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.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.

Binaker is 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.

The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient carvan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in the times of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is cirucmscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in redding-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner and interesting experience.

Prime Sites
Junagarh: 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 Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses.

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.

EXCURSIONS
Camel Research Farm (8 km): Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre on of its kind in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi arid land and is managed by the Central Government.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km): The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand grouse.

FESTIVE FUN
The Camel Festival (January): A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part of the celebrations.

Kolayat Fair ( November): Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the Koplyat take on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.

Gangaur Festival (April): Dedicated to Goddess Parvati-the consort of Lord Shiva. Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are aprt of the eighteen day long celebrations.

Holi: (March): Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actual day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 38.10 sq. km.
Altitude : 237 metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min
Summer : 41.8 degree C 28.0 degree C
Winter : 23.2 degree C 5.0 degree C
Rainfall : 26-44 cms.
Best Season : October to March
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
Winter Woolen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.