Bikaner Tourist Places

Junagarh Fort-Bikaner
One of the most formidable forts of India, Junagarh Fort has never been conquered by its enemies. Built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Junagarh Fort is constructed on the plains, contrary to other forts of Rajasthan, normally built on hilltops. A massive structure encircled by a moat, it houses many beautiful palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure.

Lalgadh Palace-Bikaner
Built between 1902-1926 by Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgadh Palace is a beautiful red palace, displaying a perfect blend of Rajput and European architectural style. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect, the palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions with overhanging balconies and latticework. Now a luxury 5-star heritage hotel, it also houses the Shri Sadul Museum, displaying well-preserved photographs of the erstwhile maharajas, their personal belongings, wildlife trophies, and a carriage from the maharaja's royal train.

Karni Mata Temple-Bikaner
This 600 year old temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a famous mystic of her times, believed to be an incarnation of goddess Durga. Devotees feed the rats, owing to the belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. The entrance archway is intricately carved in marble.

The temple has huge silver gates and a marble door both donated by the Maharaja Ganga Singh. The temple has a beautiful silver door and a wire mesh over the courtyard to protect the rats from birds. An image of Karni Mata holding a trishul (trident), surrounded by rats can be seen in the temple. The rats are called kabas and if you injure a rat in the temple, you are expected to present a gold or silver replica to the temple or suffer misfortune. The rats eat from huge metal bowls filled with milk, sweets, and grains donated by devotees. It is considered auspicious to see a white kaba near the image of Karni Mata. Inside the shrine, a 75 cms. image of Karni Mata adorned with a mukut (tiara) and a garland is installed. Her image is accompanied by the images of her sisters and the sisters of Avad Mata.
 

Bikaner Tour & Travel