| two entrances which were built to protect from any interferences. The palaces enclosed in the fort are made in red sandstone and marble, make a striking ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure creating it a complexed but grand looking construction.
The east facing entrance to the fort is Karan Pol [gate] and Suraj Pol as the sun gate right next to it. Within the Fort premises, some of the pretty constructions are :
Anup Mahal - is famous for it's gold leaf painting,
Karan Mahal - built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb, Phool Mahal - is decorated with inset mirror work, Chandra Mahal - has exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls.
The Har Mandir - is a majestic temple for the royal family.
Ganga Niwas, Durbar Hall, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Chini Burj.
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Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum:
The museum is located near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner and celebrated its 50 years in 1937. The richest collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins are displayed here. The exhibits of paintings and sculptures are splendid master pieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushna period. Separate sections put on view paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry.
Seven life size paintings of the king and his contemporary dignitaries were painted by master painters like Mr. A.H.Mullar, Mr. James Genthric and Mr. William Orphan.
Lalgarh Palace:
This architectural masterpiece in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942 A.D.) in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902 AD. The palace has attractive lattice work and filigree work. Several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions have been designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob. This fort is stylized with different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles which can be categorized as Indo-Seresanic style. Magnificent pillars, intricately carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, add richness to the place. The palace has it's own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world). Lalgarh Palace depicts the lives of three successive kings - Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh through an assortment of artifacts and photographs demonstrated in 22 rooms.
Bhandaser Jain Temple:
This 15th. Century temple is dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji, the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. It is reported that pure ghee and coconuts were used in laying the foundation of this temple. Red sandstone and white marble creates a base for some exquisite carvings and wall paintings found here.
Camel Research Centre:
The National Research Centre on Camel is located 10 kms away from the city and spread across 2000 acres of semi arid land . The Centre is managed by the Central Government. The Centre was successful in discovering the genetic discrepancy within and between camel breeds using molecular markers. Different varieties of Camels are bred and maintained with great care here. These camels are sold in the cattle fairs of Bikaner and Jaisalmer where you will find them richly decorated with mirrors and colors.
Laxmi Nath Temple:
Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner and had its foundation laid by Rao Bikaji in 1488 A.D and later developed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. The temple celebrates some superb archeological skills of artists and artisans. Vishnu and Laxmi are the idols worshiped here.
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