Bikaner is a “cultural paradise and sanctuary for tourists” situated in the heart of
Thar Desert. The city will charm you with its camels, saunas of the stunning sand-
dunes and its antique Palazzos and forts are also a thing to consider. Bikaner has
its splendid architecture, art, and culture which are full of color and festivals and
cultural marvels. Known as “camel territory,” among the main attractions of
Bikaner are the Sand Dunes and the Desert Safari. Bikaner is also known for
hosting the Camel international festival that attracts visitors from around the
world.
How to reach Bikaner
By Air: The nearest airport to Bikaner has located approximately 251 km from the
capital, which is Jodhpur Airport. You can take a bus from the airport or rent a taxi
to Bikaner.
By Road: Bikaner is provided with frequent bus services from Delhi, Jodhpur,
Agra, Ajmer, Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Udaipur, and Kota. Depending on your budget
you can take either public buses or private buses.
By Rail: It is a 6 km distance away from both Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway
Station. These two stations lead Bikaner to major Indian cities such as Delhi,
Punjab, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Best time to reach Bikaner
The town stays dry and warm almost throughout the year because it is close to
the desert. The desert area is usually colder in the evening, meaning that nights
are cooler than days. It is October through March, which is winter that is the best
time to visit Bikaner. This is Bikaner’s best season. The summers are not only
much hotter, but they also have many dust storms in this season so be vigilant
when going out in the daytime. The monsoon in the city takes place between July
and October and is considered to be a pleasant time to visit Bikaner. Despite the
rains that offer relief from the sun, after a thunderstorm or rain showers, the city
becomes very damp.
Famous places to visit in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort: A Blend Of Mughal & Gujarati Architecture
Junagarh Fort is an unbeaten fort still standing high and telling stories of the
glorious past and is one of the most interesting places to visit at Bikaner. This is a
rare blend of Mughlai and Gujarati architecture. The photographers have many
options to catch because of its stunning elegance and picturesque surroundings.
Entry: INR 30 for Indians and INR 150 for foreigners
Opening days: Open all days of the week; 10 am – 5 pm
Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Lalgarh Palace: In The Lap Of Luxury
One of the main tourist attractions in Bikaner is the stunning red sandstone
structure. This place is the true spirit of Rajasthan with a perfect mix of Rajput,
Mughlai, and European architectural styles. The palace was later converted into
Lalgarh Palace Hotel and commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of
his father Maharaja Lal Singh from 1902 to 1926.
Sadul Museum is also in Lalgarh Palace and this museum is situated on the first
floor of Fort Lalgarh and shows heads of different animals and trophy collections
of Bikaner rulers.
Entry fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 20 for foreigners
Opening days: Monday – Saturday; 10 am – 5:30 pm
Laxmi Niwas Palace: Former Abode Of Maharaja Ganga Singh
Laxmi Niwas Palace is the ancient Bikaner’s Maharaja Ganga Singh residence
which was designed by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob in an Indo-
Saracenic style between 1898 and 1902. It is one of the most common places to see in Bikaner is a graceful red, sandstone structure. The palace is now owned by
Golden Triangle Fort & Palace Pvt Ltd, has been turned into a hotel.
Location: Lal Garh Campus, Dr. Karni Singhji Road, Samta Nagar, Bikaner,
Rajasthan 334001
Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary: The Blissful Getaway
Gajner Palace is an architectural delight for tourists situated on the banks of
Gajner Lake. The majestic architectural wonder is one of the most beautiful
locations for a quiet weekend in Bikaner. The property is home to the Gajner
Wildlife Shrine, which was a famous royal family hunting ground.
Location: Kolayat, Gajner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334301
Entry fee: INR 100
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Also Visit: Gajner Temple and Gajner Lake
Rampuria Haveli: Traverse Bikaner Lanes
Bikaner is renowned for its magnanimous Havelis and houses constructed from
complicated carvings and jharokhas that remember the palaces themselves. The
rich Bikaner merchants established Rampuria Havelis. Hundreds of years ago, a
walk along the lanes would lead you. So, don’t miss this place when you visit
Bikaner top locations.
Location: Joshiwara, Old Bikaner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Timings: Open 24 hours