10 Best Things to Do in Bikaner: Forts & Culture

Complete Travel Guide to Bikaner

Founded in 1488 AD by Rathore prince Rao Bika, Bikaner is a vibrant desert citadel in the Thar Desert famous for its unyielding fortresses, ornate red sandstone havelis, sacred temple legends, and world-renowned savories. If you are embarking on a Great Thar Desert road trip, combine Bikaner with golden dunes in Jaisalmer, blue city heritage in Jodhpur, holy lake ghats in Pushkar, Sufi shrines in Ajmer, and pink city palaces in Jaipur.

During my motorcycle expeditions across North Rajasthan on my bike, Bikaner captivated me with its raw medieval charm. Walking through the narrow alleys of Rampuria Havelis and tasting piping hot, spicy Bikaneri Bhujia straight from brass kadhais is an experience every traveler must savor. Official state tourism information is available on the Rajasthan Tourism Portal.

Top 10+ Places to Visit in Bikaner

1. Junagarh Fort

Built in 1589 AD by Raja Rai Singh (a general in Emperor Akbar's army), Junagarh Fort is unique as it is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hill. Highlights include the gold-gilded Anup Mahal, glass-tiled Chandra Mahal, and a preserved WWI DH-9 De Havilland biplane aircraft.

2. Karni Mata Temple (The Famous "Rat Temple" of Deshnoke)

Located 30 km south of Bikaner in Deshnoke, Karni Mata Temple is world-renowned for harboring over 25,000 sacred black rats called Kabbas. Devotees offer milk and sweets to these rats, believing them to be reincarnated souls of Karni Mata's clan.

3. Lalgarh Palace & Sadul Museum

Constructed between 1902 and 1926 for Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgarh Palace is an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in Indo-Saracenic style. Housed inside red sandstone lattice walls, part of the palace functions as a heritage hotel and museum.

4. Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary

Perched on the banks of Gajner Lake 30 km from Bikaner, Gajner Palace served as a hunting lodge for Bikaner Maharajas. Surrounded by dense woodland, it's a paradise for spotting chinkara gazelles, blackbucks, and migratory waterfowl.

5. Rampuria Havelis of Old Bikaner

Constructed by wealthy merchant families during the 19th century, Rampuria Havelis feature intricate red Dulmera sandstone jharokhas, Victorian influence, and exquisite wood-carved shutters lining narrow old city lanes.

6. ICAR National Research Centre on Camel

Located 8 km from the city, the National Research Centre on Camel is Asia's premier camel breeding institution. Learn about desert camel breeds, enjoy camel rides, and taste unique camel milk kulfi and ice cream!

7. Devi Kund Sagar (Royal Cenotaphs)

Located 8 km east of Bikaner, Devi Kund Sagar is the royal cremation ground of the Bikaner royal family. The site features beautiful white marble and red sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs) decorated with Rajput ceiling frescoes.

8. Bikaneri Bhujia, Rasgullas & Street Food

Food lovers cannot miss Bikaner! Taste crispy moth-bean flour Bikaneri Bhujia from 150-year-old shops at Kote Gate, spongy Bikaneri Rasgullas, Ghevar, and Raj Kachori.

Best Time to Visit & Practical Travel Tips

• Best Season: October to March for pleasant 14°C–26°C winter weather ideal for desert exploring.
• Bikaner Camel Festival: Visit in January to witness the colorful 2-day Bikaner Camel Festival featuring decorated camel parades and folk dances.
• Karni Mata Temple Protocol: Step carefully inside the temple as stepping on a rat is considered inauspicious. If you spot a rare white rat, it's considered good fortune!
• Rider Tip: Riding on two wheels from Bikaner toward Jaisalmer along the Thar desert highway (NH11) is one of India's iconic road trips.

✍️ Written by Akash Roy (The Ghumakkad)

Akash Roy is India's Leading Hospitality Digital Marketing Strategist by profession and a traveller by passion, exploring India's hidden gems on two wheels. Through The Ghumakkad, he shares unfiltered travel stories, rider logs, and authentic cultural guides. Discover more at Akashroy.in.

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