Why Visit Bikaner?
Bikaner, the desert jewel of Rajasthan, is often overlooked by tourists rushing between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. But this historic city founded by Rao Bika in 1488 has a character all its own — magnificent forts built without any natural elevation, ornate sandstone havelis, a living temple dedicated to rats, and some of the best snacks in all of Rajasthan. Here are the top 15 places you absolutely must visit.
1. Junagarh Fort
Unlike most Rajasthani forts built on hills, Junagarh Fort sits on flat ground in the heart of Bikaner city. Built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, this fort is a masterpiece of Rajasthani architecture with 37 palaces, temples, and pavilions inside its walls.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (daily)
- Entry Fee: Rs 50 (Indians), Rs 300 (Foreigners); Audio guide available
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Anup Mahal (gold-painted chambers), Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Karan Mahal, and the arms museum
The intricate mirror work, gold leaf painting, and Italian tiles inside are breathtaking. This is Bikaner's number one attraction and should be your first stop.
2. Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok)
Located 30 km from Bikaner in the town of Deshnok, this famous temple is dedicated to Karni Mata and is home to over 20,000 black rats (called kaba) that are considered sacred. Spotting a white rat is considered extremely auspicious.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free (camera fee Rs 20-40)
- Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours (including travel from Bikaner)
- How to Reach: Take a taxi from Bikaner (30-minute drive). Luxury Tour & Travels Bikaner offers Deshnok round trips starting from Rs 800.
3. Lalgarh Palace & Museum
This stunning red sandstone palace was built between 1902 and 1926 by Maharaja Ganga Singh. It blends Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Part of the palace is now a heritage hotel (Laxmi Niwas Palace), while the Shri Sadul Museum inside showcases royal memorabilia.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Museum closed on Sundays)
- Entry Fee: Rs 30 (Indians), Rs 100 (Foreigners)
- Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
4. Rampuria Haveli Street
A narrow lane in the old city lined with magnificent merchant havelis built in the 15th-18th centuries. The red and golden sandstone facades feature jharokhas (overhanging balconies), intricate carvings, and lattice windows. This is Bikaner's most photographed spot.
- Timings: Best visited in early morning or late afternoon for photography
- Entry Fee: Free (external viewing); some havelis charge Rs 20-50
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Location: Near Kotwali, Old City area
5. Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 32 km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer highway, this beautiful lakeside palace was the former hunting lodge of Bikaner's Maharajas. The surrounding sanctuary has migratory birds (winter), desert foxes, bluebull (nilgai), and blackbuck. The palace is now a heritage hotel.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 50 (Indians); Boating extra
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
6. National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC)
India's only camel research farm, located 10 km from the city on the Jaisalmer Road. You can see different camel breeds, enjoy camel milk ice cream, lassi, and chai, and learn about camel conservation. A unique Bikaner experience.
- Timings: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Mon-Sat); closed Sundays
- Entry Fee: Rs 50; Camel ride Rs 100
- Time Needed: 1.5 hours
7. Bhandasar Jain Temple
A 15th-century Jain temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinath. The interiors are painted with stunning murals and the temple is believed to have ghee (clarified butter) mixed into its foundation. Located in the old city.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
8. Laxmi Nath Temple
One of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Bikaner, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan). Located near the Junagarh Fort area, this temple is a center of daily worship for locals.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
9. Sadul Singh Museum (Lalgarh Palace)
Inside Lalgarh Palace, this museum houses an impressive collection of royal photographs, shikar (hunting) trophies, miniature paintings, war weapons, and personal items of the Bikaner royal family. The reading room has a fine collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts.
10. Shiv Bari Temple
A red sandstone Shiva temple built by Maharaja Dungar Singh in the 19th century, located about 6 km from the city centre on the Jaipur Road. Known for its large Shivling and peaceful surroundings — a perfect morning visit.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
11. Kodamdeshwar Temple
An ancient temple located near Kolayat (about 50 km from Bikaner). The Kolayat Lake area is an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Kolayat Fair held on Kartik Purnima. The serene lake surrounded by temples is a peaceful retreat.
12. Old City Market & Kote Gate
The bustling old city market around Kote Gate is the commercial heart of Bikaner. Famous for Bikaner's legendary snacks — bhujia, papad, rasgulla, and the iconic Bikaner mishri mawa. Must-visit shops include Bhikharam Chandmal (original bhujia shop) and Chhappan Bhog sweets.
13. Devi Kund Sagar (Royal Cenotaphs)
Located 8 km east of Bikaner, this is the royal cremation ground with ornate cenotaphs (chhatris) of Bikaner's rulers. The sandstone cenotaphs with their Rajput architecture and peaceful setting make for excellent photography.
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs 25
- Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour
14. Prachina Museum
Located inside Junagarh Fort complex, this museum displays royal costumes, textiles, crockery, and lifestyle items from the Bikaner royal household. Gives fascinating insight into the opulent life of Rajput royalty.
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 40
15. Camel Safari in Thar Desert
No visit to Bikaner is complete without a desert camel safari. Various operators offer 1-hour, half-day, and overnight safaris into the Thar Desert from villages around Bikaner. You ride through sand dunes, visit desert hamlets, and enjoy Rajasthani food under the stars.
Tips for Tourists
- The best time to visit Bikaner is October to March when the weather is pleasant (15-25 degrees Celsius).
- For sightseeing, hire a full-day taxi from Luxury Tour & Travels Bikaner — they offer Bikaner city tour packages starting from Rs 1,800 covering all major attractions. Call +91-8949357492.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — Junagarh Fort involves a lot of walking.
- Carry sunscreen and a hat, even in winter the sun can be strong.
- Try the local food: Bikaner bhujia, dal-baati-churma, rasgulla, and kachori.
हिंदी में जानकारी
बीकानेर राजस्थान का एक ऐतिहासिक शहर है जिसकी स्थापना 1488 में राव बीका ने की थी। यहाँ के प्रमुख दर्शनीय स्थल हैं — जूनागढ़ किला (प्रवेश 50 रुपये, समय 10 बजे से 5:30 बजे तक), करणी माता मंदिर देशनोक (30 किमी दूर, मुफ्त प्रवेश), लालगढ़ पैलेस, रामपुरिया हवेलियाँ, गजनेर पैलेस, ऊँट अनुसंधान केंद्र (ऊँटनी के दूध की आइसक्रीम ज़रूर चखें), भंडासर जैन मंदिर, शिवबाड़ी मंदिर, कोट गेट बाज़ार (भुजिया और मिश्री मावा के लिए), और देवीकुंड सागर। बीकानेर घूमने का सबसे अच्छा समय अक्टूबर से मार्च है। पूरे शहर का टूर करने के लिए Luxury Tour & Travels बीकानेर से टैक्सी बुक करें — +91-8949357492।