Places to Visit in Bikaner

Located in the northwestern part of Rajasthan, Bikaner is a land of colorful culture, imposing palaces, and desert excursions. Established in 1488 by Rao Bika, the walled city even today resonates with the legends of its martial history and royal splendor. As compared to the rest of Rajasthan, Bikaner has a rustic, unspoiled quality where the streets continue to be flanked by centuries-old havelis, crowded bazaars, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Usually eclipsed by its more popular neighbors, Bikaner provides a genuine and less-touristy look at Rajasthan's heritage. Whether you're interested in architecture, attracted to mystic temples, or simply wish to experience camel country, this desert gem is an adventure waiting to happen.

Popular Sites in Bikaner

The following are the top 18–20 places to visit in Bikaner:

1. Junagarh Fort

Unlike the majority of forts in Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort is constructed on the plains and not on a hill. It has 37 palaces, temples, and pavilions that feature intricate carvings, ornate balconies, and courtyards that reflect Mughal, Gujarati, and Rajputana influences.

2. Karni Mata Temple (Temple of Rats)

Situated in Deshnok, 30 km from Bikaner, this temple is notoriously home to thousands of rats that are considered holy. Seeing a white rat here is said to be very auspicious.

3 . Gajner Palace

Formerly a hunting lodge for Bikaner royalty, Gajner Palace is situated on the banks of a peaceful lake and now operates as a heritage hotel. Boat rides, bird-watching, and sunset over the lake are yours to enjoy.

4 . Lallgarh Palace

A mix of European and Rajput architecture, the red sandstone palace today is occupied by a hotel and museum. The Shri Sadul Singh Museum within features vintage photos and rare artifacts from the royal era.

5 . Rampuria Havelis

 Dubbed the "pride of Bikaner", these opulent merchant havelis boast more than 400 years of architectural ornamentation—with balconies and frescoes and jharokhas carved out that match royal palaces.

6 . National Research Centre on Camel

One-of-a-kind camel institute featuring different breeds and describing their significance in desert life. Sample camel milk-based products such as ice cream and lassi during your visit.

7.Bikaner Camel Festival

This festival, held every year in January, is a vibrant presentation of camel dances, camel races, beauty contests, and folk music of Rajasthan. It honors the contribution of camels to desert society.

8.Bhandasar Jain Temple

This 15th-century temple is dedicated to Sumatinath, the 5th Jain Tirthankara. It's famous for leaf paintings and mirror work. Traditions have it that the foundation was laid with clarified butter rather than water.

9. Royal Cenotaphs (Devi Kund Sagar)

Just on the outskirts of the city, these chhatris (cenotaphs) are where the royal family of Bikaner are cremated. Marble and sandstone cenotaphs are rich in carvings that feature epics and tales of the kings.

10. Kodamdesar Temple

 Constructed by Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, this ancient temple of Bhairu Ji has links with mysticism and tantric practices. This temple has significant religious importance locally.

11. Sadul Singh Museum

This museum at Lallgarh Palace is in memory of the three erstwhile Maharajas—Ganga Singh, Karni Singh, and Sadul Singh. It has personal belongings, trophies, royal attire, and unusual photographs.

12. Shiv Bari Temple

Built using red sandstone and encircled by defensive walls, this Lord Shiva temple is sanctified due to its architecture and the huge Nandi statue opposite the Shiva Linga.

13.Ganga Singh Museum

Situated at the Public Park, it is home to a great collection of terracotta, pottery, paintings, weaponry, and Harappan antiquities, perfectly suited for the archaeology and history enthusiasts.

14. Prachina Museum

 Depicting the life style of Bikaner royal members, the museum showcases costumes, perfumes, crockery, and objects of art. A small impressive collection.

15.Laxmi Niwas Palace

Constructed as part of the Lallgarh complex, this erstwhile home of Maharaja Ganga Singh is currently used as a luxury hotel. Its golden-leaf ceilings, domes inside, and old-world atmosphere render it a visual treat.

16. Sursagar Lake

This man-made lake was constructed in order to address water problems, but today it's a peaceful picnic area and the ideal place for an early morning stroll or boat ride.

17. Desert Safari

Venture off the beaten path with a camel or jeep safari into the Thar Desert, traveling through villages, sand dunes, and secret temples. Evening safaris sometimes feature music, dance, and Rajasthani cuisine.

18. Station Road Market

A lively local market where you can buy traditional jootis, tie-dye clothing, leather items, wooden carvings, and souvenirs.

19. Kote Gate Market

A gateway to the ancient city, Kote Gate is renowned for camel hide objects, Bikaneri bhujia, antique objects, and miniature paintings. The street is filled with colorful local shopkeepers.

20. Kolayat

Approximately 40 km from here lies Kolayat, a sacred town boasting a holy lake, ghats, and temples. It's also the site of the Kapil Muni Fair, celebrated during Kartik Purnima.

 Things to Do and Travel Experience in Bikaner

These are the top 12 activities to experience Bikaner fully:

1. Discover Junagarh Fort's Hidden Corners

From marble courtyards to painted ceilings and battle relics, Junagarh is a stroll through centuries of royal dominance.

2. Watch the Camel Festival (Jan)

See camel parades, acrobatics, and cultural performances at this one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the desert's most faithful friend.

3.Taste Bikaneri Bhujia

Don't miss trying this world-famous crispy snack, which made Bikaner famous for its cuisine.

4. Take a Heritage Walk along Rampuria Havelis

Walk around these elaborate mansions in the old city and take Instagram-worthy pictures of some of Rajasthan's most beautiful non-royal architecture.

5. Sunset at Gajner Lake

Take a boat ride or sit back in the palace as sunshine plays over peaceful waters, frequented by migratory birds.

6. Ride a Camel in the Desert

Book a night safari with camel rides, folk shows, and starlight dining.

7. Camel Breeding Farm

Sample camel milk kulfi and see various breeds of camels. It's educational and a fun family photo stop.

8. Shop Local Markets

Purchase leather mojris, camel bone items, wooden bangles, and brightly colored fabrics—each a slice of desert life to bring home.

9. Local Cuisine

Pulse local cuisine such as ker sangri, papad ki sabzi, dal baati churma, and desserts such as camel milk-made rasgullas.

10. Take an Evening Aarti at Karni Mata Temple

Feel the religious vibes as chantings and bell rung pervade the air—a spiritual experience par excellence (accompanied by some rats scrambling around as well!).

11. Palace Hotel Stay

Become the king/rani at stays like Laxmi Niwas Palace or Gajner Palace, where past converges with welcome.

12. Capture the Doors & Windows of Bikaner

From temples to havelis, Bikaner's older structures boast some of India's most intricate wooden doors and windows, perfect for architectural photography.