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Bikaner
 
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 betwen 1588 & 1593 by Raja Raj Singh  dominates the city. Season: 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 stands on a slightly raised ground and is  circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five entrance gates. 

The genesis of  Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of  Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called 'Jangladesh' 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 Gujarat  seaports, made Bikaner a bustling trade centre in the times of yore. 

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

Not only do the  traditions come alive here in colourful 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.

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Jodhpur | Jaisalmer | Bikaner | Jaipur | Ajmer | Udaipur | Chittorgarh