Bikaner:The Camel Country
Bikaner is 330 kilometers from Jaisalmer and is known to be the Camel Country for it has the best riding Camels in the World. Compared to Jaipur, Bikaner is more quiet but definitely showcases magnificent medieval architectures and shall I say, gem of Rajasthan. This city is more on a laid back version of Jaipur. Less touristy, small town with lots of interesting things to offer.
So we spent our Bikaner trip driving around this artful city.
The Devi Kund Sagar
The very authentic Rajasthani arts and architectures are shown through these cenotaphs. There are 16 cenotaphs of Kings and Queens and each of them are just beautiful.
The Junagarh Fort
The story says that despite thousands of invaders who tried to conquer it, they never succeed.
Outside itself is such a perfect photograph subject. I never get tired looking and entering the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, and this one? Awesome! Historical pieces and paintings are displayed inside, as well as the carriages of the Royals of Rajasthan. And alot more!
Since this City is known to be Camel Country, time to check on some of these beautiful creatures.
National Research Centre for Camels
This is an institute that takes care and involves in researching about Camels. These gigantic but adorable creatures have different breeds and as we asked the staff, they have four different breeds including the very rare two hump camel. As to this date, the have more or less 380 Camels in the premises and guess what, male and female are separated. They have their own quarter and it is so cute that they also check on each others activity of the day.
While waiting for their feeding time, we decided to check on their Museum that displays all about Camels. Remains, fabrics made out of camel skin, and other artworks made from Camels bones.
Despite the fact that I have a minor megalophobia, I am fascinated looking at these camels, and in fact had the chance to ride on one.
You can also try camel’s milk and kulfi ( ice cream) with different flavor or maybe shop some souvenirs like ! Camels are a big help in some areas of India such as Bikaner. They are not just for tourist attraction, they also transport stuff from one place to another.
Rest assured, these camels are pampered and well taken cared by the Authorities of NRCC.
Gajner Palace
After a long drive and constant travelling from Jaipur to Bikaner, my husband took me to this, well shall I say Palace! Unfortunately, I was not prepared, I could have worn proper dress! Anyhow, who cares? Gajner is a lake side palace and is know to be Thar Desert’s gem.
In the year 1976, the Palace became a Heritage hotel that welcomes everyone who wanted to experience a night or two of royalty. From walking around in the garden like princess to sleeping on a majestic bedrooms. This place is perfect!
We got the chance to do a 10 minutes boating around the Lake to see the full view of the Palace, and then back and roam around the place. The best part was, the place is so private though there are other guests, we barely feel there are other people besides us.
Behold, because at night there will be some entertainment by the locals. It was like a private party of 15 people. Nothing beats an authentic experience on a bottle of beer at this magnificent Gajner Palace. Definitely coming back! Perhaps on our second honeymoon?
