Rajasthan is the biggest state of India. I thought it only apt to cover as much as possible with the time and budget I had with me.

I am not a big fan of Winters and tend to run away during that time to anywhere where it’s warmer.

Rajasthan, a close neighbour was the best option. With literally nothing in mind, I began planning and left for Bikaner from home one shivery winter night.

Bikaner

The major railway stations in almost all of Rajasthan display a similar form of architecture.

I had thought of visiting a few places completely unaware of the surprises that awaited me.

Rampuria Haveli, constructed during 15th century, stands in the middle of Bikaner city and is open for tourists all the year round.

With little in mind, I wandered the streets of Bikaner only to learn that I was visiting at a perfect time as the Camel festival of 2018 had just begun.

I knew which turn to take next.

 

India has vastly culturally diverse States and the Camel festival of Bikaner showcased that diversity perfectly.

 

The city of Churu in Rajasthan is a desert region known to be the gateway of the Thar Desert. However, few know about its musically rich side.

 

The Indian state of Punjab was not lagging behind in putting on a show.

Bikaner has a lot more to offer even if someone misses the chance to visit it during the Camel Festival.

 

Junagarh Fort

The grandeur of the fort does not stop at the intricately carved architecture of its facade.

It extends to every corner of the structures inside comprising temples, palaces and other such structures of religious significance.

Offering prayers to plants is another form of worship in some religions in India. Such structures are a common sight in homes; here a fort.

Jharokhas are a peculiar feature of Rajasthani architecture and could be spotted in every part of Junagarh Fort.

The fort complex houses a museum which has a lot to be proud of, besides its antiquities.

Laxmi Niwas Palace

Now a hotel, Laxmi Niwas Palace was once home to Maharaja Ganga Singh, king of the State of Bikaner. The building is constructed of red sandstone and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bikaner. The palace can be visited by non-resident tourists at a minimal entry fee.

I was taken around for a tour of the palace which I later thought was perhaps the most atypical tour I had ever had.

 

I wound up the day and trip to Bikaner at Laxmi Niwas Palace before heading for my next destination…..

Briefly,

• I found the place safe for solo female travellers.
• Take a walk around the city, nothing beats the experience.
• Another option to get around is using ‘tuktuks’ or auto-rikshaws but you might have to haggle with the drivers.
• It’s easy to stay on a budget; one can easily find good accommodations, reasonably priced.
• I visited Bikaner during mid-January. It was hot which is usually not expected during that time of the year in Rajasthan.