Bikaner as a town has always fascinated me. The old ruins in every corner, villagers talking in their crisp and rustic language, excellent lassi and other sweets in every corner - this is how I will remember Bikaner best when I move away for this place.
The most surprising thing about Bikaner I find are the monuments. Breathtaking monuments are present in every turning and every corner and they look magnificent. The rulers of Bikaner sure did a good job in making the monuments.
Talking about the rulers I was quite surprised to learn that my Great-Grandfather, Mr. M.U Menon was the private secretary of Maharaja Ganga Singh. My Grandmother was even born here. So one can say that I have once again entered Bikaner to search out my roots.
However leaving aside the rulers and the monuments, one more equation which continue to impress and interest me are the mithai (sweet) shops. When I enter Rani Bazaar one thing which completely takes up my attention are the hordes of shops selling all kind of sweets and also the usuals such as the samsoas and other delicacies.
My advice to those who are visiting Bikaner is:
1) Travel leisurely. Don't just come for 2 days trying to see all the places in a hectic schedule and then in the last realise that you don't remember anything. Come for 1 week atleast and enjoy the sites fully.
2) Ditch your car/guide whatever, hire a cycle, buy a map and go for a exploring trip. You won't regret this (unless you are in no shape to cycle).
3) Don't eat at that Five Star hotel. Instead try the dhabba ouside.
I can just keep on giving advice on how to enjoy yourself in Bikaner. But the golden rule is follow your heart and have a blast.
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