Climate : Extreme and typical desert type with hot days and cool nights. The maximum and minimum temperatures in summer generally vary between 43°C and 28°C. The winter maximum and minimum are around 24 °C and 5°C respectively.
Average annual rainfall: 10 inches
Population : approx. 530,000
Languages Spoken : Hindi, Marwari, English
Best time to visit : Preferable to travel during the winter months, as summer is a real scorcher. September to March is the right time.
Bikaner was established by Bika Ji in 1459 A.D. Bika Ji chose a barren land called "Jungladesh",formed it into a remarkable city, and called it Bikaner . This task was achieved in establishing his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas' with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers. When Bika Ji died in 1504 his rule had flourished over 3000 villages.
Bikaner used to be situated directly on the ancient caravan routes between Africa and West Asia.The city has broadened it economical horizons in various industrial areas with global presence. Bikaner wool, Gypsum, Plaster of Paris and Bentonite are few minerals found here. Bikaner is a trade centre for wool, hides, building stone, salt, blankets and grain.
Bikaneri woolen shawls, blankets, carpets. The city has electrical and mechanical engineering works, railway workshops, and factories that manufacture glass, pottery, felts, chemicals, shoes, and cigarettes.
Bikaner is also called the “Camel Country”. The city has one of the largest Camel research and breeding farm in the world. Camels are not only used for pulling water off the well but for transportation of food material, caravans and safaris.
Due to scanty water even though Indira Gandhi Canal brings in relief to the dry land, not much of irrigation takes place. Bajra (pearl millet), Jowar (sorghum), and Pulses are the chief crops.
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