Although located on the threshold of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Bikaner turned verdant with the digging up of the Ganga Canal in 1925-27. Named after its founder, Rao Bika, Bikaner has its own quota of forts and palaces. The red and pink sandstone Junagarh Fort was built in 1587-89. There are several beautiful chambers within Lal Nivas, Chandre Mahal, Phool Mahal, Coronation Hall, Durban Hall, Sheesh Mahal etc. The Lalgarh Palace is known for its ornamental balcony and lattice-work windows. Visit the first floor Museum located at Lalgarh Palace to see an exhibition of royal memorabilia-Belgian chandeliers, cut-glass, artefacts, portraits, animal trophies etc. Part of the palace has been converted into a hotel. Almost opposite to the palace is the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum with a rich archaeological display. The 16th century Jain temples-Bhubaneshwar and Sandeshwar are also worth a visit.

Not to be missed is the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke, about 30 km away from Bikaner. A beautiful silver gate marks the entrance to this 17th century temple. But everything pales into insignificance as you enter the courtyard. An unaccountably large number of rats scurry all over the place. They are the pets of the goddess and are extremely holy. If you step on the rat and happen to kill it, you are required to pay compensation in gold or silver, equivalent to the weight of the dead rat.

On the way to the Karni Mata Temple, you can also visit Asia's largest camel breeding farm. Bikaner is also known for its salted savouries.

How to go:Bikaner is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and other important cities by road and rail. Jodhpur and Jaipur are two nearby airports.

Accomodation : Government run Dhola Maru Tourist Lodge (ph-529621), private hotels-heritage to ordinary and 'dharmasalas'.

Hotels with double-beds between Rs.400 and Rs.700-Hotel Sri Shanti Nivas (ph-542320), Hotel Marudhar Heritage (ph-522524), Hotel Kalinga (ph-209751), Hotel Ashray (ph-545338) etc.

STD Code: 0151