Khimsar Hotel Booking India - Khimsar History and Excursions

Khimsar Hotel Booking India - Khimsar History and Excursions

Khimsar History

This Khimsar Hotel has been created withinin Khimsar Fort which was started in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, eighth son of the founder of Khimsar Rao Jodha, because it was roughly half way between Khimsar where one brother resided and and Bikaner, the fiefdom of another brother.

The house of the Karamsot Rathors, founded by Rao Karamsji, has since survived turbulent times and today the 21st direct descendant of Rao Karamsji still resides in Khimsar fort.

Adjoining the fort are the ruins of Fateh Mahal, named after Fateh Pir Baba, a Sufi saint revered by the royal family. This saint was buried next to the fort while the Fateh Mahal was being built. Subsequent building activities were abandoned as the ruling chieftain died during the ongoing construction, leading the family to believe that Fateh Pir Baba's spirit was being disturbed.

Khimsar Excursions

There are camel and horse safaris to the neighbouring village or the sand dunes.

A day trip to Bikaner, 150 km away takes in other areas of interest on the way such as the Jain Temples at Osian, Nagaur Fort, and the Rat Temple at Deshnoke.

Jeep safari to the Blackbuck Reserve 15 km away.

Picnic atop the Panchala sand dunes is best at sunset.

There are many historic places to visit in or near Bikaner (150 km)

Tourist Attractions (in Bikaner)

Tourist Attractions (near Bikaner) )

Junagarh Fort)

The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, who reigned from 1571 to 1612. He was granted territory in Gujurat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. Rai Singh held high rank in the imperial courts of both Akbar and his successor, Jehangir. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace)

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 in the Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The building features magnificent pillars, elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still live in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the WelcomHeritage Group.

Laxmi Nath Temple)

Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. The foundation of the city was laid here in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. The temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and was added to by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Shiv Bari Temple)

Built from red sandstone by Dungar Singh in the late 19th century, the temple is surrounded by a wall with battlements. It has a four faced black marble statue of Shiva and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam. There are also two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris. The temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (August) especially on Mondays.

Kolayat)

Kolayat is a famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni who, according to his devotees, sat in meditation near the lake.

Karni Mata Temple)

The shrine of Karni Mata can be found in the town of Deshnoke 30 km south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.