Bikaner (Rajasthan)
Bikaner is a beautiful city located on the edge of Thar Desert, in the Northern Rajasthan. It is famous for the old Havelies and world’s largest Camel Research Farm. The city was founded by Bika in 1486 AD; he was the son of Rao Jodha. It is also know as camel country and famous for the best riding camels in the world. The exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at Karni Mata temple are some of the most interesting aspects of Bikaner. The camel festival at Bikaner held in the month of January is also an event worth witnessing if one wants to get the actual color of the place.
You can witness here a rare Hindu and Mughal art is safely preserved. The old city is walled and consists of many intricately carved palaces and temples. The fort is remarkably well preserved. It was attacked many times but never conquered. Bikaner is popularly known as the Camel Country and famous for the camel races that are held here.
The Camel Research Farm is just 8 Kms from the city and is a place to visit and a good place to go to if you still have a few hours to kill. The city covers only an area of just 38.10 Sq. Kms and has more interesting sights to offer, for example, the Har Mandir, Lalgarh Palace and the nearby Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary.