Places to Visit in Bikaner are deeply immersed in rich history, majestic forts, and vibrant culture. Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a Rajput prince named Rao Bika and represents Rajasthan’s royalty and architectural genius. It is well-documented for its well-preserved forts, palaces, and temples, which define the magnificence of Rajputana art and culture. The city is famous for its scrumptious cuisines, bustling markets, and traditional camel safaris. Be it history buffs or enthusiasts of desert landscapes, Bikaner tourist places leave everyone with a different travel experience.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Bikaner
Get your notepad ready and note down these places to visit in Bikaner and get ready to start an incredible India journey from here:
1. Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is one of the best tourist places in Bikaner, famous for its unbeatable foundation and intricate design. Constructed in 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, this has given a glimpse of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The fort complex holds several palaces, courtyards, and pavilions, each specially decorated with beautiful stone carvings and paintings. The fort houses two most famous palaces: the Anup Mahal and Chandra Mahal, famous for their ornate interiors. Being untouched by the ravages of conquests, Junagarh is a must-visit site for all history enthusiasts; this is a fact that separates it from many of the forts in Rajasthan.
Major Attraction: Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, historical exhibits
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (2 km)
2. Karni Mata Temple
Photo: Pablo Nicolás Taibi Cicare / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most offbeat places to visit in Bikaner, Karni Mata Temple lies in Deshnoke town, located 30 km from Bikaner. It is popularly known as “Rat Temple” due to the teeming thousands of rats inhabiting the temple precincts. The rats are believed to be sacred and are fed and guarded by devotees. According to a common belief, these rats are reincarnations of the followers of Karni Mata. Its unique architecture, along with the marble facade and silver gates, combined with the interesting customs, make this temple a force to reckon with for curious travellers.
Major Attraction: Sacred rats, marble architecture
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (280 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (30 km)
3. Lalgarh Palace
Photo: Worldchoiceseo / Wikimedia Commons
The Lalgarh Palace, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902, is an architectural wonder. It stands among the major places for Bikaner trips. This is a brilliant specimen of Indo-Saracenic architecture that demonstrates the skill of artisans by incorporating traditional Rajasthani designs with Mughal and European elements, having elaborate latticework and carved windows. While one part has been transformed into a heritage hotel, another part is taken by the Ganga Singh Museum which displays royal artefacts and paintings. Beautiful gardens and peacock-laden courtyards give an appeal to this royal residence.
Major Attraction: Architecture, Ganga Singh Museum
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (3 km)
4. Gajner Palace
Photo: jokertrekker / Wikimedia Commons
Gajner Palace is the lakeside, an amazing palace constructed at a distance of about 30 km from Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built the palace for himself. The royal family and their guests used to come here for hunting purposes. Now it has been converted into a heritage hotel though one can still visit it to see its beautiful architecture and can also enjoy a boat ride in the calm waters of Gajner Lake. The nearby wildlife sanctuary houses many animals, including deer and nilgai, along with migratory birds. An absolute destination for nature lovers seeking offbeat tourist attractions in Bikaner.
Major Attraction: Lakeside views, wildlife sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (280 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (30 km)
5. Bhandasar Jain Temple
Photo: Malakarmithun / Wikimedia Commons
Bhandasar Jain Temple is an example of Jain architecture in Bikaner with its marvellous murals and intricate carvings. Built in the 15th century, the temple was designed for the 5th Jain Tirthankara, Sumatinath. The temple, unlike other monuments there, is said to have been built with 40,000 kg of ghee instead of water for its construction.. Magnificent frescoes depicting scenes from Jain mythology on the three-storey building make it a thing of beauty, while the total peaceful ambience of the entire temple makes it one of the most serene places to visit in Bikaner.
Major Attraction: Murals, intricate carvings
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (5 km)
6. National Research Centre On Camel
Photo: Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose / Wikimedia Commons
Bikaner is famous for its camels, and the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) is a unique institution dedicated to the research and breeding of these desert animals. Spread over 2,000 acres, the centre offers visitors an opportunity to learn about different camel breeds and their importance in Rajasthan’s desert ecosystem. Visitors can also enjoy camel rides, witness milking demonstrations, and sample camel milk products like ice cream, making it a must-visit in the Bikaner tourist places list.
Major Attractions: Camel rides, museum, camel milk products
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (255 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (8 km)
7. Devi Kund Sagar
Photo: Z thomas / Wikimedia Commons
Devi Kund Sagar is the royal crematorium of the Bikaner rulers and is located around 8 km from the city. The site is dotted with beautifully carved cenotaphs, or chhatris, made of red sandstone and white marble. These chhatris are dedicated to various members of the royal family and are intricately carved with stunning designs. The cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh is particularly famous for its architectural beauty. Devi Kund Sagar is one of the quieter tourist places in Bikaner, ideal for those interested in Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
Major Attraction: Royal cenotaphs, peaceful surroundings
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (260 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (8 km)
8. Rampuria Havelis
Photo: Glavo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Rampuria Havelis are a group of grand mansions built by the wealthy merchant family of Rampuria in the 18th century. These havelis are known for their elaborate facades, intricate carvings, and stunning jharokhas (balconies). Made of red sandstone, the Rampuria Havelis stand as a symbol of Bikaner’s architectural legacy. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with these beautiful mansions is like stepping back in time to offbeat tourist attractions in Bikaner.
Major Attraction: Architecture, ornate carvings
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (3 km)
9. Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji Temple
Photo: Tho-Ge / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Located around 24 km from Bikaner, Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple, surrounded by a large tank, is known for its peaceful and rustic ambience. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for protection and good fortune. The temple’s simplicity and natural surroundings make it one of the more spiritual places to visit in Bikaner, offering a retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Major Attraction: Spiritual significance, peaceful ambiance
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (274 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (24 km)
10. Prachina Museum
Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Located within Junagarh Fort, the Prachina Museum was established in 2000 to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bikaner. The museum features an extensive collection of royal costumes, textiles, accessories, paintings, and historical artefacts. It provides a fascinating insight into the royal lifestyle of Bikaner’s rulers and offers a glimpse of Rajasthan’s cultural evolution, making it an essential entry in our list.
Major Attraction: Royal costumes, historical artefacts
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Railway Station (2 km)
Places to Visit in Bikaner offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for travellers. From majestic forts and palaces to unique temples and wildlife experiences, Bikaner has something for everyone. Ready to explore the cultural wonders of Bikaner? Book your Bikaner tour with TripXL and experience the rich heritage of Rajasthan’s desert city in a truly immersive way.
Cover Photo: DevUbc / Wikimedia Commons