8 Best Things To Do In Bikaner, India

1. Visit the world famous Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort in Bikaner has the unique distinction that it was never captured during any battle. It was built in 1588 AD by the then King Raja Rai Singh, who was one of Emperor Akbar’s distinguished generals. The fort has been constructed in red sandstone and houses some of the most magnificent palaces built of marble.

You will find magnificent courtyards, balconies and windows all built in ancient archaeological design. In particular the Zenana quarters capture the attention of visitors as they exhibit exquisite and artistic skill. The fort is adorned with mirror work, huge frescoes and elaborate lacquer work which contribute in making this fort look magnificent. Some of the must-see places in this fort are Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal and Chandra Mahal.

Junagarh Fort

Address: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001

Website: Junagarh Fort

2. Jain Temple at Bhandasar

The Jain Temple in Bhandasar, Bikaner was built in the 15th-century AD. It was dedicated to the 5th Tirthankar Sumatinathji, who according to the Jain religion was the person who conquered life, death and rebirth and has made a way for others to get to nirvana. It is one of the oldest monuments in Bikaner and the temple is adorned with intricate mirror work, exquisite murals, and gold leaf paintings. Jain devotees and also others throng here in huge numbers.

Jain Temple in Bhandasar

Address: Old Bikaner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001

Website: Jain Temple in Bhandasar

3. Beautiful Gajner Palace

Gajner is a place incomparable to any other in Bikaner and also the whole of Rajasthan. The Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Gaj Singh ji in 1784, and completed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. This magnificent palace was built on the banks of a lake. It was built to serve as a hunting and relaxing place for the royals and their guests. Now it is used as a hotel and is hugely popular among tourists who come to stay here and get a glimpse of the erstwhile palace.

Gajner Palace

Address: Kolayat, Gajner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334301

Website: Gajner Palace

4. Come visit the Karni Mata Temple

The Karni Mata Temple is located at Deshnok in Bikaner. It is a beautiful temple built of stone and marble, and there is an image of Karni Mata inside the temple which is adorned with a tiara and garlands. It also has images of her sisters of Avad Mata on each side of her. The temple is famous as being infested with rats which roam about everywhere inside the temple.

Karni Mata Temple

Address: Karni Mata Niji Pranyas, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334801

5. Visit the Kote Gate

The Kote Gate separates the old Bikaner from the new one; it is an important landmark of the city. It has been built with great architectural grandeur and is the very first thing you will notice when you enter Bikaner. You will notice that on one side of the gate there are exquisitely built Rajputana Havelis and the other side of the gate has a market, which is a shopaholic’s paradise!

After checking out the grandeur of the Kote Gate, you can head straight to the market and start your shopping. You will find rare items like things made of camel hide, shoes with open-toes, miniature paintings, different types of utensils, Rajasthani handicrafts, Khadi cloth items like Indian kurtas and wooden items. You will also find a yummy fare of food being sold here, like Bikaneri sweets, the famous Bikaneri bhujiya and tea which is made from camel’s milk!

Kote Gate

Address: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001

6. Adventures on a Sand Dunes Safari

As Bikaner is located near the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, a desert safari is an obvious thing to do. Once there you will find jeeps and camels which are provided for the safari. You can choose for how long you want to be there for the safari and there is the option of camping in the desert and to witness the rich folk dance of Rajasthan. If you plan on staying for a long duration then you can visit several places like Raisar, Dhora, Khichan, Balakaya and Phlodi.

Sand Dunes Safari

Address: Thar Desert

Website: Sand Dunes Safari

7. The famous Royal Cenotaphs

The Royal Cenotaphs are situated in Devikund Sagar, east of Bikaner, and are the cremation grounds of Bikaner’s royal family members. Cenotaphs have always been an important part of the Royal Rajput rulers and also the Mughals. In Devikund Sagar you will find cenotaphs made of red stone and also of marble. The main attraction here is the cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh, which was built on a total of 16 pillars and it has intricate carvings of peacocks, of the Hindu God Krishna, various birds and animals.

8. National Research Centre on Camels

The National Research Centre on Camels is located in Bikaner. It is a camel research and also breeding centre for camels and happens to be the only one of its kind in the continent of Asia. It is spread over a huge area of semi-arid land and managed by the Government of India. The National Research Centre on Camels is a breeding farm for camels and has 230 camels of 3 kinds of breeds. It is open for visitors between the time of 2.30 pm to 5 pm.

National Research Centre on Camels

Address: Jodhpur Bypass, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334022

Have the time of your life in Bikaner!

Bikaner is the land of the royals and their heritage. It is a place that is visited by thousands of tourists from abroad and India and has a unique blend of culture and modernity. There are old magnificent palaces which mostly now are turned into hotels, and there are lakes and temples which serve as tourist attractions. The sand dunes, spread out all over Bikaner, serve as safaris for the tourists and they are entertained by folk singers and dancers in the desert. So why not come to Bikaner and experience all of this first hand and you will have good memories for life.