Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is located 330 kilometres (205 mi) northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division.
Formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner, the city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganges Canal, completed in 1928, and the Indira Gandhi Canal, completed in 1987, facilitated its development.
The city celebrates its foundation day on Akshaya Tritiya by flying kites and eating special Rajasthani food that includes Bajre Ka Khichda and Imli ka Paani (Tamarind Water) among other snacks. The celebration lasts for two days, known as Chhoti Akha Teej and Badi Akha Teej. People can be seen flying kites during these two days right from the early morning at 5-6am till late sunset.
Bikaner History
The history of Bikaner dates back to the late 15th century when enraged and provoked by his father, Rao Bikaji quit the palace in Marwar and established the kingdom of Bikaner in the midst of the desert surroundings. The prince fortified his kingdom in the year 1488. Since then, the city and the region has grown to be one of the reputed and richest kingdoms in the state of Rajasthan.
It was the prophecy of Karni Mata who is believed to have foretold a lot about Bikaner. The Goddess prophesied the establishment of the kingdom founded by Rao Bikaji. The forthcoming kingdom was destined to be greater than that of his father Rao Jodhaji who was the founder of the kingdom of Jodhpur. Rao Bikaji, who was the descendant of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs, left his father's kingdom with a small contingent of 100 cavalrymen and 500 soldiers. The strategic location of the kingdom on the routes of the caravans brought great prosperity to the trading community of the kingdom.
How to Reach Mount Abu
By Air :Nal Airport is located 13 kilometres west of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is operated by the Airports Authority of India as a civil enclave at the Bikaner Air Force Station.
By Train : Bikaner is well connected with cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, Allahabad, etc. The luxurious 'Palace on wheels' also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.
By Road : Bikaner is well connected with the major cities of India by roads. Highways are comfortable for a person to drive to Bikaner. Highways likeNH 11, 15 and 89 link Bikaner with other major Indian cities and metros. State as well as luxury buses are a handy option to reach the destination.
Bikaner is one of the largest cities of Rajasthan and was considered to be the oasis of the Thar Desert. Located in the middle of the Thar Desert in the North West part of the princely state Rajasthan this beautiful city is the home of beautiful structures and monuments. The city has a large number of tourist attractions like forts and palaces that reflect its historical importance. The increasing popularity of Bikaner as a tourist destination has also skyrocketed the demand of Bikaner tour packages.
