RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (BIKANER) 2025: Day 03

 BIKANER BECKONS

LALLGARH PALACE, SADUL MUSEUM, CAMEL CENTRE & KARNI MATA TEMPLE

The final day dawned with a wonderfully unhurried pace. We had not opted for the camel cart ride. A leisurely morning unfolded, culminating in a sumptuous breakfast – the perfect fuel for an afternoon packed with activities! Who needed a siesta when such exciting adventures awaited? We were buzzing with anticipation!

Post-lunch, our luxurious bus appeared, ready to whisk us away to the legendary city of Bikaner! After all, having journeyed to the serene Gajner, a rendezvous with its vibrant neighbour was an absolute must!

1. THE LALLGARH PALACE

We left for Bikaner soon after lunch. Soon, the initial gentle bumps of the Gajner roads gave way to the smooth road on the highway to Bikaner. A mere 30 kilometres later, we arrived at our first jewel, the magnificent Lallgarh Palace! 

The entry to Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner

The magnificent Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner

Oh my goodness, what a sight! This red sandstone marvel stood proud, whispering tales of Rajputana grandeur, British elegance, and Mughal artistry all intertwined. It was crafted nearly two centuries ago, with the visionary Sir Swinton Jacob as its principal architect.

 2. SHRI SADUL SINGH JI MUSEUM

Within the palace walls, we discovered the treasure trove, the Shri Sadul Singh ji Museum. The Museum is a heartfelt tribute to the former ruler of Bikaner, Sir Sadul Singh ji, son of Maharaja Ganga Singh, who ruled up to 1950 and was the first to accede to India in 1949. Don't let its size fool you – this museum was an Aladdin's cave of history! Royal finery, gleaming weapons, antique vessels, vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, ancient coins – the sheer variety of the exhibits was breathtaking! We could have happily lost ourselves in its stories for an entire day. But the clock was ticking on this sunny afternoon, urging us to soak in as much as possible.

Returning to our bus, we found our water bottles depleted and our throats parched. Just then, a glorious sight appeared – a big cooler filled with ice-cold drinks, including the universally adored Amul Chhach! Once again, a silent cheer erupted for our incredible organizing team, whose meticulous care and attention to detail were outstanding. Two packs of refreshing chhach went down the throat, and the world felt much better! Our vigilant bus monitor counted heads and ensured everyone was back on board, and we continued with our Bikaner adventure!

3. NATIONAL CAMEL RESEARCH CENTRE

The young ones were happy romping around.

A short 10-kilometre hop brought us to the fascinating National Camel Research Centre! Well, in the heart of the desert, the camel truly reigns supreme! Its importance here is undeniable, especially considering our long border with Pakistan, where these incredible creatures are the ultimate all-terrain means of transport, capable of traversing arid landscapes for days without water.

At the Camel Farm, a whole new world unfolded! We learned about the four distinct breeds – Bikaneri, Kachchhi, Jaisalmeri and Marwari! Each, we discovered, possessed unique qualities and capabilities, making them special. 

All the four varieties of camels are bred and trained here.

The centre was home to multitudes of these gentle giants, each breed diligently fulfilling its specific purpose. There were Bikaneri, Kachhi, Jaisalmeri and Mewari breeds. We even got a peek into the breeding and training facilities! 

This camel won the title of Miss Rajasthan in a Camel Beauty Contest.

The highlight of this visit? Meeting the former Miss Rajasthan from the Camel Beauty Contest! Though age had caught up with the poor dear, and a touch of cataract clouded her vision, her regal charm was still evident. Today's lesson in camel-ology was highly enriching! We gained a newfound appreciation for their breeding, training, and vital role in Rajasthan's desert life, both commercially and for national security. 

 

The price list of items sold

A quick visit to the centre's showroom revealed a delightful array of camel-centric products! Camel milk (reputed to be a boon for diabetes!), creamy camel milk soap, soft shawls woven from camel wool, stylish bags and purses of camel skin, and even unique jewellery crafted from camel bones! Suddenly, everyone's inner shopper sprang to life!

With the sun beginning its descent, we made a beeline for our bus, replenishing our energy with chilled chhach and refreshing cold drinks. Our next stop was the revered Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, about 30 kilometres away. This temple, with its immense following, holds a unique distinction – it is home to a multitude of rats, considered sacred and allowed to roam freely! We were gently instructed to shuffle our feet rather than walk to avoid accidentally stepping on these tiny residents of the temple. Let me tell you, a little jump may have been involved when one scurried over my foot! While almost all the rodents sported a dark coat, a glimpse of a rare white rat is considered incredibly auspicious. One of our fellow travellers actually saw one and considered herself very fortunate. Alas! I had no such luck.

4. KARNI MATA TEMPLE

Our next stop was the revered Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, about 30 kilometres away. This temple, with its immense following, holds a unique distinction – it is home to a multitude of rats, considered sacred and allowed to roam freely! We were gently instructed to shuffle our feet rather than walk to avoid accidentally stepping on these tiny residents of the temple. Let me tell you, a little jump may have been involved when one scurried over my foot!  

While almost all the rodents sported a dark coat, a glimpse of a rare white rat is considered incredibly auspicious. One of our fellow travellers actually saw one and considered herself very fortunate. Alas! I had no such luck. Photography inside the temple was prohibited, a rule I was happy to abide by.

Karni Mata temple as seen from the main road

The entry to Karni Mata Temple

5. KARNI BHAWAN HOTEL

Karni Bhawan Hotel, Bikaner

Rajasthani folk artist displaying their skills

Our temple visit over, we reached the welcoming Karni Bhawan Hotel in Bikaner, the sister concern of Gajner Palace. A delectable buffet awaited us on the sprawling lawn, serenaded by vibrant rhythms and graceful movements of local folk dancers and musicians.

Utterly content after a day packed with exploration under the warm afternoon sun and a satisfying feast, we finally reached the tranquil terrain of Gajner to spend the night.

The following morning, we will bid farewell to this enchanting corner of Rajasthan, our flight to Delhi carrying not just our luggage but a treasure trove of unforgettable memories, new friendships forged, hearts brimming with nostalgia, and a wealth of rich experiences. What a magnificent and memorable adventure it was! It will always remain in our hearts as a cherished memory. 

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