Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm
Camel Research Farm, Bikaner is a farm engaged in the research of camels. It is located about 8 km from Bikaner city in the state of Rajasthan in India. This is a one-of-a-kind institute in India. The farm is a complex of camel stables, enclosures and buildings. One can enjoy camel rides or ice cream made of camels milk. The farm permits tourists at certain hours of the day.
It is interesting to watch camel calves gamboling around and also quite spectacular when the camels return from a day out in the desert. It is also known as a Camel Breeding Farm and was established in 1984 by the central government.
The camel is an important animal component of the desert eco-system. With its unique bio-physiological characteristics, the camel has become an icon of adaptation to challenging ways of living. The proverbial Ship of Desert earned its epithet on account of its indispensability as a mode of transportation and draught power in desert but the utilities are many and are subject to continuous social and economic changes.
The camel has played a significant role in civil law and order, defense and battles from the ancient times till date. The world famous Ganga-Risala of erstwhile Bikaner State was accepted as Imperial Service Troup and participated in World War I and II. The camel helped the engineers while constructing the Indira Gandhi Canal in Western part of Rajasthan. Presently, the camel corps constitutes an important wing of Border Security Force of Indian Para-Military Services.
This National Research Center has different types of camels including Jaisalmer Camels, Mewari Camels, Bikaneri Camels, Kachchhi Breed Camels, and Desert Camels. It also comprises a museum that represents the history of the institution and numerous decorative items of camels. Apart from it, this research institute has engaged in a wide range of projects like developing electricity through camel draught ability.
This National Research Center is 8 kilometers from Bikaner City. It can be easily explored in an hour or two. The best time to visit this place is around 3 PM when the herd of 400 camels returns from their daily desert visit. It is a wonderful experience to seeing these creatures coming back in a group which is an exotic and magnificent view. Here, you will not only enjoy the entire ambiance but also spends a gala time watching the camel calves.
The authorities provide the facilities to the tourists like camel riding and Safari. There are souvenir shops and camel milk parlor for tourists within this research center. One can enjoy numerous beverages and ice-creams which are made up of camel milk. Visitors can buy beautiful handicrafts made from camel skin. There is a huge collection of camel skin bags, purses, caps, camel tooth small key chains, shawl of camel hair, and artwork made of camel bone, etc.
The nearby attractions of the National Research Centre on Camel Bikaner are Karni Mata Temple, Laxmi Nath Temple, Kote Gate, Prachina Museum, War Memorial, Junagarh Fort, Ganga Government Museum, Lalgarh Palace, Ratan Bihari and many more. Also, travelers can try local delicacies at nearby restaurants.