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The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval
splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. Bikaner's history
dates back to 1488 AD, when a Rathore Prince Rao Bikaji - a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 AD), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji
had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called 'Jangladesh' and transformed it to an impressive city, called
Bikaner after the founder's name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia, made it a prime trade centre in
the time of the yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, created with delicacy in reddish pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and
bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.
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