Located amidst a vast expanse of rippling sand and scorching sun, Bikaner was once a popular halt on the old caravan trading route and was founded in 1488, by Maharaja Rao Bika, a younger son of Maharaja Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur.
Today Bikaner city is an important destination in Rajasthan holiday packages, Bikaner- the old walled city reflects the city's quaint charm and its exquisite havelis, busting bazaars and lovely Jain temples are a big attraction. The medieval Junagarh Fort complex and the Lallgarh Palace complex lie outside the old fortified city and Bikaner also has other impressive buildings made of reddish pink sandstone that are a stark contrast to the barren surroundings.
Constructed in the 1580s, The Junagarh Fort is one of Rajasthan's most impressive fort complexes and consists of 37 palaces, pavilions and temples. The Lallgarh Palace was built in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga Singh, and was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in the late 19th century Indo-Saracenic style. Built of red sandstone, this ornate palace is set in a multi-acre complex, with lawns and gardens and a central courtyard. And now within the complex, lie a couple of very attractive heritage hotels.
About 28 kms from Bikaner, in the village of Deshnoke, is the Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple. Interestingly, rats are considered sacred in this temple and pilgrims feed them sugar balls as `prasad' or an offering!
Encircled by sand dunes and scrub rocky desert, Bikaner is a veritable oasis in the desolate desert and it has hotels for all budgets. Both the Laxmi Niwas Palace and Lallgarh Palace are top class heritage hotels, and if you want something more affordable then you could opt for the smaller but charming hotel Jaswant Bhawan, which displays the personal touch of its owners.
For more information on Pushkar holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agency in India.