Bikaner, one of Rajasthan’s most culturally rich cities, is famously known as Camel Country for breeding some of the world’s finest riding camels. The city is also home to one of only two surviving World War I British biplane models, gifted to Maharaja Ganga Singh by the British. Scattered sand dunes stretching from the north-east to the southern region add to its spectacular desert charm.
Located in northern Rajasthan, Bikaner is among the oldest established cities of the state. Its centuries-old forts, palaces, and havelis—crafted in red sandstone—continue to showcase the grandeur and architectural brilliance of the Rajput era. The city is also renowned for its unique Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, popularly known as the Rats Temple, where thousands of sacred rats roam freely.
Bikaner was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, a Rathore prince and son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur. Legend says that after an insult from his father, Bikaji set out on his own and discovered the barren land of Jangladesh. It was here that he built his own kingdom, eventually shaping it into the thriving city we see today.
TOP ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN BIKANER
Explore the most iconic sites in Bikaner — from magnificent forts and grand palaces to sacred temples, serene lakes, and desert landscapes.
1. Junagarh Fort
Built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s greatest generals, Junagarh Fort is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan that was never conquered. The complex features stunning palaces, courtyards, marble pavilions, ornate balconies, and intricate stonework.
2. National Research Centre on Camel
Located 8 km from the city, this is Asia’s only camel research and breeding centre. Spread across 2,000 acres, it offers camel rides, selfie points, and camel milk delicacies such as kulfi, cheese, coffee, and flavoured milk — a must-visit experience unique to Bikaner.
3. Lalgarh Palace and Museum
Commissioned in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga Singh, this red sandstone palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. A fusion of Rajput, Islamic, and European styles, it stands as an architectural masterpiece. Part of the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and museum.
4. Rampuria Havelis
Renowned for their dulmera red stone, exquisite jharokhas, intricate carvings, and Victorian-influenced designs, the Rampuria Havelis are among the most beautiful havelis in Rajasthan. Their golden interiors and Mughal–Rajput–European fusion style make them an architectural treasure.
5. Ganga Government Museum
Often regarded as Rajasthan’s best museum, it houses Harappan artefacts, Gupta-era treasures, ancient coins, arms, carpets, pottery, and traditional Rajasthani crafts.
6. Laxmi Niwas Palace
Once the royal residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh, this Indo-Saracenic architectural marvel was built between 1898–1902. It now functions as a luxury heritage hotel.
7. Prachina Museum
Located inside Junagarh Fort, this museum displays royal costumes, textiles, accessories, and family portraits that reflect the evolving cultural history of Bikaner’s rulers.
8. Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok
One of the world’s most unique temples, the Karni Mata Temple is known for its holy rats or kabas. The marble structure houses the idol of Karni Mata adorned with a crown and garlands.
9. Jain Temple Bhandasar
A 15th-century Jain temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar, Sumatinathji. It is renowned for its gold leaf frescoes, mirror work, murals, and intricate architectural detailing.
10. Kodamdesar Temple and Lake
Situated 24 km from Bikaner, this temple was one of the first holy sites established by Rao Bikaji. The serene lake behind the temple creates a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
11. Shri Laxminath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this marble and red-stone shrine is considered one of the most sacred temples of Bikaner. The rulers of Bikaner regarded Laxminathji as the true king of the city.
12. Shiv Bari Temple
Built by Maharaja Doongar Singh, this fortified temple features a four-faced black marble Shiva statue, exquisite wall paintings, a bronze Nandi, and two large reservoirs.
13. Gajner Palace & Lake
A stunning royal retreat built along a lakeside, originally used for hunting expeditions. Today, it is a heritage hotel surrounded by vast greenery and serene landscapes.
14. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
A lush forest 32 km from Bikaner, home to blackbucks, chinkaras, nilgai, wild boars, and seasonal migratory birds including imperial sand grouse.
15. Devi Kund
The royal cremation site of the Bikaner rulers, featuring intricately crafted marble chhatris and stunning Rajput paintings. A historically rich and architecturally fascinating destination.
16. Rajasthan State Archives
A treasure house of ancient administrative documents from the Mughal era and princely states, visited by scholars and researchers worldwide.
17. Kolayat
A sacred pilgrimage town 50 km from Bikaner, known for its ghats, temples, lake, and the legend of Kapil Muni who meditated here for world peace.
18. Katariasar Village
A cultural village known for sand dunes, desert sunsets, wildlife sightings, and the traditional fire-dancing community—the Jasnathjis.
19. Jorbeed
One of Asia’s best raptor-watching sites. Home to Steppe Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, Griffon Vultures, and thousands of other birds — a paradise for birdwatchers.
20. Horse Ecotourism Centre
The National Research Centre on Equines offers horse riding, buggy rides, pony rides, Marwari & Kathiawari horses, hydrotherapy pools, and equine heritage exhibits.
21. Darbari Lake
A monsoon picnic hotspot located 33 km from Bikaner, known for its lush greenery and shimmering desert oasis charm.
22. Raisar Dunes
A rising destination for desert camping, camel safaris, jeep safaris, and night stays. Its untouched sand dunes rival those of Jaisalmer’s famous Sam dunes.
23. Public Park
Built in 1937, this beautiful garden is designed as a replica of Buckingham Palace Garden in London.
24. Karni Mata Panorama
A cultural attraction near the old Karni Mata Temple, showcasing exhibits, stories, and the legacy of Karni Mata along with an ashtadhatu statue.
HOW TO REACH BIKANER
✈️ By Air
The nearest airport is NAAL Airport, located 10 km from the city, with direct flights from Delhi and Jaipur.
🚗 By Road
Bikaner is well connected with major cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Barmer, Kota, Udaipur and Jaisalmer through frequent bus services.
🚆 By Train
Bikaner has strong railway connectivity with Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Churu, and Guwahati.
