Bikaner is a city in Rajasthan that offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse wildlife. It is also known for its camel festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are looking for a unique and memorable holiday in Rajasthan, Bikaner is the place to be. Here are some of the best things to do in Bikaner that will make your trip one-of-a-kind.
Jaipur to Bikaner Distance
Jaipur and Bikaner are two popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Jaipur to Bikaner Distance is about 335 km, and the travel time is around 5 hours. There are several ways to reach Bikaner from Jaipur, such as by train, taxi, car or plane. The cheapest option is to take a train, which costs around ₹220 – ₹1,200 and takes about 6 hours 40 minutes. There are 38 weekly trains available on this route. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or drive your own car from Jaipur to Bikaner, which will give you more flexibility and comfort. The road condition is good and the scenery is beautiful along the way.
Things To Do In Bikaner
Attend The Famous Camel Festival
One of the most popular and unique things to do in Bikaner is to attend the camel festival, which is held every year in January. This festival celebrates the desert animal and showcases its beauty and skills. You can witness camels being decorated, raced, and even dancing at this event. You can also enjoy cultural performances, folk music, and delicious local cuisine at the festival.
When: 11th and 12th January, 2023
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
Shop Your Heart Out At Kote Gate
If you love shopping, you will not be disappointed by the markets in Bikaner. One of the best things to do in Bikaner is to shop in Bikaner is Kote Gate, where you can find everything from camel hide articles to local handicrafts. You can also buy souvenirs such as kundan jewellery, lac bangles, bhujia, and textile. Kote Gate is a bustling and colorful market that will give you a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle.
Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Other places to shop in Bikaner: Bara Bazar, Junagarh Fort Road, and Mahatma Gandhi Road Market
Take A Tour Of The Majestic Junagarh Fort Bikaner
Bikaner is home to many magnificent forts and palaces that reflect its royal history. One of the most impressive things to do in Bikaner is to visit the Junagarh Fort, which was built by the then Maharaja of Bikaner in the 16th century. The fort has a stunning architecture that combines Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati styles. You can explore the fort’s various halls, courtyards, temples, and museums that display the artifacts and weapons of the past rulers.
Timings: Open on all the days from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indian tourists, and INR 300 for foreigners
Location: Junagarh Fort Bikaner, Rajasthan
Visit The Popular Karni Mata Temple
One of the most unique and intriguing things to do in Bikaner is to visit the Karni Mata Temple, which is dedicated to a Hindu goddess who is believed to be the incarnation of Durga. The temple is famous for being home to more than 25,000 rats, which are considered sacred by the devotees. You can see the rats roaming freely around the temple premises and eating from the offerings. It is said that spotting a white rat among them is a sign of good luck.
Timings: Open on all the days from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting this temple.
Location: Karni Mata Niji Pranyas, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Witness The Splendour Of The Lalgarh Palace
Another architectural marvel in Bikaner is the Lalgarh Palace, which was built by the Maharaja of Bikaner in the 19th century. The palace has a beautiful red sandstone facade and a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles. You can admire the palace’s intricate carvings, latticework, paintings, and gardens. You can also stay at the palace’s heritage hotel and experience the royal hospitality and ambience.
Timings: Open on all the days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except every Sunday
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Indian tourists, and INR 20 for foreigners
Location: NH15, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Enjoy A Camel Safari In The Thar Desert
Bikaner is located on the edge of the Thar Desert, which offers a scenic and adventurous backdrop for a camel safari. You can ride on the back of a camel and explore the sand dunes, villages, and wildlife of the desert. You can also witness the sunset or sunrise over the horizon and enjoy a campfire under the stars. A camel safari is one of the most thrilling and memorable things to do in Bikaner.
Timings: Morning till night
Price: INR 1,200 and above (depends on the tour you book)
Relish The Taste Of The Local Cuisines
No trip to Bikaner is complete without tasting the delicious and spicy local cuisines. Bikaner is famous for its kachori, dal bati churma, khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, and more. You can also try the sweets such as raj bhog, ghevar, fini, and kesari phirni. You can find these dishes at the various restaurants and street stalls in Bikaner.
Popular cuisines: Kachori, dal bati churma, khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, raj bhog, ghevar, fini, and more
Best places to eat: Heeralal’s, Gallops, Chappan Bhog, and more
Experience Utmost Luxury At The Laxmi Vilas Palace
If you want to splurge on your Bikaner trip, you can book a stay at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which is a 5 star hotel in Bikaner. The palace was built by the Maharaja of Bikaner in the 20th century and has been converted into a luxury hotel. The hotel offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, fine dining, and a spa. You can also enjoy the views of the city and the desert from the hotel.
Price: INR 10,500 and above (double-sharing)
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Location: Lalgarh campus, Doctor Karni Singhji Road, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Go Wildlife Spotting In The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, you should not miss visiting the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 32 sq km and is home to various animals such as deer, antelopes, wild boars, foxes, and migratory birds. You can take a jeep safari or a boat ride to explore the sanctuary and spot the wildlife. You can also visit the Gajner Palace, which is a heritage hotel located inside the sanctuary.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 100 per person
Location: Gajner, Rajasthan
Beat The Heat At The Skybird Water Park
Bikaner can get quite hot during the summer months, so if you want to cool off and have some fun, you can visit the Skybird Water Park. The water park has various slides, pools, and rides for all ages. You can also enjoy some snacks and drinks at the park’s cafeteria. The water park is a great place to spend a day with your family or friends.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 200 per person
Location: Behind Petrol Pump, Nal Village, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Explore The Grandeur Of Rampuria Haveli
Rampuria Haveli is a series of grand mansions located in Bikaner, known for their stunning architecture and intricate carvings. These havelis were built by the wealthy merchant family of Rampuria in the 15th century and are considered to be the pride of Bikaner. The havelis are constructed with Dulmera red sandstone and showcase a blend of Mughal, Rajputana, and Victorian architecture.
The interiors of the havelis are adorned with aesthetic object d’art, landscapes, portraits, and artifacts made from fine wood. The seamless fusion of different architectural styles in the drawing room of Rampuria Haveli is truly inspiring and magnificent. Most of the havelis are open for public display, and one of the most popular ones is Bhanwar Niwas, which has been converted into a heritage hotel.
While visiting Rampuria Haveli, you can admire the splendor and magnificence of the red sandstone architecture. You don’t need a ticket or a guide to bask in the exquisite beauty of the designs depicted on the walls of the Haveli. There are also markets nearby where you can get a glimpse of traditional Rajasthani culture ³.
Location: Rampuria Street, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Timings: Open all days and hours of the year
Entry Fees: No entry fees recorded
Best Time to Visit: Winter season (October to January)
FAQs
What are some of the best dishes to try in Bikaner?
Some of the best dishes to try in Bikaner are kachori, dal bati churma, khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, raj bhog, ghevar, fini, and kesari phirni
How far is Bikaner from the Thar Desert?
Bikaner is about 332 km away from the Thar Desert and it takes about 5 hours to reach by road.
What is Bikaner famous for?
Bikaner is famous for its camel festival, which is held every year in January. It is also known for its forts and palaces such as Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace.
What is the best time to visit Bikaner?
The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
What are some of the things to buy in Bikaner?
Some of the things to buy in Bikaner are kundan jewellery (both artificial and original), textile, dress material, bhujia, lac bangles and handicraft items.
What are some of the best restaurants in Bikaner?
Some of the best restaurants in Bikaner are Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala,
Conclusion
Bikaner is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in culture, history, adventure, or food, you will find it all in Bikaner. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Bikaner today and experience the cultural paradise of Rajasthan. Reach out in case you have a query.
