PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Forts & Palaces
Junagarh Fort
Built by Raja Rai Singh (who was a
contemporary of Akbar), the fort remains unconquered till date except
once, when Kamran supposedly captured it but could not retain it over 24
hours. It has 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that are built in red
sandstone and marble. Richly decorated with mirror work, paintings and
outstanding stone carvings, the architectural brilliance of the fort is
worth seeing.
Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate) is the main doorway of the fort. The palaces
are on the southern side of the fort and their courtyards, kiosks,
towers and windows make a scenic view. The notable tourist attractions
are Chandra Mahal (The Moon palace), Phool Mahal (The Flower Palace),
Karan Mahal (Karn Palace), Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas (Public Audience
Hall), Hawa Mahal (the Wind Palace), Badal Mahal (the Cloud Palace),
Rang Mahal (the Color Palace), Dungar Mahal, and Ganga Mahal. The fort
is open from10 am to 4.30 pm daily and is closed on Fridays. The entry
fee includes the fee of the guide.
Lalgarh Palace
Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942) built Lalgarh
Mahal, Sir Swinton Jacob being the chief architect. An imposing
building, it has a captivation combination of Oriental style with its
delicate latticework and European luxury with its overhanging balconies
and terraced lawns. Peacocks and bougainvillea bushes provide the final
strokes to the loveliness of its scenic beauty. The Lal Ghar Palace
Library has a massive collection of rare, original Sanskrit manuscripts
on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques. The Lalgarh palace is
open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on Wednesdays.
Museums
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum has a plentiful
collection of pre-Harappan, Gupta, and Kushan pottery, carpets,
paintings, Bikaneri miniatures, armory and coins and also has a special
section, which displays local arts of the area.
Fort Junagarh Museum
As the name suggests, it is located
in the fort of Junagaarh and has an wide-ranging collection of
manuscripts, carpets, jars, jewellery, armory, decorative items,
treaties, and several other artifacts on its display.
Palace Museum or Shri Sadul Museum
The first floor of the Lal Ghar
Mahal houses this museum, which displays royal exhibitories including
well-preserved hunting trophies, personal possessions of former Bikaner
rulers such as royal wardrobe, camera, golf tees, camera, books,
electric toothbrush of the former 'maharaja', his earplugs and old
photos depicting royal hunts.
Read the following paragraphs to know more about prime
tourist/travel attractions of Bikaner in Rajasthan, India.