Founded in 1488

Area - 61,355 sq Km.

Gun Salutes - 17

Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation and surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates. A magnificient fort built between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rao Singh dominates the city. Best Season to visit is between October to March.

Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities. Bikaner is a beautiful medival town. The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wildeness called 'Jangaldesh' and transformed it to a charming city called 'Bikaner', after the founder's name. Its location on the ancient caravan routes, which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujrat seaports, made Bikaner a bustling trade center in the times of yore.

Bikaner's forts, palaces and temples - magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living menifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can feel the medival aura pervading the city's lifestyle.

Not only do the traditions come alive here in colorful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.