If you've missed the Pushkar Mela in 2018, worry not!
There's another festival awaiting just for you on the petite land of Rajasthan! Also as popular as the Pushkar Mela, this is your opportunity to witness another typical Indian traditional festival - known as ‘Bikaner Camel Festival.’
From lit festivals to fairs, cultural evenings, and international concerts, Rajasthan is always brimming with celebration throughout the year. Organised by Rajasthan Tourism board, the Bikaner Camel Fair attracts ample of visitors from home and abroad. Scheduled on the 12th and 13th January, 2019, Bikaner Camel Festival is that perfect opportunity to witness something raw straight from the rustic village of Rajasthan.
Things to do at Bikaner Camel Festival:
Activities
The 2 day long festival is a beautiful time to enjoy outdoor activities with several unique and entertaining camel activities including camel parades, tug of war, camel races, and a lot more. Bikaner might not be popularly known for a metropolitan lifestyle or tranquil lakes, but this little town is the gateway to the endless Thar and brags of various elegant forts and formidable palaces. Continue with the same spirit and join a camel safari or a simple tour of the camel breeding farm.
Performances
Not only are the camels beautifully dressed in vibrant bridles but the folk dancers too enhance the beauty of this festival with their breath-taking performances and soulful music. The melodious folk music showcases the traditional and the soothing side of India’s musical era.
Shopping
Your active participation on this occasion can extend to a joyous shopping spree for exquisite handicrafts exhibited and stalls offering rustic accessories, handmade potteries, and several traditional eye-catchy products designed by the locals.
Rajasthani cuisine
You’ll have a chance to savour some delicious and unusual sweets prepared from camel milk. Grab this opportunity to indulge in some authentic and local Rajasthani cuisine consisting of delicious items like Bikaner Bhujia, Daal Bati Choorma, and Rajasthani Sev Sabzi.
How to get there:
By Air
To reach Bikaner, the nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport. Domestic and International flights connect the city with countries all over the world. Once you reach the airport, Bikaner can be easily accessed by roads.
By Rail
Bikaner is accessible by two railway stations; Lalgarh Railway Station or Bikaner Junction. Both the stations are located at an approximate distance of 6 kms from the city. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jodhpur frequently function on this route.
By Road
Through roadways, Bikaner is well-connected to every city in Rajasthan, the capital city Delhi, and many more. Private vehicles, buses of the state transport and cabs frequently ply on this route.
Where to stay:
Heritage/Palace Hotels –
1. Laxmi Niwas Palace (4 star)
Address: Lal Garh Campus, Dr Karni Singhji Road, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Contact: 0151 220 0088
2. Basant Vihar Palace (4 star)
Address: Sri Ganganagar Rd, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Contact: 0151 225 0675
Resorts –
1. Thar Exotica Resort (3 star)
Address: 10 Kms from Bikaner, National Highway 11, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Contact: 096104 74194
2. Balaji resort (3 star)
Address: Raysar Road, Raisar, Jaipur Rd, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Contact: 0151 210 1551