Bikaner

Bikaner is a late comer among the cities in Rajasthan. It was founded when the heir to the Maharaja of Jodhpura decided that he wanted his own realm in 1488. He took over the barren lands to the north of Jodhpur called Jangladesh. It is now home to the most beautiful city palace fortress complex in all of Rajasthan.

We spent our nights here at the posh Grand Maharaja Heritage Inn. A hotel based in one of the subsequent Maharajas palaces. Very nice place with soft beds, extensive grounds, and a good breakfast.

We spent our days touring the city palace and wandering the streets and alleys of the old town. The City Palace was extensive. It is still in the hands of the latest Maharaja and his family and all of the items on display are on loan. At one point a guard asked us if we wanted to see something special. He led us to a gallery of colored Belgian Glass looking over the gardens.

Entering the streets again required a rapid transition. Seems like rapid transitions and witnessing unexpected and startling things are hallmarks of our time here in India. The streets. Always chaos. Nancy demonstrates her Indian city walking skills here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B1KxVPAxZnjXCayu5
We walked through several market areas, one of which was known as the Kot Market, or cloth market. Here's a video of the place with sewing machines all lined up and taking business: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YGeJ2JYjobmLp8BK9

Later today we catch the bus for a six hour ride to Jaisalmer. Rajasthan's oldest city.Read more