This desert town in northern Rajasthan was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. Like many others in Rajasthan, the old city is surrounded by a high crenellated wall and with its exquisite merchant havelis, temples and bazaars retains a medieval air.
Bikaner is the home to the famous Junagarh Fort, one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh it is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions and graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.
Bikaner is very famous for its internationally acclaimed and GI tagged “Bikaneri Bhujiya”, a spiced snack made from moth beans and gram flour. Also famous are the Bikaneri Rasgullas though these are a Bengali sweet. The white spongy balls of paneer dunked in rose flavoured sugar syrup melt away in your mouth. Don’t forget to carry away some packs and tins of these two specialities from here.
Leather craft is very famous from the artisans in Bikaner. You may get some different versions of other Rajasthani handicrafts as well.
