11. Rajasthan State Archives | Places to visit in Bikaner
Having dwelled over architectural marvels and recreational spots in Bikaner, it is obligatory to address the several informative opportunities the city offers. One such must-mention experience is a visit to the Rajasthan State Archives in Bikaner, especially if you are a researcher, academician, or architect with an interest in history. This state archive holds ancient administrative records that date back to the Mughal era.
12. National Research Centre on Camel
The name ‘Rajasthan’ is synonymous with its golden deserts and camels. The experience of visiting the state is incomplete without a desert encounter atop the camels. The city of Bikaner offers such an exclusive experience at the National Research Centre on Camels. It is 8 km from the city and is a dedicated camel research and breeding center – the only one of its kind in Asia.
The center is managed by the Government of India and promises to enlighten visitors about the various facilities and techniques of research used in the center in its small museum. It also offers some exquisite experiences such as – tasting samples of camel milk or lassis, and camel rides.
13. Sand dunes Safari – Katariasar Village | Places to visit in Bikaner
A camel ride in the golden desert is an experience several cities in Rajasthan can offer. But Bikaner takes this experience to another level by inviting visitors to indulge in traditional Rajasthani living practices in the Katariasar village, 45kms from Bikaner on the Jaipur road.
The Katariasar village is rich in its ethnic, rural, and cultural life. Tourists can walk on sand dunes enveloping the village and can view the sun setting against the desert landscape. This village is home to the Jasnathjis – fire dancers, who entertain the visitors with their talents. The village also offers some wildlife encounters with desert foxes, rabbits, peacocks, parrots, and partridges.
14. Station Road and MG Road for a Festive Shopping Spree
Tourists, especially architects who visit places as tourists, find it unsatisfying if a city doesn’t offer a shopping experience. After all, what is a visit without a souvenir? Bikaner doesn’t disappoint here as well. The most famous shopping spots in the city are the shopping streets of – Station road, and MG road.
Station Road, near the Bikaner railway station, is a street shopping experience filled with numerous shops and street vendors selling embroidered fabrics, footwear (also called joothis), traditional artifacts, miniature paintings, and leather crafts that can be bought at reasonable prices.
MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road), on the other hand, is a destination to shop for ethnic wear such as georgette and chiffon sarees and some supreme wood souvenirs to carry back home. The fabrics and crafts are reflective of the rich cultural heritage of the city.
15. Gorging over Bikaneri delicacies | Places to visit in Bikaner
All traveling experiences are tied together by the local cuisines different places have to offer. The cuisine of Bikaner is known for its wholesome dishes – namely Gatte Ki Sabji (gravy-based dishes made with gram flour roundels), Mangodi (fried lentil snack), and Khasta (another fried layered lentil snack).
Look out for local street shops and some recommended palace hotels for a wholesome experience of the Rajasthani Thali served on a large plate with numerous side dishes served in unlimited quantities.
References
- https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2017/02/rampuria-havelis-bikaner-rajasthan.html
- http://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/bikaner.html
- https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-bikaner/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikaner
- https://www.thrillophilia.com/places-to-visit-in-bikaner
- https://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/laxmi-niwas-palace/history.php
- https://www.travelogyindia.com/rajasthan/bikaner/what-to-eat.html
