:

 Lalgarh Palace

 Shri Laxminath Temple

 Jain Temple Bhandasar

 Gajner Palace

 Rampuria Haveli

Conclusion: Bikaner should be on everyone's bucket list due to the uniqueness of this city, whether it is the fort or the temple or the foods. What are the things that make Bikaner unique to you?

How to reach:

 It is located nearly 340 km from Jaipur and 450 km from New Delhi.

 The nearest railway station is Bikaner Junction.

 The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport which is located around 250 km away from Bikaner.

Best time to visit:

 Between October and March, you can visit at any time.

 If you want to watch the International Camel Festival, you should plan your trip for January.