Saturday, August 9, 2008

Bikaner Camel Country

On the way to Bikaner from Mandwa, we had our lunch at the road side Dhaba. We reached Bikaner around 3:30 in the afternoon.

Binaker’s history dates back to 1488 A.D, when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, established his kingdom here. Bikaji choose a barren wilderness called ‘Jangladesh’ and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder’ name. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water is other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

The major attractions here are:



Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Mughal emperor Akhbar, with embellishments in the form of palaces and luxurious suites added by subsequent
Maharajas.


Despite that fact Junagarh doesn't command hilltop position, as do some of the Rajasthan’s other grand forts, it is no less imposing and a credit to its planners and architects has never been conquered.


Apart from the fort and the palaces within in, Bikaner has quite a many more attractions.

P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.


17 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous and interesting post as always! And your photos are superb! Great word for the B day! Enjoy your day, Rajesh!

Sylvia

Roger Owen Green said...

A mighty fortress, it appears.

On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thank you! - Ramblin' with Roger

penny said...

The history and age of some of these towns and buildings amazes me, Rajesh. You photos are wonderful, thanks for sharing them.

Rune Eide said...

A B to be proud of - as is the Fort. You have lots to be proud of.

Joy said...

Beautiful buildings, love the different and contrasting colours.

Rajesh said...

Thanks to all for the appreciation.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Intriguing post! Loved the information! Especially love the idea of one building being called Moon Palace! Very romantic!

Ralph said...

Junagarh is an imposing structure, designed for strength. However, it is so interesting to see another country and culture - we learn the architecture and history of an entirely different people. As huge as it is, the detailing is delicate, as if to lessen the feeling of bulk. Probably not, but India has a look all its own, and we in the USA need to learn more about your country...

maryt/theteach said...

Looks like a beautiful city, Rajesh! Thanks for playing Ruby Tuesday! :)

Marites said...

such a beautiful place!! thanks for the information about it. I really like it. My RT is here.

Patti said...

I enlarged the photos. The fort's design is quite attractive. I can't believe how old it is!

I never thought that some camels would be better to ride than others. Interesting.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Great tips for travelers. The entrance looks so regal.

Valentine Celebration

EJ said...

The Sun gate looks beautiful!

Our doctor's appointment

eden said...

Interesting post. Beautiful place and great shots. thanks for sharing the information about the place.

Unknown said...

i am beginning to look forward to your post each week. fascinating architecture as always.

♥ Kathy said...

How cool. Happy Ruby Tuesday

Rajesh said...

Gemma, Ralph, maryt, Marites, Patti, Rose, Joops, Eden, Luna, Kathy: hanks to all for the appreciation.