Best Places to Visit in Bikaner

Bikaner, set on the golden sands of Rajasthan, is more than a city—it's a lively tribute to Rajput bravery, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488, it still holds its medieval charm. If you want to explore history and enjoy the peaceful desert, Bikaner should be your top travel choice. Bikaner is more than a tourist destination; it's also an important educational hub, home to institutions such as Maharaja Ganga Singh University and Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University. The city is well connected by road to major cities such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Ganganagar. A visit to Bikaner is incomplete without the fresh 'Bikaneri Bhujia' and Rasgullas. The flavors found in the streets near the station will make you a Bikaner lover.

1. Junagarh Fort

Built by Raja Rai Singh between 1589 and 1594, this fort is Bikaner's most prominent landmark. While Rajasthan's forts are typically located on hills, Junagarh, despite being built on land, remained "invincible" thanks to its high walls.

The carved windows and blue-hued walls of the Badal Mahal create an atmosphere where history feels palpably alive. The Durbar Hall and Art Gallery showcase some of the finest Rajputana craftsmanship.

Activities to do

  • Visit Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Badal Mahal
  • Explore the Art Gallery and museum
  • Take photos in the courtyards and turrets

What to Wear

  • Light and comfortable clothing
  • Sports shoes for walking
  • Sun cap or sunglasses

Nearest Attractions

  • Ganga Singh Museum: Located about 1 km away, showcases a collection of miniature paintings, weaponry, coins, textiles, and pottery that reflect Bikaner's rich cultural heritage
  • Rampuria Havelis: Approximately 2 km from here
  • Kot Gate Market: About 1.5 km away

2. Gajner Palace and Wildlife

This red sandstone palace was once a hunting retreat for the Maharajas.

Sunset by the lake is a particularly serene experience for visitors. Seeing chinkaras and nilgais in their natural habitat at the nearby Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a real treat for nature lovers.

Activities to do

  • Sunset Walk by the Lake
  • Bird Watching
  • Jungle Safari

What to Wear

  • Comfortable Outdoor Wear
  • Light Jacket in Winter
  • Carry Binoculars/Cap

Nearest Attractions

  • Bikaner: ~32 km
  • Kolayat: ~45 km

3. Lalgarh Palace

Built in the 20th century, this palace combines European and Rajasthani styles. Today, it serves as a heritage hotel and museum. Walking through its large galleries feels like stepping onto a historical movie set.

Activities to do

  • Visit the Palace Complex and Museum to explore the rich history of Bikaner
  • Enjoy a stay at the Heritage Hotel
  • Take photos in the gardens

What to Wear

  • Smart casual attire is recommended
  • Ethnic wear is ideal if you are planning a photoshoot

Nearest Attractions

  • Junagarh Fort, Bikaner: Approximately 3 km away
  • National Research Centre on Camel: The only camel research and breeding center of its kind in Asia, about 8 km from the city

4. National Research Centre on Camel

Here, you can see different breeds of camels up close. Enjoying a camel ride and tasting camel milk lassi are unique experiences you won't forget.

Activities to do

  • See different breeds of camels
  • Camel ride
  • Taste camel milk ice cream/lassi

What to Wear

  • Light cotton clothing
  • Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)

Nearest Attractions

  • Lalgarh Palace: ~8 km
  • Junagarh Fort Bikaner: ~9 km

5. Rampuria Haveli

Tucked away in Bikaner's narrow streets, these havelis showcase the best of Rajasthani art. The red stone latticework is so detailed that it looks like delicate silk instead of stone.

Activities to do

  • See the red sandstone carvings
  • Walk through the old streets
  • Heritage photography

What to Wear

  • Casual clothing
  • Comfortable shoes

Nearest Attractions

  • Junagarh Fort Bikaner: ~2 km
  • Kot Gate Bazaar: ~1 km

6. Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok)

About 30 km from Bikaner, this temple is famous for its thousands of rats called 'Kaba'. The locals' strong faith and the rats freely roaming make for an unforgettable visit.

Activities to do

  • Visit the temple
  • See the famous 'kabbas' (rats)
  • Participate in the Aarti

What to Wear

  • Decent clothing
  • Leave your shoes outside at the temple

Nearest Attractions

  • Bikaner: ~30 km
  • Junagarh Fort Bikaner: ~32 km

7. Bikaner Desert Camp

Spending the night beneath the stars in Bikaner offers unforgettable memories of shooting stars and the Milky Way, while camel rides and jeep safaris bring extra excitement to any trip.

Activities to do

  • Camel/Jeep Safari
  • Folk Music and Kalbelia Dance
  • Bonfire and Stargazing

What to Wear

  • Light clothing during the day
  • Warm jacket at night
  • Closed shoes (sand protection)

Nearest Attractions

  • Bikaner: ~15–20 km (depending on location)

8. Ganga Singh Museum

Rare artifacts from the Harappan civilization to the Gupta period are on display here.

Activities to do

  • See Harappan and Gupta Period Relics
  • Coins, Weapons, Paintings

What to Wear

  • Casual/Decent Clothing

Nearest Attractions

  • Junagarh Fort Bikaner: ~1 km
  • Rampuria Havelis: ~2 km

9. Bhandasar Jain Temple

This 16th-century Jain temple is famous for its vibrant colors and beautiful carvings. The serenity of the temple deeply touches the heart.

Activities to do

  • Admire the vibrant colors and intricate carvings
  • Participate in temple rituals
  • Meditation and prayer

What to Wear

  • Decent clothing
  • Remove shoes before entering

Nearest Attractions

  • Junagarh Fort Bikaner: ~2 km
  • Ganga Singh Museum: ~1.5 km