Bikaner

GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

Lying in the north of the desert State of Rajasthan, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides being a mode of transport, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. Bikaner in Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist places. Bikaner in Rajasthan is a perfect place to enjoy a great holiday far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some of the places of Bikaner are still much different from the crowded tourist spots. These places offer serene natural beauty and offer a rejuvenating experience to the tourists.Tourist attractions in Bikaner attract so many tourists because of several reasons. The unique appeal of these tourist attractions is surely the main factor. Add to it, the world class tourism infrastructure of the place. Presence of a variety of hotels like luxury hotels, cheap budget hotels provides affordable options to the tourists.

HOW TO REACH :

Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur which is 253kms away.

Train: Bikaner has railway connections to several destinations including Jaipur, Churu, Jodhpur and Delhi. The tourist reception centre has a useful chart with details of timing and cost.

Road: Bikaner is linked by good, all weather roads that are part of the state and national highways linking the major cities of north India like Delhi (458km), Jaipur (354 km), Jodhpur (249km) and Jaisalmer (333km). State Roadways and private bus owners operate air-conditioned and ordinary bus services from Bikaner to all parts of Rajasthan as well as to destinations in the neighboring states of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

SHOPPING & AROUND :

The true symbol of Rajasthani culture can be witnessed while roaming in the Bazaars in Bikaner. Bikaner might be noted for its Bhujia and Papads, but its local handicrafts make it a shopper's delight. Shopping in Bikaner includes from carpets to blankets and from juttis to wallets.

At Bikaner, travellers will find various leather items to wooden-carved goods. At Bikaner shopping tour with Tours North India, Shop till you fall down. Shopping in Bikaner generally deals with camel leather shoes or juttis, camel leather chairs, leather belts, bags or jhollas, miniature paintings, lac bangles, and many other materials.

Abhivyakti: Abhivyakti is a intersting shop, located at the entrance of the Junagarh Fort, is run by the Urmul Trust and well known for its high quality ethnic furniture (stools, chairs etc), cotton and woollen handlooms – cushion covers, durries, shawls, carpets, clothes, and knick-knacks. All these items are made by the peoples from the neighbouring villages of Junagarh Fort. The profits of Urmul Trust labelled items go to the producers to help fund a girls’ college.

The Khadi Emporium: The Khadi Emporium offers a variety of rugs, blankets, carvings on wood and carpets. This shop located on the Mahatma Gandhi Road of Bikaner is a favourite attraction for the shoppers.

Kote Gate (King Edwards Memorial Road): Leather Belts, bags, jootis (footwear) and colourful carpets made of camel wool is wide found here that too in a reasonable price. Kundan jewellery, stonned jewellery, Nokha Quilts, cotton fabrics and Bikaner famous intricate Usta art paintings are some of the other shopping items here.

RESTAURANTS :

Heeralal's: The official name is Heeralal Mall, but the sign over the shop says Heeralal's. They also sell a large array of Indian sweets and salty snacks (namkeen)

Location Opp. Railway Station, Bikaner 334001, India

Chhotu Motu Joshi: A place that is loved by locals and tourists alike, Chhotu Motu Joshi is a great place to put your food cravings to rest. Sink your teeth into the sinfully delicious Rasmalai here or fall in love with the hot and spicy Dal Kachori! Thanks to the yummy fare it serves, the place has also been featured on NDTV as one of the best street food eateries in Rajasthan. Moreover, when tasty food is so easy on the pockets, you have all the more reason to indulge. Don't forget to pack some yummy Bikaneri Bhujia when you leave the place. These crunchy namkeens have a shelf life of about 3 months, so don't hesitate before getting some packed for your loved ones back at home too!

Konark Restaurant and Food Court: Konark Restaurant, where you can enjoy a green meal that's a treat to the taste buds as well. A compound divided into two, one dishing out fast food for eating on the go and the other for relaxed dining, the place makes sure to take care of your needs. The place is spotlessly clean and the staff really warm, and all put together makes for an enjoyable dining experience. Location : Rani Bazar, Near Railway Station, Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Rendezvous: With its sylvan village setting and the gob smacking food the place serves, Rendezvous is going to win you over totally. Food is personalized to your tastes (more spicy, less buttery etc), and the staff will do all it can to make your meal a delightful experience. The Shahi Paneer served here is to die for and the soft and silken Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla add a sweet ending to a lovely meal. Location : Near Lalgarh Plalace, Bikaner, Rajasthan.