Bikaner

Bikaner the royal fortified city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Bikaner more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Junagarh Fort - The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. The major buildings within the fort include the Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal, Dungar Mahal, and Ganga Mahal. The Chandra Mahal has remarkable frescoes. Beautiful mirror work adorns the walls of Phool Mahal while golden pen work decorates the Anup Mahal.

Lalgarh Palace - Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to the palace. To promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has converted a portion of this palace into a hotel.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - One of the best museums in Rajasthan, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins dating back to Harappan civilization and Gupta and Kushan era.

Raj Ratan Bihari and Rasik Shiromani Temple - These temples are situated inside the Ratan Bihari Park on the northern side of KEM road. Built in early 19th cent by Ratan Singuji and Sardar Singuji. They are of red sandstone and constructed in a mansion style of architecture.

Barmer

The grandeur of sun-drenched sands.

Your journey at Barmer will be through rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of woodcarving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.

Shopping - Wood carvings, hand-knotted carpets, embroidered and block-printed fabrics.

Festivals - Tilwara Cattle Fair, Ramdevra Fair

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