Bikaner

Shopping Delights

Possibly, the lack of hi-fi shopping centres makes Bikaner an interesting shopping destination! Visit Kote Gate for a tour through the maze-like streets lined with tiny shops and stalls. This, together with MG Road and Station Road are good places to bargain for richly embroidered jootis, tie-n-dye saris, colourful trinkets and bangles and Bikaner miniature paintings. Village handicrafts can be bought at the Urmul outlet at Junagarh Fort.

Bikaner is particularly known for its Gesso work, which is made of camel hide. The hide is treated to turn transparent and then molded to create anything, rugs or photo-frames. Lacquer bangles, beaded and sequined gorbandhs as well as a wide range of cotton fabrics with sanganeri prints can be found in abundance. Check out the famous Nokha Quilts known for their light weight. Visit the Government Khadi Emporium at Mahatma Gandhi Road where you can get your hands on local blankets, rugs, carpets, wood carvings and lacquer work. Buy some beautiful kundan jewellery created by gold lines within which rich patinas of enamel are painted in.