Overview
About Bikaner
Bikaner is a desert city in the north of Rajasthan, founded in the late 15th century by Rao Bika, a prince of the Rathore clan of Jodhpur. It grew rich as a stop on the caravan routes across the Thar, and that prosperity is visible in its formidable Junagarh Fort, its red sandstone palaces and the carved havelis built by wealthy merchant families in the old walled city.
Unlike many Rajasthani forts, Junagarh sits on flat ground rather than a hilltop, protected instead by a moat and massive walls. Inside, generations of rulers added richly painted halls, mirrored chambers and courtyards. Outside the fort, the old city is a lively, unhurried place of narrow lanes, temples, sweet shops and namkeen makers whose bhujia has made the name Bikaner famous across India.
The surrounding desert has its own attractions. Camels are central to life here, and the city hosts a national research centre devoted to them, as well as a colourful camel festival each winter. A short drive away at Deshnoke, the Karni Mata Temple is known throughout the country for the thousands of rats that live within it and are revered by devotees.
- Junagarh Fort
- Bikaneri bhujia
- Karni Mata Temple
- Camel festival
- Merchant havelis
- Usta art
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Bikaner
Forts & Palaces
Junagarh Fort
A massive fort in the heart of the city with a long line of palaces inside, including the gilded Anup Mahal and the painted Badal Mahal. Guided tours cover the main halls and museum.
Lalgarh Palace
An early 20th-century palace of red sandstone built for Maharaja Ganga Singh, with lattice screens, courtyards and a museum in part of the building.
Gajner Palace and Lake
About 30 km from the city, a former royal hunting lodge set on a lake and surrounded by scrub forest.
Heritage & Old City
Rampuria Havelis
A cluster of merchant mansions in the old city, built of red sandstone and decorated with intricate carvings.
Old City Bazaars
The lanes inside Kote Gate are packed with shops selling bhujia, sweets, textiles and household goods.
Temples
Bhandasar Jain Temple
A beautiful 15th-century Jain temple known for its frescoes, mirror work and gold-leaf paintings.
Laxminath Temple
One of the oldest temples in Bikaner, located close to Bhandasar in the old city.
Desert Experiences
National Research Centre on Camel
A camel breeding and research farm on the outskirts of the city, where you can see different breeds and try camel-milk products.
Nearby Excursions
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
About 30 km from Bikaner, this marble temple is home to thousands of rats considered sacred. Spotting a rare white rat is believed to be lucky.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Bikaner
- 1
Tour Junagarh Fort
Take a guided tour to understand the history behind each palace and see the painted ceilings, mirror work and armoury.
- 2
Taste fresh bhujia and sweets
Visit the old-city namkeen shops for bhujia, papad and rasgullas made fresh through the day.
- 3
Attend the camel festival
Held in winter, usually in January, the festival features camel parades, decorated camels, folk music and competitions.
- 4
Take a camel safari
Short camel rides and desert camps on the edges of the city offer a taste of the Thar at sunset.
- 5
Walk the haveli lanes
Wander the old quarter to admire the carved facades of the Rampuria and other merchant havelis.
- 6
Visit Deshnoke
Combine the Karni Mata Temple with the camel research centre for an unusual half-day outing.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit Bikaner is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
28°C to 46°C
Fiercely hot, with dust storms and scorching afternoons. Sightseeing is only practical very early in the morning.
Monsoon
July to September
26°C to 38°C
Rainfall is scanty and it remains warm and humid. The desert sees a brief spell of greenery after the showers.
Winter
October to March
5°C to 27°C
The best season, with sunny days and cold nights. It is the time of the camel festival and the most comfortable weather for desert camps.
Getting there
How to Reach Bikaner
By Air
Bikaner Airport at Nal, about 15 km from the city, has a small number of domestic flights. Jodhpur Airport, about 250 km away, and Jaipur International Airport, about 330 km away, offer many more options.
By Rail
Bikaner Junction is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and several other cities, with overnight trains being a convenient way to arrive.
By Road
Bikaner is about 250 km from Jodhpur, about 330 km from Jaipur and about 450 km from Delhi by road. Rajasthan Roadways and private buses run frequently, and it pairs well with Jaisalmer on a desert circuit.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Bikaner
Bikaneri bhujia
The city's famous crunchy snack made from moth bean and gram flour, spiced with pepper and other masalas.
Bikaneri rasgulla
Spongy, syrup-soaked sweets that are another speciality of the city's confectioners.
Ker sangri
A desert dish made from dried wild berries and beans, cooked with spices and often eaten with bajra roti.
Kachori
Hot, spicy kachoris filled with lentils or onion, a popular morning snack.
Ghevar
A honeycomb-like sweet soaked in syrup and topped with rabri, especially popular during the monsoon festivals.
What to Buy in Bikaner
- Bikaneri bhujia and papad
- Usta art items with gold embossing
- Hand-knotted carpets and woollen durries
- Lacquerware and bandhej textiles
Travel Tips for Bikaner
- Remove footwear before entering the Karni Mata Temple, and be prepared to walk among the rats.
- Carry warm clothing for winter evenings, as desert nights get cold.
- Hire a guide at Junagarh Fort to make sense of its many palaces.
- Avoid the peak summer months, when daytime heat can be dangerous.
FAQs
Bikaner Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Bikaner?
October to March is the best time to visit Bikaner, when the weather is cool and the camel festival takes place. Summer is extremely hot.
How many days are enough for Bikaner?
Two days are enough to see Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, the old city havelis and temples, the camel research centre and the Karni Mata Temple.
What is Bikaner famous for?
Bikaner is famous for Junagarh Fort, its bhujia and rasgullas, the Karni Mata rat temple at Deshnoke, its camels and the annual camel festival.
How far is Karni Mata Temple from Bikaner?
The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke is about 30 km from Bikaner, roughly a 45-minute drive.
When is the Bikaner Camel Festival held?
The Bikaner Camel Festival is usually held in January, with exact dates announced each year by Rajasthan Tourism.
Can I combine Bikaner with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur?
Yes. Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur form a popular desert circuit in western Rajasthan, linked by road and rail.
