Places to Visit in Bikaner: Exploring Rajasthan’s Desert City

Bikaner is a historical city located in the northeastern state of Rajasthan, India. It was founded by Rathore prince Rao Bika in 1488. This city is often called the “Camel City” due to its large camel population. Every year, Bikaner hosts the Camel Festival, which attracts a large number of people. The city is renowned for its royal palaces, vibrant bazaars, majestic forts, and rich culture. So, if you are a history lover and a foodie, then this city is for you.

Why is Bikaner called the Red City?

This city is often called the “Red City” of Rajasthan because of its attractive reddish-pink sandstone architecture of havelis, palaces, and forts. Havelis like Rampuria Havelis are famous for their unique architectural style. It glows exquisitely under the desert sun, giving the city a vibrant red colour.

So, let’s get started to explore the Places to Visit in Bikaner.

Top Historical & Cultural Places to Visit in Bikaner

1. Junagarh Fort:

Junagadh Fort was established by the sixth ruler of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singh, in 1589–1594. It is the most impressive fort in Rajasthan, India, because it is situated on the desert plains, not on top of a hill like other forts.

Talking about the architecture of Junagadh Fort, it shows a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Gujarati art and architectural styles. And, it is built with marble and red sandstone. It has the royal wall designs, attractive jharokhas, mirror designs, decorated balconies, and colourful paintings.

Top Attractions Inside Junagarh Fort:

Inside the Junagadh Fort, you’ll find magnificent palaces such as Chandra Mahal, Anup Mahal, and Phool Mahal with their mirror work and intricate carvings. Also, there’s a fort museum where royal costumes, armour, and arms are showcased.

Junagarh Fort Timings:

Junagarh Fort is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Last entry allowed around 4:30 pm.

Best Time to Visit: 

The best time to visit Junagarh Fort is during the winter months, from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and mild.

Junagarh Fort Entry Fees:

The ticket price for visiting Junagarh Fort is different for Indian/Foreign persons and students.

2. Karni Mata Temple:

The Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the 20th century and is located in Deshnoke, which is about 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is often called the “Temple of Rats,” because inside the temple, you’ll find more than 25,000 rats. They are worshipped by devotees.

Karni Mata Temple Timings:

Here are the temple timings for opening and closing.

Karni Mata Temple Aarti / Ritual Timings:

Timing for the temple’s pooja/ aarti/ ritual timings :

3. Lalgarh Palace:

In the 20th Century, Lalgarh Palace was established by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace was designed by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob in 1902. This palace is built entirely of red sandstone and is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which beautifully blends Rajputs, European influences and Mughals.

Top Attractions Inside Lalgarh Palace:

In the palace, you’ll find a Shri Sadul Museum, a library, and many royal things.

• Lalgarh Palace Museum:

In the Lalgarh Palace Museum, which is also known as the Shri Sadul Museum, you can find the scriptures, trophies, royal costumes, manuscripts, rare photographs, and personal items of the Bikaner kings. It also has exhibits on World War I, aviation, and the personal collection of Maharaja Ganga Singh.

• Royal Library:

The palace has its own library, containing ancient books and journals. 

• Grand Durbar Hall:

This is an ornate hall, where gatherings and royal ceremonies were once held.

• Laxmi Niwas Palace:

A section of Lalgarh Palace now serves as a heritage hotel, offering visitors the chance to stay in royal suites decorated with antique furniture, chandeliers, and portraits.

Lalgarh Palace Timings / Visiting Hours: 

The palace is closed on Sunday.

4. Rampuria Haveli:

Rampuria Haveli is called “The Pride of Rajasthan”. It is a group of grand mansions built by the wealthy Rampuria family of merchants. And it’s one of the best attractions in Bikaner. These havelis are made of red sandstone, which gives them a rich, elegant, and royal look.

When you walk through the narrow lanes of the old city, the Rampuria Havelis immediately catch your eye with their carved balconies (jharokhas), arched windows, and detailed stonework. The outside looks majestic, and inside, the havelis were decorated with golden work, luxurious interiors, and rich paintings. It’s also a favourite spot for photography because of its unique architecture.

Rampuria Haveli Timings / Visiting Hours: 

5. Bhandasar Temple:

Bhandasar Temple is a Jain Temple, often called the Bhanda Shah Jain Temple, in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The temple was built by a wealthy merchant, Bhandasa Oswal, in the late 15th Century. 

It is famous for its yellow-stone carvings on walls, colourful pillars, beautiful wall paintings, and its architecture. The temple is dedicated to the fifth tirthakara, Sumatinatha. Inside the temple, you’ll find the white marble statue of Lord Sumatinatha. According to people, to construct this temple, 40,000 kg of Ghee and dry coconut were used instead of water.

Bhandasar Temple Timings:

The temple is open every day.

6. Gajner Palace and Lake:

Gajner Palace was built by the Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is constructed in red sandstone, blending Rajasthani architecture. The palace is full of courtyards, beautiful pillars and jharokhas, surrounded by lush greenery. It is divided into four wings, namely Gulab Niwas, Champa Niwas, Dungar Niwas and Mandir Chowk. 

Gajner Palace Visit Timings:

Best Time to Visit :

• October to March.

In front of the palace, you can see the beautiful Gajner Lake. The lake reflects the palace beautifully during sunset. Must visit this place, especially in winter. Because you’ll find geese, migratory birds, waterfowl, and flamingos during winter. You can take a boat ride. 

Gajner Lake Boating Ride Timings:

7. Shri Laxminath Temple:

Shri Laxminath Temple is located near Junction Railway Station in Bikaner. Shree Laxminath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, and people worship them. It is an ancient Hindu Temple, just near the Bhandasar Jain Temple. And, it is the oldest famous temple of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Actually, it was constructed by Maharaja Rao Lunakaran in 1504 CE, according to reports. After him, the temple was redeveloped by Maharaja Ganga Singh with more artwork and beautiful pillar designs. It is made of red stone and marble. Which is imported especially from Jaisalmer. People visit this temple with their families because famous festivals and grand celebrations are held here. 

Shri Laxminath Temple Timings:

The temple is open every day.

8. National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) 

National Camel Research Centre (NRCC) is fully dedicated to research on camels.  It is located 8 km from Bikaner Junction, in Jorbeer. Here, you will find different breeds of camels like Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi, etc.

National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) Timings and Fees:

This opens all days, especially at weekends and most holidays.

9. Thar Desert:

The Thar Desert, often called the Great Indian Desert, is located in the western part of Bikaner. The arid beauty of the desert is best experienced during sunset, making it a perfect getaway for a memorable family outing, with tourists enjoying camel safaris together.

10. Kote Gate:

Kote Gate is the main entrance gate of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is famous for shopping and food, which is why Tourists visit Kote Gate for shopping and food. 

Bikaner Famous Street Food You Must Try:

• Local chaats, especially Bikaneri Bhujia
• Sweets like Bikaneri rasgulla
• Kulfi
• Ghever
• Daal baati, Churma and many more.

If you try to find a Place to stay in Bikaner, YatraDham provide a stay according to your needs and budget.

Besides this, there are other hotel options for staying listed below:

• The Lallgarh Palace – A Heritage Hotel
• Maharaja Ganga Mahal
• Hotel Raj Vilas Palace
• Udai Niwas – Bikaner
• Heeralal Hotel (JNV Colony Branch)
• Hotel Sagar Bikaner

FAQ’s

See more: Best Places to Visit in Jaipur (Location & Best Time to Visit)