Bikaner is one of Rajasthan’s five major cities. Rao Bikaji founded the city of Bikaner in 1486. Bikaner was once known as Jangladesh, which is an intriguing fact about its history. It was also Rajputana’s second-largest state. It was once known for its desert, but following the building of the Ganges Canal in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal in 1987, it became a lush field. Bikaner is presently recognised for its mustard, cotton, groundnuts, wheat, and vegetables, as well as its mineral mines, which include gypsum, plaster of Paris, and bentonite.
Bikaner has harsh temperatures due to its location in the Thar deserts. Temperatures in the summer can reach 50 degrees Celsius, while temperatures in the winter can fall below freezing. The average annual rainfall is 260–440 millimeters.
Bikaner is located in western Rajasthan. Thunderstorms are common after midday throughout the months of May and June. The average number of storm days per year used to be 18, but with the completion of the Indira Gandhi Canal, that number is decreasing as more area is now irrigated by canals.
The Kote Gate, which serves as the gateway to Bikaner, is one of the earliest old structures to be seen here. You may also head to Station Road and shop till you drop at this vibrant market. There is something for everyone while visiting the tourist attractions in Bikaner. There is a lot to see in Bikaner, from the spectacular Junagarh Fort, which was built by one of Akbar’s trusted generals, to the man-made Sursagar Lake, which lies attractively in front of the fort.
List Of 15 top-rated places to visit in Bikaner
1. Junagarh Fort
Chintamani Fort and Bikaner Fort are two more names for the fort. The royal family has moved out of the fort and is currently residing at Lalgarh Palace. In the twentieth century, the fort was renamed Junagarh, and it is one of the forts that are not built on a mountain. Raja Raisingh, the monarch of Bikaner, constructed Junagadh Fort between 1589 and 1594. This fort is well-known for its illustrious history of valor. No other king has ever conquered the fort. This fort has a Mahal and a Theater that illustrate the diverse architecture of the period. Junagarh is also known as Badal Palace because King or Maharaja used to enjoy rain at the Badal Palace when Rajasthan was in the shape of a festival. Tourists that visit this castle feel as though they had entered a cloud, with blue cloud walls adorning the rainfall. The Badal Palace, Ganga Mahal, and Fool Palace are among the sandstone and marble structures that make up Junagadh Fort.
The fort features a museum with antique clothing, paintings, and weapons. The fort attracts Rajasthani tourists and is listed on the Bikaner sightseeing list. Tourists may examine manuscripts written in Sanskrit and Persian at the fort’s museum. This fort is situated in the peripheral of approximately 1100 hundred yards, enclosed on two sides by walls, and contains unique paintings, gems, and weaponry. Strong wood has been used by Karan Paul and Chandpaul. The fort contains an armoury that is adorned with mementos from previous wars. A great number of tourists come here to witness the ancient and historical fort, which has helped to enhance Rajasthan tourism significantly.
2. National Research Centre on Camel
On July 5, 1984, the Government of India created a project directorate in Bikaner under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (India). On September 20, 1995, the National Research Center upgraded it to Camel (NRCC). The National Camel Research Center has been designated as a significant tourist attraction and is listed in tourist books and on the Bikaner sightseeing list. Tourists may observe several camel breeds and their behaviour. To get an understanding of the various facets of camel growth and study. Tourists may take a camel ride, go on a safari, and take advantage of the photographic opportunities. A camel milk parlour is a unique attraction that offers ice cream, as well as hot and cold beverages. Every year, thousands of international and Indian visitors visit.
The National Research Centre on Camel is more of a breeding facility, with 230 camels of three different kinds. Samples of camel milk and lassis are available at the on-site camel milk outlet.
The tour lasts a half-hour and takes you around the whole facility, teaching you about the procedures used there. This site is one of the top places to visit in Bikaner since it has a small museum and a camel ride for guests.
3. Gajner Palace
Built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh and located on the banks of Lake Gajner, Gajner Palace is one of Bikaner’s most popular tourist attractions. In 1976, the building was converted into a heritage hotel. This palace has piqued the interest of visitors visiting Bikaner. The palace complex also has a vestige of a mediaeval railway station, in addition to its beautiful environment and architecture. Dungar Niwas, Gulab Niwas, and Champa Niwas are among the several portions of Gajner Palace. This Gajner Palace is the ideal location for experiencing Rajasthan’s Thar Desert and learning about wildlife.
Visitors may see roaming birds such Imperial Sand Goose, Antelopes, and Black Bucks, as well as Nilgais, Chinkaras, Blue Bull, and Deer, as well as Nilgais, Chinkaras, Blue Bull, and Deer, and this site is regarded one of the greatest spots to visit in Bikaner.
4. Lalgarh Palace
In 1902, King Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner erected Lalgarh Palace in memory of his father, which was designed by Sir Switon Yakub, a Rajput, Mughal, and European architect. The whole Lalgarh Palace is composed of red stone, which necessitates extensive excavation. The major attraction of this palace is the sandstone silverwork, although tourists also go to the Jalinuma balcony. The Lalgarh palace is a magnificent example of architectural art. A library with a variety of hand-written volumes and lovely paintings on the walls may be found within this palace.
Tourists are drawn to the Mahal and the peacock dance. Visitors can’t get enough of the Lalgarh palace’s panegyrize, which includes witnessing the lovely park, large trees, and bright flowers. Rajasthan Tourism has turned a piece of the Lalgarh Palace into a hotel to promote tourism at the moment. The Sri Sadul Museum is housed in the Lalgarh Palace, which is a thriving Bikaneri cultural property.
The palace also has a museum, which is housed within the Ganga Niwas. The tiny paintings associated with the Bikaner school of art may be seen here. A library with a huge collection of Sanskrit Manuscripts printed on parchments, silver, copper, and gold plaques is also available. Artifacts from the Harappan civilisation, as well as the Kushan and Gupta eras, are preserved here, and this location is regarded as one of the greatest locations to visit in Bikaner.
5. Prachina Museum
The Prachina museum is a testament to India’s historic ancestry. This museum, housed in the old Junagarh Fort, contains royal clothes, accessories, and textiles of the erstwhile Rajasthani royals. The museum was founded in 2000 by Maharaja Narendra Singh of Bikaner’s daughter. This museum was created to showcase Bikaner’s rich culture and integrity. For those interested in art and crafts, Bikaner’s Prachina museum is a must-see. Many of these artefacts may be seen at this museum, which serves as a reminder of India’s current customs. It has royal garments from the time of the monarchy, as well as ornamental objects including European cut glasses, china, and silverware. You may witness carvings of incredibly detailed motifs on wood, as well as artistically crafted blankets and carpets. In the museum, there is also a unique attraction of tourists’ photographs.
6. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum is also known as the Bikaner Museum since it collects waste from Bikaner’s Barapole region. On the orders of Maharaja Ganga Singh, Italian linguist Tacintori founded this museum, which Viceroy Linlithgo opened on November 5, 1935. This museum has the Bikaner rifle, coat, and bag that Maharaja Gangasingh used during the First World War, making it a popular tourist destination.
Sculptures, statues, inscriptions, a posture collection, and antique materials are on display for visitors. Paintings, ceramics, and weapons The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has coins from the Harappan civilisation and Kushan period that have been preserved. The jewellery collected from Kalibanga, Pilibhanga DulMani, Bhawar Badopal, Manak, and Rang Mahal is also protected here. Art from 5000 years ago to the twentieth century is on display at the museum. It is also included in the Bikaner Sightseeing list.
7. Rampuria Haveli
Rampuriya Haveli is the most attractive and well-known tourist destination in the area. The magnificent colours on the entrance and windows enhance the attractiveness of these havelis’ pink stones. The haveli is made up of wealthy city businessmen and merchants who had built their fortune in large cities. Bikaner’s havelis are all well-equipped with lovely balconies and windows. All of Bikaner’s havelis are formed of enormous slabs of red sandstone, and the sculptures and artistry on these red stones fascinate tourists. These havelis also have elements of European culture, such as beautiful glass, a vault from the Victorian era, and a statue of some royal trees. For many years, the magnificent Bikaneri Havelis have promoted Bikaner tourism.
Over the course of a few hundred years, Bikaner’s wealthy merchants construct Rampuriahavelis. These Havelis of Bikaner, which stand majestically, are more than simply a visual treat. They are a superb illustration of the subtle artistic sagacity that our forebears bestowed on us.
These havelis in Bikaner transport us to a time when our forefathers lived, and when you see the exuberance of their beauty and majesty, you feel transported to a few decades ago. This is also one of the top locations to see in Bikaner in one day.
8. Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is perhaps one of Bikaner’s most well-known tourist attractions. This sanctuary is well-known for the large number of rats that have made it their home. This shrine, which dates back to the 15th century, is dedicated to Goddess Durga’s avatar, Karni Mata. According to legend, when Karni Mata’s kid died, she implored Yama to bring her child back to life, but Yama refused. In this vein, Karni Mata, as a Goddess manifestation, restored the life of her kid and declared that her family would no longer face death and would instead be reincarnated as rats.
When touring sites around Bikaner, you must pay a visit to one of the most unusual, yet spiritually significant places. According to legend, Deshnoke is the only area in the country where rats are worshipped as Gods.
There are currently over 20,000 rats living on the sanctuary grounds, which definitely attract the attention of many tourists. The temple is made of stone and marble, and it has silver gates created by Maharaja Ganga Singh, as well as a hanging mesh that keeps rodents away from birds.
It is roughly 30 kilometers from Bikaner Junction. To go to the temple and to other sections of the city, you can take public transportation.
9. Shri Laxminath Temple
It is one of Bikaner’s oldest temples, with a lovely holy sanctuary dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. This idol is about one and a half feet tall and is supported by a square-shaped stone pedestal. The temple grounds also include temples to Shri Suryanarayanji, Shri Neelkanth Mahadev, Shri Roopchaturbujji, Shri Badrinarayanji, Shri Magavidyaji, and others. Many people are familiar with this temple because of the festivals and large celebrations held here on occasions like as Janmashtami, NirjalaEkadashi, Ramnavami, Diwali, and Geeta Jayanti.
The temple is composed of red stone and marble. The crimson stone was specially brought from Jaisalmer for this temple. The silver artwork on the doorway is very lovely and notable.
In addition, the temple’s gorgeous idols are adorned with delicate and complex silver artwork. This temple is one of the top sites to visit in Bikaner because of the lavish celebration.
10. Bikaner Camel Festival
The Bikaner camel festival draws a large number of visitors to the attractive dunes of the Thar Desert. This celebration, organized by Rajasthan’s Department of Tourism, is a tribute to the peaceful desert creatures known as camels.
It is also an annual celebration during which the brilliant splendor of Rajasthan may be fully appreciated. You will be able to see local artists’ folk performances. The event kicks out with a procession of beautifully dressed camels; the sight of the camels standing in a line against the crimson backdrop of Junagarh fort is pretty appealing.
This is one of the finest Bikaner tourist attractions since it attracts camel dealers and artisans from all over Rajasthan, as well as a variety of outstanding camel activities such as races, beauty pageants, and best breed competitions.
The event also has a plethora of food vendors, artisan shops, and skirt-swirling dances, among other things.
11. Bhandasar Jain Temple
Bhandasar, one of Bikaner’s two major Jain temples, is regarded as one of the greatest sites to visit in the city. Yellow stone sculptures and colorful artwork adorn the walls. The temple’s interior is magnificent, with murals on the walls and pillars. Floral arabesques and portraits of the 24 Jain masters adorn the walls.
It is reported that instead of water, 40000 KG of ghee was used to make the mortar. The miniatures of gods’ sentinels are kept on the first level of the three-story temple. Visitors may receive a panoramic view of the city from the top level, which spans to the west.
The temple was commissioned by a Jain trader named Bhandasa Oswal and is dedicated to the fifth Tirthankar, Sumtinath. The temple, which was built in the 16th century, has several historical attitudes and attributions depicted in its structure. From 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., the temple will be open.
12. Royal Cenotaphs, Devikund Sagar
Devi Kund Sagar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bikaner. It is located 8 kilometres east of the city. It is well-known because members of Bikaner’s royal dynasty, including Jet Singh, Rao Bikaji’s great grandson, were cremated here.
On either side of the reservoir are royal cenotaphs of monarchs of the Bikaner dynasty, ranging from Rao Kalyan Singhji to Maharaja Karni Singh. Prior to Maharaja Gaj Singh, 22 Saties of the royal dynasty had chhatries or cenotaphs. There is also a cenotaph for a guy.
The architectural brilliance on exhibit on these cenotaphs is one of the main reasons for the increased number of visitors. Surat Singh’s cenotaph is made entirely of white marble and is breathtakingly beautiful. Stunning artworks adorn the walls throughout the space.
13. Sadul Singh Museum
Sadul Singh Museum in Bikaner is one of the most important historical sites in Rajasthan, and is on the list of finest places to see in Bikaner. The museum, which opened in 1972, is a treasure trove of Georgian paintings, hunting trophies, and unusual objects.
Maharaja Ganga Sing, Sadul Singh, and Karni Singh are among the famous monarchs of Bikaner honored in the museum. It is housed within the Lalgarh palace and features separate sessions for each monarch, each with its own history and accomplishments.
The royal families that resided in Bikaner are revealed vividly before the eyes of tourists through photographs and relic collections. A portion of the palace is still occupied by members of the royal family.
The Lalgarh Palace represents both historic British and Indian culture and architectural views. The Sadul Singh Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Sunday.
14. Desert Camping
Since the lovely old city of Bikaner in Rajasthan is set within the huge Thar Desert, it is the embodiment of various adventurous activities. The harsh weather conditions add to the allure of the location.
Desert camping is a popular pastime among travelers who come here on a regular basis. There are several tourist attractions in the city, such as Junagarh Fort and Laxmi Niwas Palace. In this desert, camel and cart safaris are popular ways to wander among the golden dunes.
There are several camping choices available, including proper tents with high-quality facilities. You will be able to go on a vehicle safari in addition to camping.
The city is 330 kilometers northwest of Jaipur. Apart from living at the camps, you may go sightseeing and participate in other adventurous activities in nearby cities like as Alwar, Jodhpur, and Jaipur.
15. Shiv Bari Temple
The Shiv Bari Temple is a religious location to visit in Bikaner that is made of red sandstone and is protected by a great wall with a devoted temple of Lord Shiva. It is approximately 6km from Bikaner and is fortified by a massive wall with a dedicated temple of Lord Shiva. The temple has a beautiful wall painting of the Nandi Bull confronting the Shiva Lingam.
The beautiful Rajasthani architecture of this temple, which includes well-decorated columns and sculptures of Lord Krishna with the ‘Gopis,’ captivates and awes the student.
The city is most known for the savoury snack Bikaneri bhujia, which is distributed all over the world and has a geographical indication (GI) marking to maintain its authenticity. Bajre ki Roti (Pearl millet flour chapati), Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, Halvas, Papads/Papadum, Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Kachori, and Samosa are some of Bikaner’s other specialty foods.
Khimsar, which is located on the edge of the Thar Desert and surrounded by golden sand dunes, is one of the numerous sites to visit near Bikaner. You may also go to Phalodi, which is known as Rajasthan’s “Salt City.” Deshnoke, a few kilometers from Bikaner, is also a wonderful spot to explore during your stay. Bikaner is a site that will surprise you at every turn, so you and your loved ones will have a fantastic vacation here.
There are numerous locations to visit in Bikaner that showcase the treasure trove’s rich culture and lively past. Bikaner is known as a traveler’s paradise, with breathtaking architecture, art, and a rich tradition, all of which are elegantly interlaced with color and brightness.
Get an unforgettable travel experience in Bikaner. Rajwada Cab provides Cab and Taxi in Bikaner for you to make memories in the city.
