BIKANER – THE CAMEL CITY OF INDIA

Dotted with the scores of sand ridges, the Bikaner City is located in the heart of Thar Desert; it has an extreme temperature with limited (yearly rainfall of 260 to 440 mm) rainfall. Owing to its hot semi-arid climate, the temperatures can touch 50°C in the summer and dip below freezing in the winter. The city which was founded by Rathore prince Rao Bikaji in 1486 is popularly known as the camel city. As we all know, the camels are regarded as the lifeline of the desert. Even the army forces in the desert keep their own camel units. The camels of Bikaner are very tall, brown in color, and long eyelashes.

Camel festival in Bikaner

The Bikaner Came Fair is a colorful event is organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. It gives the viewers an insight about the life in the desert. This festival features many decorated camels that parade and take part in various competitions. Yes, a camel pageant that is held on the first day of the event which starts with Camel Safari and free riding for tourists. However, camel milking and camel dance are the other attractions of the day one.

Race and heritage walk are two crucial events of day two. There is also tug-of-war for visitors; it features a war between Indians and International tourists. It has separate segments for the males and females. Women water pot race competition and villagers’ wrestling competition are two more important event of the second day – the last day.

Sand Dunes Safari

Sand Dunes Safari is a famous thing among the travellers of Bikaner. Jeeps and camels are available for the sand dune safari. During the safari, the visitors love to visit the library that has an excellent collection of Sanskrit Manuscripts written on plaques of silver, parchments, copper and gold. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, about 32 km away from Bikaner, is an ideal place for wildlife adventure near Bikaner. It features many species of animals like wild boar, Chinkara (blackbuck), nilgai.

Junagarh Fort & 20,000 rats

Built by Maharaja Rao Bika in 1478, the Junagarh Fort is one of the main attractions of this city. It offers artistic balconies, attractive courtyards, spacious windows, large temples and beautiful Mahals. Some of the Mahals are Phool Mahal, Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, and Chandra Mahal. It will be unfair if we don’t mention the 20,000 rats that live in the premises of Karni Mata Temple. Isn’t it amazing to listen? But it is a fact. You must visit this temple once in your lifetime.