Bikaner

Nestled in the Thar Desert in the middle of Rajasthan, Bikaner is an intriguing and beautiful city with magnificent forts, grand palaces, historic havelis, colourful bazaars and rich culinary traditions. The city was established by Rao Bika in 1488 and became an important city along the ancient caravan routes of the desert region. The imposing Junagarh Fort is a beautiful reflection of Bikaner's heritage, with its richly decorated interiors showcasing a unique mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Gujarati architectural elements. The city also has Lalgarh Palace, Rampuria Havelis and the rare Karni Mata Temple at nearby Deshnoke. Bikaner also has its own traditional cuisine and sweets, most prominently, Bikaneri Bhujia, which is a popular snack worldwide. In addition to its monuments, the city gives the traveller an authentic taste of desert culture by its colorful markets and handicrafts, camel tradition, folk music and its local cuisine. Bikaner has a more quaint and distinctly cultural side of Rajasthan, from exploring royal palaces and intricately carved havelis to desert landscapes and experiencing the taste of authentic Rajasthani flavours.

Best Time to Visit Bikaner
October to March is the best time to visit Bikaner, as the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Forts, palaces, markets and desert attractions are a great way to spend winter. The cooler nights are also great for enjoying local food and activities. The summers (April to June) are very warm, but can have occasional rain and cooler temperatures in the monsoon season.

Bikaner: Places, Experiences & Food
Places to Visit in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort
Lalgarh Palace
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Rampuria Havelis
Karni Mata Temple
Gajner Palace
Gajner Lake
Prachina Museum
National Research Centre on Camel
Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Shiv Bari Temple
Devi Kund Sagar
Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple
Kote Gate

Things to Do in Bikaner

Explore Junagarh Fort
Admire the architecture of Rampuria Havelis
Visit Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke
Explore the old city
Shop at Kote Gate Market
Visit the National Research Centre on Camel
Experience a camel ride
Explore Gajner Palace and Lake
Discover traditional Rajasthani handicrafts
Visit Bikaner’s historic Jain temples
Enjoy a heritage walk
Experience local folk music and cultural performances
Try authentic Bikaneri snacks
Explore the city’s traditional bazaars
Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal

What to Eat in Bikaner

Bikaneri Bhujia
Bikaneri Kachori
Pyaaz Kachori
Rasgulla
Ghewar
Dal Baati Churma
Gatte Ki Sabzi
Ker Sangri
Bajre Ki Roti
Papad Ki Sabzi
Mirchi Vada
Makhaniya Lassi
Rabri
Malpua
Rajasthani Thali

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport is Civil Airport at Jodhpur, which is 253 km away.

By Road

The bus stand is north of the city centre. There are frequent express buses to Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Barmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur.

By Rail

Bikaner has railway connections to several destinations in India including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Churu, Jodhpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati etc.

Attractions In Bikaner

Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort is one among the foremost decorated forts in India and houses opulent palaces that offer you a peek into the lives and times of the maharajas of Bikaner. Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, this one has not been built on a high rock and has lower ramparts and towers. this is often indicative of the very fact that it had been built more for luxury than defense. The fortified complex house...

Lalgarh Palace

Lalgarh Palace is an architectural masterpiece showcasing the right blend of Rajputana, European and Mughal architecture. the outside of this palace, built with sandstone, has an Indian influence, while the inside , replete with drawing rooms, smoking rooms, grand halls, lounges, pavilions and cards rooms, boast a quintessential British style. The complex of the palace features magnificent pillars...

Deshnok

Deshnok is legendary for the temple of Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Famed because the rat temple, as rats and mice are worshipped, it’s one among India’s most fascinating temples that pulls devotees from everywhere the planet . The temple houses as many as 25,000 rats who are referred to as Kaabas. it’s considered highly auspicious to possess...

Camel breeding farm

Bikaner is that the ideal spot to experience the unconventional. the simplest of those is that the Camel Breeding Farm, located on the outskirts of the town . it’s referred to as Government Camel Breeding Farm and is supposedly one among the most important camel reproduction farms in Asia. cover a neighborhood of two ,000 acre, this farm may be a beautiful expanse. The sight of camel calves...

Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary

Set amid serene and picturesque surroundings, Gajner Palace sprawls over a neighborhood of 6,000 acre. Situated on the banks of the serene Gajner Lake, its architectural beauty is delightful. it’s a perfect spot to enjoys boat rides, sanctuary dinners, desert safaris and pleasant nature-walks. Gajner Palace was founded by Maharaja Gaj Singh (1746-1787) of Bikaner in 1784 then completed by th...

Karni Mata mandir

Famed because the rat temple, Karni Mata Mandir draws devotees and tourists from far and wide. The much revered temple is devoted to Goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple houses as many as 25,000 rats who are referred to as Kaabas. it’s considered highly auspicious to possess a white Kaaba meet your feet as they’re believed to be the sons...

Kolayat

Kolayat is one among the foremost visited religious sites in Rajasthan that’s famed for the holy Kolayat Lake. There are several temples near the lake but the foremost famous of them is that the Kapil Muni Temple. Legend has it that Kapil Muni, the advocate of Shankya Yoga, was smitten with Kolayat’s peaceful vibe and administered a penance for the development of the planet . The place...