Bikaner Places

Forts & Palaces in Bikaner

Bikaner has several historically significant forts and royal palaces from the royal period of Rajasthan, showcasing the architectural brilliance of that time.

They provide valuable information about how the people of Bikaner lived, the methods used for defending themselves, and their artistic tastes.

Junagarh Fort: 

This fort is different from most of the forts in Rajasthan because it isn’t located on a hill. The various courtyards inside the fort demonstrate how the architecture has evolved, with many different rulers using the fort during its history.

Lalgarh Palace: 

The royal family has maintained a section of Lalgarh Palace that remains open to the public. There is an additional museum located within the fort that provides a better focus on the royal history of Bikaner than the main fort.

Gajner Palace: 

This palace is situated near a big beautiful lake, so there are many opportunities to see both birds and wildlife compared to the city attractions. Visiting Gajner Palace during early morning allows for a peaceful atmosphere in which to enjoy natural scenery. 

Bikaji Ki Tekri: 

This site marks the place associated with Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner. It is less visited and gives a basic understanding of the city’s origin without the crowd of major monuments.

Temples in Bikaner

The Bikaner Temples are well-known for their unique traditions as well as their uniqueness in design, from multiple historic Jain temples to one of their most famous temples, the Karni Mata Temple. 

These temples are popular with both locals and travelers, who are attracted to them out of curiosity and devotion. 

Karni Mata Temple: 

The Karni Mata temple allows visitors to walk around the inside of the temple barefoot. Visitors will see many rats in the temple wandering freely throughout the building.

The early morning hours attract fewer visitors, allowing you to observe temple ceremonies without the hustle and bustle.

Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple: 

The Jain Temple of Seth Bhandasar is unique because it has very intricate wall paintings and has been built using many natural materials.

The upper level is often much quieter and has very little crowd noise, so you have a chance to see the artwork more closely without anyone else around you.

Shri Laxminath Temple: 

A temple located in the old city that is primarily a local worship place. Visiting during evening aarti gives a more accurate understanding of the common religious practices of the people of Bikaner.

Shiv Temple – Shivbari: 

This temple complex includes a water tank and open courtyard, making it less congested than city temples. It is more peaceful during the early hours compared to central locations.

Other Popular Temples in Bikaner

Kodamdesar Bharu Ji Temple: 

This temple is located outside the city and mainly visited by locals. It is less commercial and offers a quieter environment compared to major religious sites in Bikaner.

Vaishno Dham Temple: 

This temple is a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple. It is a structural design for those unable to visit Vaishno Devi Temple. The parking and accessibility of this temple make it more open and easily accessible.

Kapil Muni Temple, Kolayatji: 

This temple is located close to Kolayat Lake, with the ghats surrounding it used for proceeding with rituals. It tends to be much busier during religious festivals and quiet on regular days.

Unique Attractions in Bikaner

Bikaner has attractions that are not available elsewhere in Rajasthan besides forts and temples, including camel-related attractions and desert festivals.

National Research Centre on Camel: 

Visitors can see different camels and their desert uses at this center, as well as some camel milk products. Visitors can also learn about how to effectively demonstrate basic training techniques with camels.

Bikaner Camel Festival: 

The Bikaner Camel Festival is held annually in January; this festival focuses on camel-based events, including races and cultural performances. Visiting early helps avoid crowd buildup later in the day.

Bikaner Miniature Arts: 

Local artists are keeping traditional miniature painting alive at small local workshops, even if most tourist guides don't point out that it's possible to drop by and watch the artists at work.

Some studios especially let you get up close and see the painting process in action.

Rampuria Haveli: 

You can find these old havelis hidden away down tiny lanes in the old part of town. Walking is really the best option for visiting, as cars won't make it down the narrow lanes that easily.

Jorbeer Conservation Reserve: 

This place is a popular spot for spotting birds, especially all those scavengers. The best time to visit is early in the morning, as things tend to quiet down in the afternoon.

Devi Kund Sagar: 

There are some pretty impressive royal cenotaphs here built from marble and sandstone. Not as many people go here as the main tourist spots, so it's a good time to go during daylight when you can really take in all the details.

Best Time to Visit Bikaner

The best time to head to Bikaner is from October right through to March. Temperatures during this stretch can be quite pleasant, hovering between 15°C and 28°C. This weather is best for outdoor activities, whether you're interested in sightseeing, visiting forts, or exploring the great outdoors.

The winter months host a lot of cultural events and festivals; therefore, this is the most active traveling season. Don't go during the summer (April to June) because it's too hot, with temperatures often above 45°C.

Monsoon season (July to September) offers moderate weather and fewer crowds but is less suitable for desert activities.

How to Reach Bikaner

Bikaner has good transportation links, including roads, rails, and airports. The distance from major cities to Bikaner is:

• Delhi to Bikaner: 450 km (Approx. 8–9 hours by Road)
• Jaipur to Bikaner: 330 km (Approx. 6–7 hours by Road)
• Direct trains to Bikaner are available from major cities.
• Nearest airport: Jodhpur to Bikaner, 250 km. 

Road travel is the most widely used option to reach Bikaner.

How Many Days Are Enough for Bikaner Trip

You only need one or two days to fully explore Bikaner, as most of the major areas are either within the city limits or a short drive away.

• Day 1: Junagarh Fort, the Rampuria Havelis, and the local markets.
• Day 2: Karni Mata Temple, the Camel Research Center, and Gajner Palace.

Travelers usually add Bikaner to their trips when they go to Jaisalmer or Jodhpur while working through Rajasthan.

What is Bikaner Famous For

Bikaner is known for:

• Bikaneri Bhujia (famous snack)
• Traditional sweets and namkeen
• Junagarh Fort architecture
• Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
• Camel breeding and desert culture

The city offers a mix of food, culture, and heritage that defines its identity.

Travel Tips for Bikaner

• Start sightseeing early to avoid daytime heat
• Carry water, especially during desert visits
• Wear comfortable footwear for fort exploration
• Plan temple visits in the morning or evening
• Combine Bikaner with nearby cities for a complete trip

Explore More Rajasthan Destinations

• Jaisalmer tourist places
• Jaipur tourist places
• Jodhpur tourist places
• Udaipur tourist places