|
|
Bikaner
Altitude: 237 mtrs.
Best Season: July-March
Rainfall: 44 cm
Climate Summer Mean Max. 44 ’C Mean Min. 28 ’C Winter Mean Max. 23.2 ’C Mean Min. 10 ’C
Clothing Summer Light tropical or cotton Winter Woollen
Infrastructure
Air : Nearest Airport is Jodhpur 240 kms.
Rail: Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Road: Bikaner to Delhi 949 km,Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.
Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation and surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates. A magnificient fort built betwen 1588 & 1593 by Raja Raj Singh dominates the city. Season: October to March.
Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance gates.
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Its location on the ancient caravan routes, which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports, made Bikaner a bustling trade centre in the times of yore.
Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can feel the medieval aura pervading the city’s lifestyle.
Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.
Places to see
Junagarh Fort
Revel in the architectural splendour, as you take an intimate look at this imposing fort, built by Akbar’s contemporary Raja Rai Singh. Within the fort are thirty seven palaces, pavilions Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The palaces worth visiting are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals, breaking the monotony. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.
Lalgarh Palace
The magnificent fort in red sandstone, a fascinating juxtaposition of the Oriental style and European luxury that leaves you truly mesmerised. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh almost -90 years ago, this is an extraordinary monument. The palace has a billiards room, a library, a cards room and a smoking room. Belgian chandeliers, cut - glass ornaments, oil paintings and lamps add to its charm.
Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
(5 km) Beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.
Other important temples of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple. The Bhaironji Temple at Kodamdesar, about 40 kms from Bikaner, is another noteworthy temple.
Short excursions to the places of cultural and architectural interest around Bikaner can certainly add more fun to your trip. Some of them being:
Camel Breeding Farm (8 km)
Acquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding centre, the only one of its kind in Asia.
Devi Kund (8 km)
This is a royal crematorium with cenotaphs of the house of Bikaji Rathore. Many decorated Chhatris, built in the memory of the Bika dynasty, offer splendid example of the Rajput architecture.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Palace
Watch flocks of imperial sand grouse, as you wander through the lush foliage of woods located on the Jaisalmer road. Gajner is also home to nilgai, chinkara, wild boar and black buck. Gajner Palace, a summer resort of kings built on the beautiful lake along the sanctuary, is a spot worth visiting.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke (30 km)
Offer your prayers to Karni Mata - an incarnation of goddess Durga, at this 600 year old temple. The temple offers a haven to rats. Devotees feed the rats, owing to the belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. The entrance archway of the temple is intricately carved in marble.
Kolayat (50 km)
A sacred spot, dedicated to Kapil Muni. The temple here is the venue for a fair in the month of Kartik (Oct.- Nov.), attracting thousands of pilgrims. Kolayat is an idyllic picnic spot as well.
Shiv Bari Temple (6 km)
Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Doongar Singhji, the temple is encircled by a high wall. Beautiful paintings and a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple.
Havelis
An array of havelis, built in red stone and intricately carved, embellish the city.
Kalibanga (205 km)
The remnants of the pre-Harappan and Harappan settlements have been found at this place in Hanumangarh District. Surely of interest to archaeology enthusiasts.
Celebrating time
Camel Festival (January)
Held in the month of January every year on the full moon night, the festival is dedicated to the indispensable ship of the desert. A fascinating spectacle of camel performances. Camel races, camel dances and camel rides, along with the joy, colour and vigour unique to Rajasthan, make this a joyous event.
Kolayatji Fair (October)
Held in October-November at Kolayat (53 km. from Bikaner). Devotees throng here in large numbers to take a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake on the full moon of Kartik or Poornima and offer prayers to Karni Mata.
Distance from nearby cities
Delhi 510 km via Ratangarh, Sardarshahar and Hissar
Jodhpur 256 km. via Nokha, Nagaur
Jaisalmer 325 km via Phalodi and Pokaran
Tour
Junagadh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Daily Rs.30 R.T.D.C.,
Ganga Golden, Jublee Museum & Parks Oct-March Tel: 5445,4595.
Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.
Bhand Sagar Temple 5 km, Camel Breeding Farm 10 km, Devi Kund 8 km, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple 33
kms.
Ranthambor (Sawai-Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary)
Nestling at the foot of Aravalli Hills is Ranthambor National Park, a famous tiger reserve under Project Tiger. Ranthambor blends history of Rajput valour with scenic natural beauty and is an ideal gateway for a quiet holiday.
Season : November to May
Infrastructre
Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur (175 kms).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Sawai-Madhopur (12 kms) which is on the Bombay-Delhi section of Western Railway.
Road: Ranthambore is connected by regular bus service to Sawai-Madhopur 12 km, Agra 226 km, Bharatpur 166 km, Delhi 434 km, Kota 217 km, Jaipur 180 km.
Local Transport : Private Horse driven tongas are available at the Railway Station. R.T.D.C. or private jeeps can be hired from Tourist Information Bureau, Sawai-Madhopur. Charges Rs.350-400 for full jeep for one trip to the National Park.
Places to see
Amreshwar Mahadev 8 kms, Mahavirji 110 kms, Kela Devi 125 kms, Shivad 30 kms, Khandar 60 kms, Rameshwaram 90 kms in Khandar Area.
BARMER
"Vestibule of the Rajasthani Culture"
Tiny yet lively town in the desert, Barmer is all colour, warmth and tradition. As you visit this tiny town, colourfully attired natives welcome you with a bright smile.
Renowned for intricate embroidery work, multi - hued traditional costumes and block printing of textiles, Barmer is a shopper’s delight. The city is also famous for carved wood furniture.
Every year in the month of March, Barmer is at its colourful best during the exuberant Barmer Festival - a perfect time to visit this desert town.
Balotra and Kanana
Kanana is the venue for the Sheetla Saptmi Mela and is close to Balotra known for its textile printing and dying work.
Alwar
Alwar with its historic fort, palaces & beautiful gardens offers an unforgettable experience. The medieval fort crowning a scarped hill. Over looks the town below. Alwar was founded by Rao Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D.
Area : 8.2 sq.km.
Altitude : 268 mts.
Climate : Summer Max. 37 Deg C Min. 24 Deg C Winter Max. 31 Deg C Min. 11 Deg C
Rainfall : 63.5 cms.
Best Season : October to March.
Infrastrucutre
Air : The nearest airport is Jaipur (143 km).
Fare : Bombay - Jaipur Rs.2015/-
Rail : Alwar is connected by rail with all the major cities of India.
Fare : Bombay - Alwar via Ahmedabad Ist Class Rs.699/- IInd Class Rs.224/-
Road : Good motorable roads connect Alwar with all the major cities of India. Some road distances are Agra (150 km), Deeg (61 km), Bharatpur (94 km), Jaipur (143 km), Udaipur (566 km), Delhi (164 km), Siliserh (15 km), Sariska (37 km).
Local Transport : Cycle - rickshaw and tongas are available.
Places to see
City Palace, Museum, Puran vihar, Sagar (tank) Bala Fort, Vinay Vilas
Mahal.
Siliserh : 15 km. Set quietly against wooded hills. Siliserh is famous for its Lake and enchanting Palace. This resort overlooking the lake is converted into a hotel. A motor launch is available for cruising on the lake.
BHARATPUR-DEEG
Bharatpur, an impregnable fortified city is today famous for the nearby Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. Once the shooting preserve of royalty, it is perhaps the most spectacular water-bird sanctuary in India.
Area : 22 sq. km Altitude : 205 metres
Climate : Summer Max. 45 C Min. 37 C Winter Max. 31 C Min. 21 C
Season : October to February
Infrastructre
Air : The nearest airport, Agra is 54 kms. However, convenient airports from Bombay are Jaipur (174 km) and Delhi (182 km) since there are no direct flights to Agra from B'bay.
Rail : Bharatpur is on Bombay-Delhi sector of Western Rly.
Road : Bharatpur is well connected by good motorable roads to Agra (54 km), Delhi (182 km), Fatehpur Sikri (20 km), Jaipur (174 km), Mathura (36 km) and Sariska (130 km).
Local Transport/Sightseeing
For local sightseeing, tongas and cycle-rickshaws are available.
Within the sanctuary, mini buses are operated by the Forest Rest House.
Please Contact: The Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Rest House, Tel:2265.
Entry Fees : Foreigners Rs.10/- Indian Rs.2/-
Entry Fees for Vehicles : Car: Rs.5/-; Jeep- Rs..10/- Bus Rs.15/-
Mini bus (21 persons) Rs.30/- Bus Rs.50/-
Fees for Photography : All 35 mm cameras: Rs.200/-
Amateurs : Rs.10/- (8 mm cameras)
Rs.25/- (16 mm cameras)
Professonals: Rs.100/- (8 & 16 mm cameras)
Places to see
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - 3 Km. Also known as the Keoladeo Ghanga Sanctuary, it is famous for rare avian species. Stretching over a 29 sq. km. marshy area it is an ideal terrain for migratory birds. Some 353 species live and breed within the park, some of which are egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons, sarus crane, siberian crane, rosy headed pelican etc. There are also a number of spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, python and porcupine. Jeepable roads that form a network through the marshland and boats that canbe painted through weeds make for easy viewing of the birds. All visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Warden or Ranger at the entrance of the parl.Bharatpur Fort-This magnificient 18th century fort built by Raja Suraj Mal was also known as Loha Gadh and proved to be impregnable. Government Museum- The museum in the fort houses sculptures, inscriptions and exhibits of art and culture of the region. Bharatpur Palace - This royal monument is a brilliant blend of Mughal and a Rajput architecture. There is also a museum in the central wing with a few exhibits dating to the 2nd century A.D.
Deeg (32 km): Renowned for its forts, palaces and beautiful Mughal gardens this used to be the royal summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, Deeg is 35 km from Mathura, 75 km from Alwar and 152 km from Delhi.
Heritage hotels
Rajasthan - the land of maharajas, of forts and palaces, of romantic havelis, is drenched in royalty. Each monument here echoes with rich architectural grandeur. To allow the travellers a glimpse into the lavish opulence of the royal land, most of these palaces and havelis have been converted into Heritage Hotels. With their impeccable services, they offer unparalleled luxury, as you enjoy the regal lifestyle during your stay - feeling like a real maharaja.
The number of heritage hotels is increasing day by day. Each with its own magical charm and traditional decor. All in all a unique experience.
For details on the Heritage Hotels contact: Govt. of India Tourist Office, Khasa Kothi Hotel, M.l. Road, Jaipur - 302 001. Rajasthan, INDIA. Tel./Fax: 0141 - 372200. Or Director of Tourism Govt. of Rajasthan Govt. Hostel, M.l. Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan INDIA. Tel: (0141) 370180/371142 Fax: (0141) 376362. Or Heritage Hotels Association 9, Sardar Patel Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan INDIA Tel: (0141) 381590, 382214.
|
|
