Places to visit in Bikaner

Do you wish to go back to the past? Here is an easy way out of the impossible task. It’s time to pack your bags and visit Bikaner. A town is full of ancient forts, sand dunes and camel rides. It’s a culturally rich rollercoaster ride for sure. The stunning palaces, heritage and cuisine will make you feel close to the history of India. Some of the amazing activities you can try are shop handicrafts, going on camel rides, and trying the sand dune safari. The place is also popular for its Ivory and Lacquer ornaments are quite reputed in entire India.

If you are a foodie then some of the things you can relish are Kachori, Thandi, famous Bikaneri Bhujia and a thali of the local cuisine. It’s time you plan a trip to Bikaner from October to March and enjoy the rich culture of this area. We have also made a brief list of locations you can visit while in Bikaner. 

Let’s know about Bikaner city a little more so that you know the places to visit. Here is a brief list of top places to visit in Bikaner, let’s read away all of them:

Best Places to visit in Bikaner;

Karni Mata Temple

This mysterious temple is very popular as it shelters more than 25,000 rats on the temple premises. The rats eat the food and the same food is distributed amongst the devotees as prasad. This temple is also known as the Nari Mata temple. This temple is more than 600 years old and it is 30 km away from Bikaner. The rats that inhabited the temple are considered holy rats and are known as “Kabbas”. There are two popular legends about the rats of Karni Mata.

Legend 1: As per the most popular legends. Laxman, the son of Karni Mata drowned in a pond and died. Karni Mata prayed to lord Yama to save him and he reincarnated him as a rat. 

Legend 2: In a battle, 20,000 soldiers of Karni Mata deserted her. Out of anger Karni Mata punished the soldiers by turning them into rats. They stayed in the Karni Mata temple to show gratitude for not killing them and promised to serve her.

Reasons to visit: Devotees come here as it is believed to see the Karni Mata rats. Some also come as it is considered that Karni Mata was the incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Timings: 4 Am to 10 PM

Entry Fee: N/A

Junagarh Fort

An ancient fort was built in the year 1593 by the famous king Raja Rai Singh. The complex of the fort is grand and it has many forts, palaces and temples within the fort premises. The lawns and gardens are huge here which are planned by experts and maintained well even till today. 

The mesmerising craft that one can witness on the fort windows and Zenana quarters is quite attractive here. There are many other attractions inside the fort premises like Phool Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Anup Mahal etc. There are even locals who say that once there were crocodiles domesticated in the fort ponds. 

The fort is made of a mix of cultures like the Mughal, Rajput and Gujarati styles. No wonder we kept it on the top. 

Reasons to visit: The right mix of art and architecture makes this the best place to visit in Bikaner. 

Timings: 10 Am to 4:30 PM

Extra Information: Bikaner is a hot place hence make sure you visit from October-March if you can’t bear excess heat. 

Entry Fee: INR 30 – 40 PER PERSON

National Research Centre on Camels

This is a must-visit place in Bikaner as intense research takes place here. This is a breeding nursery as well as a research centre where you can spot three different breeds of camels. Almost 230 camels are sheltered here. Visitors can also experience an onsite camel milk station where you get to taste the camel milk as well as lassi.

Some other activities that can be experienced here are camel rides, exploring the camel museum and exploring the entire research centre. 

Reasons to visit: If you are fascinated by these humped animals then a visit to the National research centre on camels is a must.

Commute: The camel research centre is just 8 km away from Bikaner hence tourists can easily hire a cab to this location.

Entry Fee: Starting fee is INR 150 Per Person

Gajner Palace

This beautiful palace is situated on the banks of a lake which makes it look like a royal dream. The palace was the contribution of Maharaja Ganga Singh ji who was the ruler of the Bikaner province. This palace was believed to be the holiday home of the Maharaja and his family.

Here gatherings and fun activities of that time like hunting were done. It’s in the midst of a thick forest where the area is serene and one can relax and watch birds. Various animals can also be spotted here like Antelopes, Blackbuck and Nilgais.

Reasons to visit: The Gajner Palace is made by expert craftsmen. Hence, if you are fascinated by historical monuments then this is the place for you.

Commute: One can take public transport or hire a cab as it is within Bikaner city.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 Pm

Rampuria Haveli

Rampuria Haveli of Bikaner is more than 100 years old. This ancient haveli is a treat to eyes that admire the footprints of history around them. It was a haveli of a rich merchant and is much known for its aesthetic appeal. 

A piece of the monument that will take you into the past. Visit this place to admire the beauty of this infrastructure from ancient times. 

Commute: It’s best to take a cab or bus from Bikaner as it’s just a few minutes away from the city.

Timing: It is open all the time and in all the seasons hence anyone can visit it anytime.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

A wildlife sanctuary that is around 32 km away from the Bikaner is a must-visit place for people who love to get into the wild of different terrains. Here you can spot some exceptional animals that aren’t visible anywhere else like Chinkara, it’s the very popular black buck, wild boar, nilgai etc.

You can choose an open safari and explore the entire area that was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja. Get involved in bird watching and bring your family and friends over here. 

Reasons to visit: Spot the exceptional flora and fauna that is available only in the deserts. Be a part of the desert life with Gajner wildlife sanctuary. 

Commute: One can take a cab or bus. The timings are 8:30 Am to 11 Am at the elephant camp.

Extra Information: Gajner palace is also located on the same premises. 

Entry Fee: The entry fee is the same as the Gajner palace but the safari might cost extra from the entry fee. 

Also read: Places to visit in Rajasthan

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