BIKANER - BEST PLACE
- madcapodyssey
- Dec 15, 2017
- 6 min read
Hello everyone,
Recently I did one of the memorable trip of my lifetime as I went for a small holiday to the "Land of Maharajas- Rajasthan". First, the plan was to cover Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jasilamer. But the Jaisalmer could not be possible as there was no confirmed train tickets. On 3 November, I started my journey from Delhi to Bikaner by Train Bikaner Intercity at 9'o clock in the morning with lot of excitement as it was my first trip to Rajasthan. Before telling further about story I would like to tell you something about Bikaner.
Bikaner
Bikaner is the fourth largest city in Rajasthan was founded by Rathor Prince Rao Bika ji in 1486. Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time.
Day 1
The expected arrival was 16:35 at Bikaner Railway Station but surprisingly I reached 5 minutes before expected arrival. as I got down from my train, I got jaw dropped by the cleanliness on the railway station. You known I am from Delhi and I am not used to see railway stations so clean and hygienic. I went out from Station, got my Ola Cab and went straight to Hotel Sagar and it was just outside Lalgarh Palace and if believed it was also the part of Lalgarh Palace once.
The initial experience of accommodation was not up to the mark due to some electrical issues but they did everything to fix it asap. I reached hotel at 5'o clock in the evening and as I freshened up and ready to got outside, it was 6'o clock already. All the forts and monuments were already closed. But still I took a Auto Rickshaw and went to the Bikaner market to buy some World Famous "Bikaneri Bhujia" and "Mathis". Main Market of Bikaner will not excite you as it was just a normal market and doesn't offer aany ethnic touch of Bikaner as you expects.
I got back to Hotel by 8'o clock and went to little walk towards Lalgarh Palace. I requested the main guard to let me enter the Lalgarh Palace. He let me enter to the Hotel premises only and trust me Lalgarh Palace itself makes you feel royal if you stays in it. I came back to my hotel, had dinner in the room with Sehwag's 219 Knock and slept off.
Day 2
Nov 4, 2017- The day of festivals, Hindus celebrates this day as "Kartik Purnima" and Sikhs as "Guru Purab" The plan was to cover Devi Kund, Karni Mata Temple, Jain Temple, Laxmi Mata Temple, Gajner Lake and Rampuria Haveli. But due to the time issue, I had to cancel Gajner Lake as it is now a private property, bought by a hotel chain.
To make it easy I booked a auto rickshaw for full day and he asked Rs 1000 but I bargained for Rs 700 because I had to cancel one place from the list. I made a route starting from Devi Kund - Karni Mata Temple - Laxmi Mata Temple - National Research Center for Camel - Jain Temple - Rampuria Haveli. At 9'o clock, I left for the Devi Kund which was on the route while going towards Karni Mata Temple.
Devi Kund
Devi Kund is around 8 Kms from Bikaner City and it has its own history. Devi kund has several exquisitecenotaphs, each dedicated to the memory of a ruler of the Bikaji dynasty and situated on the exact spot where each of them was cremated.
Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is situated in Deshnok, 30 kms from Bikaner City. This famous temple is also known "Temple of Rats". You will found at least thousands of rats roaming that are fed, protected and worshiped in the temple. It is regarded auspicious, if a rat (kaba) runs across one's feet. Even, a glimpse of kaba (white rat) is considered promising and fruitful. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Karni, who is regarded as the incarnation of Maa Durga.
It was the time of Kartik Purnima and Karni Mata temple was full of devotees coming from different part of the country. I got late for the rest of my scheduled places and I paid the price for it. After karni Mata Temple I head towards National Research Center for Camel.
National Research Center for Camel
This research center for camel is only of its kind in Asia. This is spread out over 2000 sq meters and managed by the Government of India. You can taste Tea, Ice-Cream, Milk Shakes which is made out of Camel Milk. This Center is used for research and breeding of Camels. I will not suggest this place or put this on the "Must Visit in Bikaner" list as there is nothing interesting to watch camel breeding.
Laxmi Nath Temple
Lord Laxminathji as incarnation of Lord Vishnu as regarded as the real king of Bikaner and the rulers of Bikaners treated themselves as Ministers or Diwans. This temple is made of marble and red stone and was constructed to enshrine Lord Laxminath whose throne rests here. Luckily, I visited during evening aarti and locals have blind faith on this prestigious temple. Somethings which you should be noted that cameras and leather products are not allowed; and there are separate lines of men and women inside the temple.
Jain Temple
Jain Temple is situated just opposite the Laxminath Temple. Jain Temple Bhandasar is a 15th century temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar Sumatinathji, a person that has conquered the cycle of life, death and rebirth and paved the path for others to attain nirvana. The temple design includes intricate mirror work, murals and gold leaf paintings. Devotees throng to the temple from all corners of the country.
Rampuria Haveli
Because I got late in Karni Mata Temple and I missed the Rampuria Haveli. But still I went outside the Haveli and clicked some pictures of this Haveli. As the pictures of this Haveli are so beautiful that whenever you look for places in Bikaner, haveli pictures come first in Pinterest or instagram. By the end of the day it was already 9'o at night. I left for hotel and found out a great rooftop restaurant just in front of my hotel which was giving panoramic view of Lalgarh Palace at full moon night.
While Coming back, Bikaner was lit like its "Diwali". Roads, streets, houses, shops everything was lit up with diyas and candles. But one thing that I missed and I will regret that I did not go to Gurudwara on such an important day.
Day 3
Today, I had a time constraint because I had to visit Junagarh Fort and had to catch a train to Jodhpur also. I had a great heavy breakfast because I had to catch train at 2'o clock in the afternoon. I packed my bags and stored at the reception and went for Junagarh Fort Tour.
Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is one of the most beautiful and impressive fort in the state of forts "Rajasthan". This fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1588 AD and it was the only fort which was not built on hill-top. The fort was originally called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. Besides having a rich history, it is a feat of architecture. All the Palaces and Bhawans shows the architectural style influenced by the different cultures and rulers. This place should be in your priority list if you are planning a visit Bikaner.
After my amazing Junagarh Fort Tour, I came back to hotel and picked my bags. As I booked my cab, coincidentally same guy who dropped to the hotel on Day 1 came to pick me for the Railway Station. I reached the railway station on time but my Train was delayed from the expected departure.
On my next blog, I will continue this travel story and tell you about Jodhpur and about its best places. Till then, stay connected and Subscribe Madcap Odyssey for Travel Tips and Suggestions.
Things that I loved about Bikaner and its people.
1. Hospitality
2. People's Friendly Nature
3. Locals doesn't try to loot you
4. Easy and Cheap Local Transportation
5. Helpful People
6. Open Minded
7. Still connected to old ethnic culture
8. Cleanliness
In the conclusion, I must say, 2 days are more than enough to cover the Bikaner City and places near city. You can plan your one week holiday for Bikaner trip along with Jodhpur or Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is around 320 kms and Jodhpur is around 250 Kms from Bikaner.
How to reach Bikaner
Bikaner is easily accessible by anywhere in the country. Bikaner is about 625 kms from Delhi, 571 kms from Chandigarh and 380 kms from Jaipur.
Bikaner is also reachable by air also. Nal Airport is located around 13 kms away from Bikaner City.
Bikaner Railway is also well connected from all the big cities and easily accessible by the train also.
{NOTE: All the pictures in this blog are non-edited to give a better feel of the place]
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