Bikaner - A Desert Kingdom

Bikaner- A dream kingdom of desert that once was an important vantage stop in the trade route to Central Asia and Middle East. The city inhabited by generations of merchant families and battle hardy folks of the desert. The city has had its moments in the history of India. Founded by a young prince of Jodhpur- in early 15th century, the city today boasts of a rich heritage , a vibrant culture, mouth watering cuisine, and Sankhu Niwas walks every step with the visitors to enhance their experience at Bikaner

City of Thousand Havelis

The Walled city of Bikaner was where Rao Bika founded the Kingdom. It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes with clusters of houses of various communities and interesting markets and a laid back attitude of its inhabitants. The traders of this city who brought the wealth of the world here, have been huge contributors to the social and economic well being of the city. Their love for art and architecture is reflected in series of beautiful Havelis with spectacular carved facades and temples that resemble a massive abode of God’ instead of being just a place of worship..A Heritage walk through the city with a local amateur photographer taking you through its interesting markets, social gathering places, and temples giving you a very local and interactive experience of the city and its life will be an experience in itself. Udai Niwas supports amateur photographers and artists of the old city and interaction and local tours with them can be arranged. The Rampuria and Kothari Havelis, The Chai Patti, Mawa Patti, Bhujia Bazaar, Bada Bazaar,, churi bazaar, the Laxminath and Bhandashah Temples are places not to be missed amongst host of other places.

Heritage Havelis with red sandstone architecture in the Old City of Bikaner

Initiated by the sixth ruler of Bikaner Maharaja Rai Singhji, the Junagarh Fort is a feat in itself. With high walls, a wet and a dry moat around the fort and two spectacularly fortified Gates, the fort is invincible from the outside and just as rich and regal from the inside. The series of Palaces and courtyards, The beautiful Halls of Public and Private Audience’ the courtyards and special purpose halls reflect a mix Of Old Rajput Architecture with influences from the Mughals, the Deccan and the British over the years. Various art forms have been used in the fort like Stucco, wall paintings, inlay work, mosaic stones and lattice work. Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal , Badal Mahal and the Darbar Hall are some of the fine palaces that catch your eye. The museum at the Fort houses one of the largest & a fine collection of post medieval period arms and ammunition, the insignia of the Rathore Dynasty, an array of modes of transportations and their accessories, a gallery dedicated to the life and times of the most prominent of its rulers – Maharaja Ganga Singh ji, other artefacts & old paintings depicting the chivalry of its chieftains. You can learn more about the dynasty and the history of the kingdom from the family members of Udai Niwas who are also descendants of the same clan. There is also a gallery initiated by one of the princesses of Bikaner- Prachina. It showcases, the regal costumes and artefacts and potraits of the ruling family of Bikaner.

Gajner Palace

Laxmi Niwas Palace

In the late 19th and 20th century as part of giving employment to residents of rural Bikaner affected by the Great Famine, a series of Palaces were built by rulers of Bikaner amongst them Lalgarh Palace with its three wings and a seris of courtyards is one of the most fascinating palaces in the country. It also houses the Shardul Museum Gajner Palace, the old hunting reserve of the royal family on the Bank of Gajner Lake and wild life Sanctuary also houses a Palace hotel a forest reserve and a wetland for migratory birds.

Sagar is the crematorium ground for the Royal Family and their immediate relatives. Cenotaphs were constructed for each ruler and his consorts, brothers and other family members. You get an insight on the architectural styles from the old Hindu Architecture to the latter ones influenced by Islamic Art. The older ones are made of Red and Yellow SandStone and the latter ones were made of White Marble. The site in all its quite aura is also a treat to the Camera..

National Research Centre for Camels

What Ships are to Seas, Camels are to the Desert… These Camels ere intrinsic part of human existence in the desert. As their transport or companion, Camels have been used for long as the most common means to cut through the desert . The culture of the region revolves around the camels and they are part of celebrations, festivals, marriages, music and dance, and day to day existence. The Research Centre is the only one of its kind in the country with four different breeds of camel being nurtured. There is also a museum dedicated to the camels. Bikaner army always had a camel mounted cavalry regiment which even today is part of the Border Security Force of the country.

Bikaner - Experiences

Bikaner Heritage Walk

A walk through the old city experiencing the living heritage of a bygone era, exploring the facades of the intrisically carved havelis, learning about the pagan tenets of local beliefs, experiencing the markets and the way of life and learning about some amazing architectural delights of Bikaner. The walk led by a local youth expert starts from the havelies goes through the various bylanes and markets and ends at the famed Bhandashah Jain Temple.
Minimum 4 guests

A Cycling sojourn

We can organise a cycling tour of Bikaner criss corssing the old and the very old part of Bikaenr starting from Udai Niwas we cut accross Public Park with its amazing vintage structures, going past the fort and through the main KEM Road entering the walled city from Kotegate traversing through the narrow lanes with vantage stops at different locations to understand the culture , the life and the architecture of this medival fortified city. The Havelis, The Jain Temple, some courtyards of the old city, Public park and kote Gate would be some of the stop points.
Minimum 2 Guests

Jeep Safari through the Desert

The Drive starts fromthe Camel Research Centre late in the afternoon on a vintage Jeep, heading on to the jorbeer conservation reserve scanning the healthy population of local and migratory prey birds, going further onwards into the desert criss crossing andsome rural hamlets and villages and exploring the desert flaura and fauna . you can chance upon some wild boars, Antelopes, or a herd of chinkara. We can do a sunset on top of a dune and then possibly add on a dinner at one of the camps in Raisar.