Sunday 13: We are heading west, out towards Pakistan and into increasing arid lands. Bikaner (b-kan-eer) was a stopover on the way to Jaisalmer, to break the long journey. We stayed here just one night, in another palace partly converted to a hotel, and visited the local historic Junagarh Fort in the morning before setting out for Jaisalmer.
For most days we went sight-seeing we were joined by a "local guide" who was there to provide a more in-depth tour than Kuldeep might. Kuldeep later explained that they were obliged to employ these guides even if they were not very good! In practice we found most of them good, a few excellent, and one was essentially useless!
The cloud room (above) also contained a water feature on one wall which provided the sound of running water and also cooled the room.
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| Meeting our local guide for the day |
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| Inside the palace, surrounded by intricate hand-carved stonework. |
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| This family seemed to be getting a blessing from the priest behind (pink shirt). |
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| Fantastic fine hand-carved marble screens to shield the women from men's eyes below. |
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| Light chain curtain to let people through while keeping pigeons out. |
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| One of the many treasures on display in the museum in the fort. |
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| The cloud room, designed to evoke the rains during the hot season. |
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| Jewelled decoration in the maharajah's audience room. |
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| Detailed carved walnut door frame. |
