Bikaner was founded in the 15th century by Rao Bikaji, the son of the Rathor raja of Marwar (Jodhpur). Bikaji was the second son of Rao Jodhaji, the real founder of Jodhpur state, its magnificent fort and city, Bika left Jodhpur in a huff with a few kinsmen and followers because his father taunted him in open durbar about expansionist schemes with his uncle, Rao Kandhal. He set up his own kingdom in the desert of the north. Supported by the blessing of a great female mystic, Karni Mata, whom he had met along the way and who had predicted that his fame and glory would someday exceed that of his father, Rao Bika fought the local desert clans for thirty years, and ultimately carved out a kingdom approximately the size of England. This desert city was a major trade center on the old caravan route linking central Asia and North India with the Gujarat sea ports long before a Rathor Prince, Bika, conquered it in 1486 A.D. and called it Bikaner.

Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvelous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels, and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal, Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within.

The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Part of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum. The museum covers the entire first floor of the palace and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.5.00(closed on Wednesday).

It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terra-cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins. The exhibits are splendid masterpieces of Harappan civilization, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. Timings 10.00 hr. to 16.30 hr. Entry fee Rs.3.00(closed on Friday).
The museum has a separate section displaying exclusive arts and crafts of the region.