Introduction

This city lies on the northern point of the triangle of desert cities. Bikaner is another royal walled city dating back to 1486 AD. It was, however, a major trade centre as it stood on the ancient caravan route which linked central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports. While other cities of Rajasthan are rich in lakes and pleasure pavilions, Bikaner seems quite bare in that respect. Given its severe climatic conditions, the wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples.

This desert town in the north of the state was founded on 1488 by Rao bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and like Jaisalmer, it was once an important staging post on the great caravan trade routes. Bikaner is now becoming more and more popular with travellers. Bikaner has a superb fort, camel safaris and 30 kms to the south is the extraordinary Karni Mata temple where thousands of holy rats are worshipped.

Shopping

On the right hand side as you enter the fort is a small craftshop, ' Abhivyakti ', run by the Urmul Trust. Items sold here are of high quality and made by people from surrounding villages. Go to Usta St in the old city to see the making of traditional usta (camel leather) products.