Best Places to Visit in Bikaner: A Complete Travel Guide for Your Trip

Are you planning a trip to Rajasthan? Don’t miss Bikaner, a beautiful city with amazing forts, old buildings, and tasty food! In this guide, I’ll share all the best places to visit in Bikaner that will make your trip unforgettable.
Before we start, if you’re coming from another country, remember you’ll need an India visa. The good news is you can now get an India Online Visa easily from your home!
Why You Should Visit Bikaner
Bikaner is less crowded than other Rajasthan cities but just as beautiful. The friendly people, amazing buildings, and real Rajasthani feel make it special. The best places to visit in Bikaner show you the true colors of Rajasthan without the big tourist crowds.
When to Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is nice. Summers (April to June) get very hot, with temperatures above 40°C. Winters (November to February) have pleasant days but cold nights.
If you love festivals, come in January for the Bikaner Camel Festival. You’ll see camel races, folk dances, and colorful parades!
Top Best Places to Visit in Bikaner
1. Junagarh Fort
This amazing fort is one of the must-see best places to visit in Bikaner. Built in the 16th century, it stands strong on flat land, not on a hill like many other forts. Inside, you’ll find beautiful palaces, temples, and courtyards.
Don’t miss the Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), and Anup Mahal with their beautiful paintings, mirror work, and carved marble. The fort also has museums showing royal clothes, old weapons, and paintings. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here!
2. Lalgarh Palace
This beautiful red sandstone palace is another one of the best places to visit in Bikaner. Built in the early 1900s, it mixes Indian and European styles. Part of it is now a hotel, but visitors can see the museum with royal photos and items.
The gardens around the palace are perfect for a relaxing walk in the evening. The red color of the palace looks magical during sunset!
3. Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
About 30 kilometers from Bikaner, this unusual temple is one of the most unique and best places to visit in Bikaner. It’s home to thousands of rats that people believe are sacred. Finding a white rat among them is thought to bring good luck!
While not everyone might enjoy this place, it shows the interesting religious customs of India. If you visit, remember to take off your shoes and be respectful.
4. Rampuria Havelis
These beautiful old mansions in the old city are among the top best places to visit in Bikaner. They belonged to rich merchant families and showed amazing carvings, balconies, and artwork. Morning is the best time to see them when the sunlight makes their details shine.
5. National Research Centre on Camel
Just 8 kilometers from the city, this camel farm is a fun place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You can learn about different camel types, try camel milk products, and even take a camel ride! It’s one of the best places to visit in Bikaner for a unique experience.
6. Bhandasar Jain Temple
This beautiful temple from the 15th century has colorful paintings and gold decorations. Instead of cement, they used ghee (clarified butter) in its foundation! Visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Bikaner to see amazing artwork.
7. Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary
About 32 kilometers from Bikaner, Gajner Palace sits by a lake inside a wildlife area. Once a hunting lodge for kings, it’s now a hotel. You can take a boat ride on the lake or look for animals like deer and wild boar in the sanctuary.
Delicious Food in Bikaner
Bikaner is famous for its bhujia (a crunchy snack), sweets, and Rajasthani dishes. When exploring the best places to visit in Bikaner, make sure to try:
- Bikaneri Bhujia—a spicy snack you can buy from Bhikharam Chandmal shop
- Rasgullas from Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop
- Kachori (fried snack with spicy filling)
- A full Rajasthani thali (meal) at Heeralal Restaurant
Shopping in Bikaner
While visiting the best places to visit in Bikaner, save time for shopping! The city is known for leather items, wooden crafts, woolen carpets, and colorful clothes. Visit Kote Gate Market and Station Road for the best shopping. Don’t forget to take home some Bikaneri bhujia!
Where to Stay in Bikaner
Bikaner has places to stay for every budget:
- Luxury: Narendra Bhawan or Laxmi Niwas Palace
- Mid-range: Hotel Harasar Haveli
- Budget: Hotel Sagar
Many old havelis (mansions) are now hotels, giving you a chance to experience real Rajasthani hospitality.
How to Reach Bikaner
Bikaner is well-connected by road and train. The nearest airport is in Jodhpur (250 km away). International travelers, remember you need an India visa to enter the country. The India Online Visa process is now simple and fast.
Getting Around Bikaner
You can use auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws for short distances. For visiting all the best places to visit in Bikaner in one day, hire a taxi. Many hotels also arrange tours of the main sights.
Tips for Your Bikaner Trip
- Wear modest clothes, especially at temples.
- Carry water bottles—Bikaner can get very hot.
- Bargain gently when shopping in markets.
- Try local food, but be careful with street food.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
Final Thoughts
Bikaner offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and real Rajasthani life without big crowds. The best places to visit in Bikaner show you the city’s rich history and royal lifestyle.
From beautiful forts and mansions to delicious food and shopping, there are plenty of wonderful things to see and do in Bikaner that will make your trip special.
Don’t forget to arrange your India visa before your trip. The easy India Online Visa system makes planning your visit simpler than ever.
Pack your bags and get ready to discover the royal charm of Bikaner—a hidden gem in Rajasthan waiting for you!