Top 12 Things Bikaner Is Famous For

1. Gajner Palace

Located on the banks of Lake Gajner, Gajner Palace is a gorgeous complex spread over 2428 ha (6000 ac) that is now a heritage hotel. The palace was built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner in 1784, and he used it as a summer palace and today lies within Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. You can enjoy the magnificent architecture of the palace as well as the incredible beauty and serenity of its gardens during your visit. Of course, you can also choose to stay here and take in the unforgettable royal ambience of the complex. Gajner is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bikaner.

Gajner Palace

Address: Gajner, Rajasthan

Website: Gajner Palace

2. 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.

3. Junagarh Fort

The stunning Junagarh Fort is not surprisingly Bikaner’s top landmark. Built in 1594 by an erstwhile king Raja Rai Singh the fort is spread over a massive 5 ha (12 a). Largely made of red sandstone, the fort is breathtaking in its architectural beauty. Its intimidating size will leave you amazed - one of its striking features is the huge wall (measuring 986 m/2952ft) that surrounds the fort.

The complex includes a vast array of buildings including temples, pavilions and seven separate palaces, all showcasing awe-inspiring Indo-Mughal architecture and intricate carvings, as well as decorative work in marble. 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: Bikaner Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)

4. Kundan Jewellery

A speciality of Rajasthan and Bikaner in particular, kundan jewellery is a type of gemstone jewellery where precious gems are laid using lac (a natural resin) on a base of gold foil. Delicate meenakari work is often done on the other side. With its exquisite workmanship and alluring beauty, authentic kundan jewellery is naturally quite expensive, but artificial kundan jewellery is now available widely at very affordable costs. Both these are largely manufactured in Bikaner making it a hub for this form of Indian jewellery. Check out some of the city’s famous jewellery stores such as Kishan Lal Jewellers and Sons to explore more.

5. Kote Gate

The lively bazaar at Kote Gate is not to be missed by any visitor in Bikaner. From authentic Rajasthani clothing to leather goods, this is where both locals and tourists flock to shop. Kote Gate in itself is an enormous centuries-old sandstone structure that separates old and new parts of the city. This is the market to go in case you are looking to buy kundan jewellery and local handicrafts as well. The bazaar is also a hub of popular eateries that serve local delicacies. Be sure to try out tea made from camel milk and fresh bhujia here!

Kote Gate

Address: Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001

6. Karni Mata Temple

This temple is like no other in the world! Located around 30 km (18.6 mi) from Bikaner in Deshnoke, Karni Mata Temple is famed for being the home of over 25,000 black rats. Considered sacred the rats have the run of the entire complex. The best time to see them is however during the evenings when they are out in full force to feast on the offerings left by devotees for them. Not an experience for the faint-hearted! The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a form of Goddess Durga, and the structure has finely carved marble panels and beautiful silver work.

Karni Mata Temple

Address: NH 89, Deshnok, Rajasthan

7. Lalgarh Palace

The grandiose ambience of Lalgarh Palace is sure to take your breath away. Built in the early 1920s by the British administration for Maharaja Ganga Singh, the unique aspect of the palace is its blend of Indian, European and Mughal architecture. A standout feature is the extensive intricate latticework found on the palace’s facade. The sprawling and verdant palace grounds have fountains and landscaped lawns. A major portion of the palace now functions as a heritage hotel. There is a museum on site which displays the royal family’s collection of paintings, weaponry, cultural artefacts and more.

Lallgarh Palace

Address: Lallgarh Palace Bikaner

Website: Lallgarh Palace

8. Camel leather products

Rajasthan is known for its camel leather products and Bikaner is one of the major production centres. Visit any of the city’s shopping centre and you will find an incredible array of products made of camel leather. While the distinctive mojari’s (traditional footwear) is an essential buy, you can also pick up bags, lampshades and more. A special art form found only in Bikaner is Usta where intricate designs are painted in gold colour on camel leather.

9. Bikaneri bhujia

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bikaner is practically synonymous with bhujia - a lip-smacking crispy, savoury snack made primarily from moth beans flour mixed with spices. The first batch of Bikaneri bhujia is said to have been created in 1877. Since then this snack has been steadily gaining in popularity and is now a favourite snack across India. Bhujia Bazaar is a dedicated bazaar in the city where you will find bhujia being made practically in every nook and corner. Some of the best outlets to buy bhujia from are Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala and Bishanlal Babulal Bhujiawala.

10. National Research Centre on Camel

National Research Centre on Camel is a governmental institution that researches on camels, an important part of the desert eco-system. Now a popular tourist attraction, you can observe different breeds of Indian camels here, with cute calves being the highlight. There’s also a camel museum with information on the animal, its role in the eco-system and interesting insights. Camel riding trips and camel safaris are also arranged here. Do stop by at the institute’s camel milk parlour to savour camel milk products. You can try out beverages and traditional ice-cream among other items. The institute is located around 30 km (18.6 mi) away from Bikaner city.

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 Camel

Address: Jodhpur Bypass, Bikaner

Website: National Research Centre on Camel

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 6pm; Sun: 7am - 3pm (closed on Mon)

11. 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

12. Desert safaris

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

Website: Sand Dunes Safari

A hidden gem with much to offer

Bikaner offers a quaint charm quite unlike other Rajasthani destinations. While this list of things is a great starting point to appreciate the city, there is much more to be explored. Some other places you can check out include the spectacular Rampuria Haveli and Bhandasar Jain Temple where you can find mirror work on the walls. So plan out the trip of your life to enjoy unique Indian heritage!