Thinking of visiting Rajasthan? Which destinations come to your mind? Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur? Bikaner is often overlooked among the famous places to visit in Rajasthan. There are numerous places to visit in Bikaner that will charm you with the colors and rich heritage of Rajasthan, with the advantage of fewer crowds. I’m sure with so many unique things to do in Bikaner, you will fall in love with this Royal city.
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Bikaner Tourist Places Worth Visiting
When we visited Bikaner for three days, our guide was surprised to hear that we were not en route to Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, but were visiting the city as a standalone destination, and that too for three days.
However, I must admit that it was the best decision made. There are numerous colorful attractions in Bikaner that we loved being there.
Junagarh Fort/Old Fort
Bikaner Sightseeing is incomplete without visiting the Junagarh Fort. Also called the ‘Old Fort’, it echoes the tales and valor of the Maharajas of Bikaner.
The fort was built in 1594 by the 6th ruler of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singh, and was then called the ‘Chintamani Fort’. It is one of the few forts in Rajasthan that are not built on a hilltop.
Built from rose-red sandstone, it speaks of its grandeur and the art form used in the interiors. As you enter the courtyards and the various rooms, you are left awestruck by the intricate work done on the walls and ceilings.
There are museums and exhibits inside the fort featuring items used by the kings, including furniture, typewriters, crockery, ammunition, and even a World War I airplane.
Rampuria Havelis
The most Instagrammable spot in Bikaner is Rampuria Havelis.
The Rampurias, the business families of Bikaner, built these extravagant houses in the bylanes of the old city.
These are constructed from red sandstone featuring intricate carvings on the facade and colorful wooden windows.
The Rampuria Havelis are a heritage site and a treasure of their time. The families are settled in Mumbai and other parts, but have caretakers who look after the properties.
Pro Tip: Visiting at dawn or dusk provides an opportunity for beautiful pictures, and the best part is that you get to enjoy these sites sans the crowd.
I visited the site twice, once with our guide and again in the early morning.
Lalgarh Palace and Sri Sadul Museum
Lallgarh Palace was the luxurious royal residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji and his family. In fact, there is a section of the complex where the royal family currently resides as well. Built in red sandstone, the palace is beautiful both from the exterior and the interior.
There are huge green lawns around the palace that are the best place to sit and relax in the morning and the evenings with your cup of tea or coffee. There are swings where the kids can play and have a great time. During the mornings, even peacocks can be spotted.
Staying at the Lallgarh Palace lets you have an insight into the galleries and walls adorned with royal pictures and collections. If royal treasures fascinate you, then head over to Sri Sadul Museum across from the palace.
The museum has a personal collection of the royal family, including costumes, jewelry, medals, crockery, decorative items, and even the Royal railway coach. The ticket to the museum costs INR 10 and is open from Monday to Saturday.
Dinner at Laxmi Niwas Palace
Laxmi Palace is the palace of the King in the same complex as Lallgarh Palace. It features some beautiful and intricate carvings on the facade of the palace. Laxmi Niwas Palace has been converted into a luxury hotel.
Not only is the palace known for its beautiful designs and architecture, but the food, especially the Rajasthani Thali, is a must-try. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of the thali with traditional Rajasthani delicacies to savor.
The Lal Maas (red meat) is a popular non-vegetarian dish of Rajasthan enjoyed by the kings. The vegetarians include the Gatte ki Sabzi (dumplings made of gram flour dipped in gravy), sengari (beans local to Rajasthan), dal baati, and churma (baati is baked wheat balls to be dipped in dal and eaten, while Churma is crushed baati cooked in sugar and ghee).
We relished the thali but found it a little expensive at INR 1800 per thali.
P.S. If you are not staying at Laxmi Niwas, you need to pay an entry fee of Rs 500 per person, which will be deducted from the food bill.
Royal Cenotaphs
This is a unique place to visit in Bikaner that is not often visited. These are the cenotaphs, also known as Chhatris, of the royal family members. Chhatri literally means umbrella, which is due to the shape of the cenotaphs resembling an umbrella standing on four pillars.
These are tombs of all the kings, queens, and even royal children, but without their remains. In Hindu culture, the bodies are cremated on a pyre instead of being buried.
This culture of building cenotaphs for royals is a symbol of gratitude for their contributions, which is also prevalent in other parts of Rajasthan.
At Bikaner, there are some cenotaphs built in white marble and others in red sandstone. Wanna know more about the Royal Cenotaphs Bikaner?
Note: Please remove your shoes as the place is considered sacred.
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner is a treasure that was built around 1428, way before Bikaner city was even founded.
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the temple and is renowned for its spectacular paintings on its walls and ceilings. I am sure you will continue to gaze at the detailed and extraordinary work of the artists.
The temple was built by a merchant by the name of Banda Shah and dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher of Jainism).
Another special aspect of this temple is that around 40,000 kg of ghee (clarified butter) was used in the foundation of the temple instead of water.
National Research Center on Camel (NRCC)
NRCC is the only Research Center in India dedicated to camels and is a must-visit place in Bikaner. It is a huge campus with some restricted areas, while the others are open to the public.
There is also a museum that displays the products made by camels. Different breeds of camels can be seen up close. The most fascinating part was seeing camel calves, some of which were only 2 days old.
Don’t forget to have camel milk kulfi and flavored camel milk. There are other things also made from camel milk available at the parlor.
Usta Art
Usta Art is an art form prevalent in Bikaner that has its roots in Iran. Maharaja Rai Singh Ji brought in many Usta artists to enhance the beauty of Junagarh Fort.
The walls and ceilings in the Anoop Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Karan Mahal of the fort will leave you smitten by the craftsmanship.
There are many souvenirs, such as vases, clocks, photo frames, and stools, made from camel hide or wood that are decorated with beautiful Usta art and can be bought. Some pieces can be purchased from the Usta art workshops.
Miniature Art Workshop
Bikaner City is truly a city of art with artisans mastering unique art forms. We met an artist, Swami, from Swami Miniature Art, who was a miniature artist.
It was fascinating to see how he drew a tree with about 10,000 leaves on a small sheet without even using a magnifying glass. He has been painting since the age of 7 and has gained worldwide recognition.
To date, he uses natural colors made from vegetables and flowers. The brush was so thin and precise, made from squirrel hair.
He mainly paints botanical, royal, and animal scenes. The paintings of Junagarh Fort inspired many paintings.
It was a memorable experience to watch him paint and see his work.
Indulge in Bikaneri Food
Visiting Bikaner is incomplete without indulging in the delicacies of Bikaner. Known for its Bikaneri Bhujia (a crisp, savory, dry snack), there are many shops from the famous Bikaji and Haldiram to the local favorites such as Bhikharam Chandmal and Bishanlala Babulal. Other delectable snacks that must be tried are Raj Kachori, samosa, and kachori.
🍽️ Book Street Food Tasting Tour in Bikaner
For the meal, you cannot resist the Rajasthani Thali with delicacies native to the region. There are lavish options, such as the Laxmi Niwas Palace, as well as budget restaurants in the city worth trying out.
Some sweet dishes that are must-haves are Ghewar, Kesar kulfi, and Rasgulla.
Gajner Palace and Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Gajner Palace, once a hunting lodge for kings, has been converted into a hotel now.
Located by the shores of Gajner Lake, the red sandstone palace is beautifully preserved.
If living close to nature, away from the hustle and bustle, sounds like you, then this is the place to stay.
The palace also features a private wildlife safari, offering encounters with animals like wild boars, gazelles, blackbucks, nilgai, and jackals.
There are Jeep Safaris that take you through the sanctuary and up to the lake, where these animals can be spotted drinking water. We were lucky to have even spotted Siberian Cranes.
Karni Mata Temple/Rat Temple
Wondering what a Rat Temple is? This temple in Deshnoke, located approximately 30 km from Bikaner, is a must-visit for a unique cultural experience.
The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata and is thronged by devotees from all across, many of whom come to see the rats.
There are more than 25,000 rats inside the temple complex running everywhere. Large trays are kept inside the sanctum filled with milk and water for the rats to feed on. They are even offered sweets like laddoos and gram.
It is considered lucky if a rat passes by your feet, and even good fortune if you spot a white rat. We were unable to spot a white rat, though. And be mindful that if a rat gets killed by coming under the feet, you need to donate a silver rat to the temple.
It is believed that the descendants and people of this community are reincarnated as rats. The White rats are believed to be reincarnations of Karni Mata and her children.
We hope this list of Things to do in Bikaner will help you plan a fantastic trip to Bikaner, Rajasthan. Do let us know if we missed any Bikaner attractions. We would love to hear from you in the comments about your favorite places to see in Bikaner.
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Wow, I am itching to visit Bikaner, India. My husband’s family is from the Tamil region, so we usually visit S. India, but I am so eager to explore some of Northern India. the Rampuria Havelis looks so incredibly stunning! Wow, as nature and animal lover myself I would enjoy staying near the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. The rat temple sounds fascinating as well. Pinning this for our next trip to India.
Wow, that sounds interesting. South India is also very beautiful but very different than North India. We loved visiting Kerala. Yes Rampuria Havelis are very beautiful, such intricate carvings on the facade. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the Jeep safari in Gajner wildlife sanctuary. Visiting the Karni Mata Rat temple was a totally new and unique experience for us too.. You should definitely visit Bikaner and rest of Rajasthan during your next trip. Do share your experiences then.
Bikaner looks like a wonderful destination with so much to do! I hope to get to India one day. 🙂
For sure, you must visit India and most definitely Rajasthan, but do plan during winters that will be the best time to visit. You can mail us and we can help you plan.
Wow Rajasthan has such rich history and architecture..Bikaner looks like another gem.. have to visit .thanks for sharing
Yes Rajasthan is so rich in culture and history that it keeps you mesmerized. Bikaner does gets sidelined by the other famous cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, but truly a gem to visit.
Bikaner looks so beautiful! Absolutely adore all of the architecture here, especially Junagarh Fort/Old Fort. Great guide!
Thanks for stopping by. Absolutely, Junagarh Fort is a treat to visit, with lovely architecture and interiors. The intricate art/paints on walls and ceilings is just amazing.
It does look so stunning there! would love to visit!
Absolutely, the city is very beautiful with its palaces and forts and rich history. Yes, you should definitely visit . Do let us know if you need any help.
Wow this looks like a beautiful history place to visit! I love the look of the fort and temple, and the streets look like something out of a movie.
Yes, the history of Bikaner dates back to the 15th century and its interesting to know about it. The forts, temples have a beautiful architecture. Bikaner is worth visiting in Rajasthan.