BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BIKANER
Junagarh fort Bikaner
Junagarh fort is situated in bikaner, rajasthan. This fort was built in early 16th century and originally called Chintamani and later it was renamed Junagarh in 20th century. It is in the middle of desert in Bikaner and from it you can view the beauty of Bikaner city which is one of three desert triangle cities, other two are Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. This fort is unique illustration of composite culture. This fort has a very beautiful architecture design which is a 16th century rajput design which is the old one. The other one is semi-western style of architecture which is of the time of later 19th century.
This is a well maintained fort made up of red stones and bricks. This is very well maintained as it’s administration is still under the royal family. The fort kept on being built by different kings and hence has the unique point of having a variety of architectural beauty. Everyone should visit this fort once in life.
Jain Temple Bhandasar
Bhandasar is one of the two jain temples of Bikaner. This temple was built in 16th century. It is having a very beautiful design with yellow-stone carving and dizzingly vibrant paintings. It is said that 40,000kg of ghee was used instead of water in the mortar, which locals insist seeps through the floor on hot days. This is a three storey temple. There are fine views over the city from 3rd floor. The temple is an architectural masterpiece and the detailed paintings can be seen on the pillars and walls. Marble pillars bear floral arabesques and stories depicting the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankars.
It is said hundreds of devotees visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple everyday. Foreign visitors also enjoy the experience of the temple. You will find very pieceful environment and it make feel pleasure to our soul. As is Jain custom, no leather items are permissible inside the temple. This is the second best place to visit in Bikaner and i personally recommend it.
Lalgarh Palace and Museum
This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob and built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. This is a very grand architecture and was buil using red sandstones. This palace is famous for it’s lattice sandstones. Palace also have a museum and fourth largest library of the world. A part of palace is now heritage hotel. In front of this palace there is temple of Sri Pabuji Rathore.
Sabul Museum in memory of his father in the year 1976. After that in 2008 a new building was made within the palace and all the items were shifted to this new building. Inside the museum there is railway coach used by Maharaja and their family members. The museum is decorated with fine unique paintings.
The entrance fees of museum is 25 rupees for all indians.
Museum timings– 10AM to 5PM
Gajner Lake
It is an artificial lake and was made decades ago. Gajner Lake is a spectacular sight specially after the monsoon or in the winter season. This lake has towering gates and they make this one of the symbolic places of the Bikaner. This is very incredible and calm place and in day time anyone can visit specially when someone want to relax by the lake side.There is facility of boating and you can admire the beauty of lake and desert land with this 30 minute drive. This are nature friendly boats because they uses solar energy .The boating fees is 280 rupees for duration of 30 minutes. This was once a summer holoiday home of Maharanas and the lake is now a part of luxury hotel. During winter season the lake is a home for more than hundred species of migratory birds like Sand Grouse.
The Royal Cenotaphs
At the land of Devikund Sagar there are two groups cenotaphs built in the memory of kings. The earliest is of king Rao Kalyanmal and the last one is of Maharaja Karni Singh. Among these memorials, the cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh is a marvelous piece of art which stands on 16 pillars and having fine carvings of Lord Krishna , floral patterns, peacocks and some other birds. Cenotaphs play an important role in Rajput as well as in Muslim art. These have finest architecture and are example of indian unique art. You are not allowed to go in with your shoes on so you have to leave them at the entrance gate. The ticket is of 5 rupees for entrance which is very less for such a beautiful site to visit.
Cenotaphs of male members have vertical slab whereas the female’s cenotaphs have foot marking engraved on them. There is mentioned the time of birth and death in ancient language called Devnagari. The cenotaphs of minors are without canopy. Any time between october to march you can visit there because in summers rajastha is too hot.
Gajner Temple
Gajner Temple is situated near Bikaner(36km from it). It is near the Gajner palace and the world famous Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. This is called Kolayatji Temple and devoted to Sant Kapil. It has a big lawn in front . Every morning many locals come for prayer at this place. There are too many rats and the Temple is very beautifully designed. The rats do not harm human beings and they are very cute. White rats are more interesting. The design is quite modern but it looks wonderful. There is a annual fair organised in the month of november.
This make feel calm and very religious . Everyone should visit it once.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 32Km from Bikaner on the way of Jaisalmer. In earlier time it was a hunting ground for maharaja. There is a lake in this sanctuaryand a variety of animals come here to fullfill their thrust in summers. This is one of the forests for Cheetah reintroduction in India.
Inside theSanctuary there is variety of avian species which include deers,antelope, nilgai, chinkara, black buck, desert fox and wild beer. Many British luminaries have killed wildlife here. The reserve is accessible only by vehicle from Gajner Palace Hotel and others gave to hire vehicles. This is a very nice place for hangout with friends and also a adventurous destination. The place is beautiful and the food is very delicious .
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