Bikaner is a city in northwest Rajasthan, India, located 330 kilometers northwest of Jaipur. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner Division. Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Rajput chief of the Rathore dynasty, Bikaner has grown from its humble beginnings into the fourth-largest city in Rajasthan. The construction of the Ganga Canal in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal in 1987 greatly contributed to its development.
Rao Bika, the first son of Maharaja Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, established Bikaner because he wanted his own kingdom rather than inheriting Jodhpur from his father. Despite being located in the Thar Desert, Bikaner was considered an oasis on the trade route between Central Asia and the Gujarat coast due to its adequate spring water.
Bikaner, located in the heart of the Thar Desert, is a cultural paradise and a traveler’s haven. The city is known for its magnificent architecture, art, and culture, filled with color, festivity, and cultural marvels. Bikaner will captivate you with its camels sauntering on the beautiful sand dunes, ancient palaces, and forts. Known as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, Bikaner boasts old-world charm, opulent havelis, and a rich Rajput heritage. It is famously called the “camel country” for breeding some of the best-known riding camels and houses one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British in World War I.
Major attractions in Bikaner include the sand dunes and desert safari. The city is also famous for hosting the international Camel Festival, which draws tourists from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Thandai and Bhujias, shop for fascinating ivory and lacquer items, or admire the rich heritage seen in wall paintings and arts and crafts in the area.
Bikaner boasts the impressive Junagarh Fort, the fascinating Karni Mata ‘Rat’ Temple, the beautiful Gajner Palace by Gajner Lake, and the grand Lallgarh Palace. Visitors can also explore the National Research Centre on Camel and enjoy the vibrant Bikaner Camel Festival, which showcases the region’s rich culture with camel rides, folk dances, and colorful festivities.
The Junagarh Fort in Bikaner is a grand structure around which the city developed. Initially called Chintamani, it was renamed Junagarh, meaning “Old Fort,” in the 20th century. The fort’s foundation was laid in 1478 by Rao Bika, but it was just a stone fort then. The present majestic structure was completed on February 17, 1589. Inside the fort, you’ll find palaces, gardens, balconies, and kiosks, all showcasing a mix of architectural styles influenced by various rulers and foreign inspirations. The fort’s unique monuments reflect 16 generations of Bikaner’s rulers starting from the late 16th century.
Karni Mata Temple, also known as the ‘Rat Temple,’ is a 600-year-old shrine located about 30 km from Bikaner in Deshnoke, Rajasthan. What makes this temple unique is the presence of around 25,000 black rats that live and are worshipped there. The food nibbled by these rats is considered holy and is later served as ‘prasad.’ These holy rats, called kabbas, attract visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects. Numerous tales and legends surround the temple and its rats, but the exact history of this unique shrine remains unknown.
Gajner Palace is situated on the banks of Gajner Lake in Bikaner. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge, it was converted into a hotel in 1976. The palace, designed in traditional Rajasthani style, offers a variety of leisure activities such as boat rides, desert safaris, billiards, lawn tennis, cycling, bird watching, and wildlife safaris. The lush green surroundings add to its charm, making it a perfect blend of royal architecture and modern hospitality.
The Bikaner Camel Festival is a two-day event held every January, celebrating the rich culture of Bikaner. The festival features camel safaris, rides, processions, folk dances, and various cultural activities and competitions. During the festival, camels are adorned with vibrant ornaments and bridles, creating a spectacular sight against the golden sand dunes. The festival draws tourists from around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the traditions of this region.
Bikaner offers a range of comfortable hotels, from the historic Raj Vilas Palace and the elegant Sagar Bikaner within the Lalgarh Palace complex to the contemporary Continental Blue and the upscale Basant Vihar Palace. These hotels provide a mix of modern amenities and classic charm, all conveniently located near major attractions like Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple.
Set in a restored palace dating from 1866, this relaxed hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from Junagarh Fort and 1 km from Karni Mata Temple.
₹2,299
3 Star Hotel
Set within the Lalgarh Palace complex, this elegant hotel is 2 km from both Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Junction Station.
₹2,637
4 Star Hotel
Contemporary property featuring relaxed rooms, plus a casual restaurant & event space. delicious food with friendly staf.
₹2,252
4 Star Hotel
Set 3.1 km from Junagarh Fort, this upscale hotel in a converted palace is 2.3 km from Lalgarh Junction Station.
₹4,617
3 Star Hotel
Bikaner offers a range of 4-star hotels near the railway station, including informal options with landscaped grounds, laid-back accommodations close to local history exhibits, modest hotels in restored palaces, and palatial heritage hotels. These options provide easy access to major attractions like Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, and the Prachina Museum.
This informal hotel on landscaped grounds is 5 km from both Junagarh Fort and Bikaner Junction train station, and 7 km from Lalgarh Palace.
₹2,492
3 Star Hotel
A 13-minute walk from Bikaner Junction railway station, this laid-back hotel is 2 km from both local history exhibits at the Prachina Museum.
₹1,271
3 Star Hotel
Located less than 1 km from the War Memorial, this modest hotel in a restored 19th-century palace is on a side street in a lively commercial district.
₹3,588
3 Star Hotel
Built in 1896, this palatial hotel in an Indo-Saracenic-style sandstone building is 2.3 km from the Karni Mata Temple.
₹4,570
2 Star Hotel
Bikaner offers a variety of dining options, from pure vegetarian family restaurants with rooftop views to cafes known for their friendly service and relaxing ambiance. You can enjoy casual dining with a wide range of delicious food and drinks, as well as vegetarian meals in peaceful settings near popular city spots.
Nebula Rooftop & Fine Dine Restaurant ( A Pure Veg. Family Restaurant) is listed in RectoPages under the category Restaurant and located in Bikaner. Our contact details are undefined and our address is near Over Bridge.
₹400–600
This place is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. The peaceful ambiance adds a relaxing feel to a guests’ stay at this spot
₹200–400
Mr 24X7 Cafe is a F&B-Casual Dining outlet that offers a wide variety of delicious food and drinks.
₹200–400
Vardhman Restaurant is listed in under the category Vegetarian and located in Bikaner. Our contact details are undefined and our address is Near, Ambedkar Cir.
₹200–400
To get to Bikaner, you can fly to Jodhpur Airport, which is 251 km away and well-connected to major cities, and then take a bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can fly into Jaipur or Delhi and travel by bus or taxi to Bikaner. By train, Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Junction, both about 6 km from the city center, connect to cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai. Bikaner is also accessible by road with regular bus services and taxis available, offering both government and private options.
Bikaner has two railway stations: Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway Junction, both about 6 km from the city center. These stations are connected to many major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and others.
The nearest airport to Bikaner is Nal Airport, about 13 km away, but it’s still under construction. The next closest option is Jodhpur Airport, 251 km from Bikaner, which is well-connected to major cities.
Bikaner is well-connected by road to various cities. Regular bus services and taxis are available, and the roads are quite smooth. Depending on your budget, you can choose between government and private buses.
Local transportation in Bikaner is managed by the state road transport service, with many inter-state buses stopping at major attractions. Private bus services are also available for tourists.
Starting at Only 5₹/Per KM
Cabs are a great option for sightseeing in Bikaner, especially on narrow roads that are difficult for larger vehicles to navigate. Taxis and cabs are readily available throughout the city.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Rickshaws are a popular and affordable way to get around Bikaner, with fares usually ranging from INR 5 to 10 for short trips. They are convenient for navigating the city’s crowded streets.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10-200.Rs
For those who prefer to drive themselves or want a chauffeur-driven car, rental services are available and can be booked online. Bicycles and motorcycles can also be rented, particularly near the railway stations, for a more adventurous way to explore the city.
Starting at only ₹1499.
Since Bikaner is located in the Thar Desert, it experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot and humid, while winters are quite chilly. The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Bikaner enjoys cool weather in winter, making it the peak tourist season. Most attractions are outdoors, and visitors can explore all day comfortably. The winter season also features many festivals, attracting even more tourists. Summer starts in April and brings intense heat, with hot winds and dust storms. It’s not the ideal time to visit unless you prefer fewer crowds and can tolerate the heat. Bikaner receives moderate rainfall during the monsoon, leading to humid conditions. If you visit during this season, remember to carry an umbrella and wear cotton clothes. Though it’s not a peak season, many luxury hotels offer special deals and discounts during the monsoon.
The Distance of Bikaner to Mumbai is (1,174.4 km) via NH 48.
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The Distance of Bikaner to Delhi is (425.6 km) via RJ SH 6.
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The Distance of Bikaner To Bangalore is (2,082.5 km) via NH 52.
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The Distance of Bikaner to Chennai is (2,287.8 km) via NH16.
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The first thing to ensure when planning a trip to Bikaner is to book your tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from October to March. This is the best time to visit as the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. During this season, many festivals take place, attracting numerous tourists, so advance bookings will save you from last-minute hassles and fully booked hotels.
Respect the cultural heritage and maintain the decorum of Bikaner. Avoid any actions that could damage or disturb historical monuments, as such behavior is punishable. Choose hygienic places to eat to avoid health issues; enjoy the local cuisine but avoid raw or poorly processed food. There are no strict dress codes in Bikaner, but it’s advisable to dress modestly to respect local customs and traditions.
For safety reasons, it’s best to explore the city in groups rather than alone, especially in less crowded areas. Bikaner has many historical monuments and tourist attractions that require entry tickets, so always purchase a ticket to avoid penalties. Exploring without a ticket can result in severe consequences. Following these tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable visit, making the most of Bikaner’s rich cultural and historical offerings.
Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert of the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.
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Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom.
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Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state.
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Ajmer is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.
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