Places of Interest in Bikaner
Devi Kund
Ayoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris'
built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh chhatri
is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white marble with spectacular
Rajput painting on the ceiling.
Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple
The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata,
an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved
silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most interesting
thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum
sanctorum of the temple. They are regarded as sacred and are fed by priests
and devotees owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy
men.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a heaven to nilgai chinkara,
black buck, wild coar and folk of imperial sand grouse. The Gajner palace
a summer retreat of the king stands on the bank of the lake and has been
converted into a hotel.
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 13rd Trirthankra.
Camel Research Farm
Spend a day with indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research
and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia. The farm extends over 2000
acres of semiarid land is managed by the central Government. The camel crops
of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an
important part of the desert warfare and defence through the border security
Force (BSF)
Shiv Bari Temple
Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 10th century. The temple in surrounding by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful painting and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.
Kolayatji
A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (oct-nov)when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivals. The small oasis town is now an idyllic picnic spot.
Kalibangan
The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and harroan civilization found at this are of immense interest to archeology enthusiasts.