Bikaner, India: travel guide
A Thar desert city of sandstone havelis, a great fort and camels
Desert city of merchant havelis, the ornate Junagarh Fort, and camel breeding farms — a less-crowded gem on the Rajasthan circuit.
About Bikaner
Bikaner is a desert city in northwest Rajasthan, built of red sandstone and quieter than Jaipur or Jaisalmer. It rewards visitors who want fort, haveli and market experiences without the heavier crowds.
The Junagarh Fort anchors any visit, a palace complex whose halls are richly painted and mirrored. The old city around Kote Gate has carved merchant havelis and sweet and namkeen shops, the National Research Centre on Camel explains the desert animal that shaped the region, and the Karni Mata Temple outside town is famed for its resident rats. Lalgarh Palace adds a later royal flavour.
Things to do in Bikaner suit slow sightseeing and food lovers. It fits easily into a Rajasthan circuit, and the best time to visit Bikaner is between October and March, when days are mild.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A magnificent unconquered 1589 fort of red sandstone and marble, with opulent palaces, mirror-work halls and a museum — one of Rajasthan's best-preserved forts.
Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The famous "Rat Temple" at Deshnoke ~30 km away, where thousands of holy rats (kabas) are revered and fed — a unique, atmospheric pilgrimage site.
National Research Centre on Camel
Wildlife · 4.2 rating · about 1.3 h · entry ₹200
A unique government camel-breeding farm and museum on the city's edge, where you can see different camel breeds, take a ride and try camel-milk ice cream.
Lalgarh Palace
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A grand early-1900s red-sandstone palace blending Rajput, Mughal and European styles, with a museum and gardens; part is a heritage hotel.
Kote Gate Bazaar
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The bustling old-city market around Kote Gate, famed for Bikaneri bhujia, namkeen, sweets, textiles and the lively flavour of the walled town.
Gajner Palace & Lake
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene red-sandstone palace on a lake ~30 km away, a former royal hunting retreat now a heritage hotel, with migratory birds in winter.
Rampuria Havelis
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A cluster of ornate early-20th-century sandstone mansions in the old city, intricately carved — the "pride of Bikaner" and a heritage-walk highlight.
Bhandasar Jain Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A beautiful 15th-century Jain temple known for its mirror work, gold-leaf paintings and frescoes, with rooftop views over the old city.
Devi Kund Sagar Cenotaphs
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The royal cremation ground of the Bikaner rulers ~8 km out, with elegant marble and sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs) and painted ceilings.
Prachina Cultural Museum
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A museum within the Junagarh complex showcasing royal costumes, textiles, crockery and the lifestyle of the Bikaner royals.
Things to do
- Karni Mata Rat Temple Visit Cultural · 1.5 h · from INR 400 per person
- Junagarh Fort Guided Tour Cultural · 2 h · from INR 500 per person
- Bikaner Heritage & Bhujia Food Walk Cultural · 2.5 h · from INR 800 per person
- Camel Farm Visit & Safari Activity · 2 h · from INR 600 per person
Day trips and tours
- Bikaner City & Junagarh Tour 7 h · from INR 1,200
- Karni Mata & Camel Farm Trip 5 h · from INR 1,000
- Gajner Palace & Desert Day 8 h · from INR 1,800
Where to stay in Bikaner
- City Center about INR 2,000 per night
Historic city with mid-range hotels and bazaars
Hotels
- Hotel Narendra Bhawan 5-star · INR 8,000 to INR 15,000 per night
- Laxmi Niwas Palace 5-star · INR 9,000 to INR 18,000 per night
- Gajner Palace (HRH Group) 4-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- The Lallgarh Palace 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Vinayak Guest House 2-star · INR 1,200 to INR 2,500 per night
- Hotel Bhairon Vilas 3-star · INR 2,500 to INR 4,800 per night
Where to eat
- Chhotu Motu Joshi Rajasthani, Snacks, Sweets · about INR 150 per person
- Bikaji / Bhujia Bazaar Stalls Snacks, Rajasthani · about INR 120 per person
- Heeralal Restaurant Rajasthani, North Indian · about INR 350 per person
- Gallops (Junagarh) Rajasthani, North Indian, Continental · about INR 450 per person
- Bhinv Sweets Sweets, Rajasthani · about INR 120 per person
- Laxmi Hotel (Rajasthani Thali) Rajasthani, Marwari · about INR 250 per person
- Camel Milk Cafe (NRCC) Cafe, Snacks · about INR 100 per person
- Amber Restaurant Rajasthani, North Indian, Chinese · about INR 400 per person
Getting to Bikaner
Nearest airport: Jodhpur (JDH), about 197 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Bikaner
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Bikaner?
- The highest-rated places in our Bikaner guide are Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), Lalgarh Palace, Gajner Palace & Lake, Rampuria Havelis.
- Where should I stay in Bikaner?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Bikaner: City Center.
- How do I get around Bikaner?
- Ways to get around Bikaner covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Walking.