Visitor's note about Bikaner
I had expected Bikaner to be a city with princely charm and it came out just the same. The forts and palaces of Bikaner reminded me the royal past of the city. The colorful markets provided me all the stuff that I could take back home as souvenirs. But at the end of trip I realized more than anything else, it was the hospitality of the people here that touched the core of my heart.

Factfile
Location: Rajasthan
Best time to visit: November-March
Must visit attraction: Junagarh Fort
Excursion: Bhandeshwar & Sandeshwar Temples

A word about Bikaner
Bikaner, the royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle lying on the northern tip of the triangle. The Bikaner city is named after Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji who founded it in 1486 AD. A seven-kilometers wall with five entrances surrounds he city protecting it from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN BIKANER

Junagarh Fort in Bikaner
I wanted to see this unconquered fort and what an imposing site it was! The exquisite beauty of the Junagarh fort was best reflected by a high wall and deep moats that surrounded the fort. The 37 bastions guarded the Junagarh fort but there were only two gates providing access inside the fort. I chose Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate to enter into the fort and was surprised by the inside beauty.

There was a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions made of red sandstone. The exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels in the Moon Palace were enough for me to comprehend the architect's zest for excellence.

Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner
The next destination was the glorious Lalgarh Palace. The very first sight of the palace was spellbinding terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes adding to its beauty. The intricate filigree work and latticework exhibited the excellence of yesteryear's architecture. The Lalgarh palace museum displayed well preserved hunting trophies and old photographs.

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum was divided into various parts that enabled me to visit it according to my preferences. The various sections here included Local Arts and Crafts, History, Sculpture, Terracotta and Bronzes, Armory, Miniature Paintings and Folk-Arts, Dr. L.P. Tessitori Memorial Section and Lithoprints of the British interpretation of the war of Independence 1857.