Bikaner : Of History & Of Heritage #rajasthaninphotos

The heart of Bikaner - Junagarh is the fort built by Raja Rai Singh of Bikaner.

Originally called Chintamani, this 5.28 hectare fort is studded with palaces , temples and pavilions.

Entering through the main Karan Parole gate, you come across the ticket office for the palace museum and this architectural marvel. They have a nominal entry fee and audio guides are available.

Anup Mahal has intricately carved jharokas and jali ( carved lattice screen ). There's a large private audience hall laquerworked in red and gold.

There are various other mansions like Badal Mahal , Gaj Mandir , Ganga Durbar Hall, Vikram Vilas Durbar hall , with each mansion an architectural gem in it's own.

Views from the main courtyard. Considered as the best piece of architecture in Bikaner, this palace is built with Italian Carrara marble.

Karan Mahal and pond in the main courtyard reflecting Mughal style of architecture.

The fort is beautifully architectured with gardens within fort precincts.

As beautiful as Junagarh looks from a distance , the views from its windows are unmatched.

Step back in time as you explore this majestic fort overlooking the city.

The fort is a Paradox between medieval military architecture and beautiful interior decoration.

Interiors are carved in traditional Rajasthani style.

This architectural gem is fashioned out of Red sandstone and marble.

another amazing place to visit in Bikaner is the Fort museum right outside the Junagarh fort. A Journey into the fort museum is like a walk into the glorious past.

Displaying lifestyle this museum showcases wine glasses,swords and various other handcrafted marvels.

It's an insight into grandiouse living style of the past Maharajas of Rajasthan.

Another popular place in Bikaner is the famous Karni Mata Mandir. A famous temple dedicated to goddess Karni, a reincarnation of goddess Durga.

With thousands of Rats scrolling and hopping around your bare foot, i can bet that its the freakiest attraction you can ever be too .and who knows you might get lucky with sight of the white Rat also.( It's a popular belief that with the sight of white rat .. it's fulfills your wishes).

A perfect combination of culture, Tradition,Leisure and luxury.The traditional Rajasthan palace has been customized into a hotel.

If you are looking for a place which offers recreational activities like boating,bird watching in a sanctuary or just relaxing on the shore of Ganga lake,its a place for you.

One of my favourite place in Bikaner had been this particular shop - Chotu Motu Joshi shop. Situated at station road, this place is famous for its poori bhaji. And of course don't forget to buy the world famous Bikaneri bhujia , pappad and rasgulla

Have a great meal at Hiralals on station road . Try the veg thali here and tomato soup. Even after travelling various places, the taste of this soup remains unmatched.