Bikaner

Bikaner

Desert city famous for Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Rat Temple, and camel breeding

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Overview

Bikaner, founded in 1486 by Rao Bika, is a desert city in the Thar Desert known for its magnificent forts, temples, and camel breeding. The imposing Junagarh Fort, one of the few unconquered forts in Rajasthan, showcases a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture with ornate palaces and courtyards. Bikaner is famous for the unique Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) in nearby Deshnoke, where thousands of rats are worshipped and considered sacred. The city is also known for the National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaneri bhujia (savory snack), and traditional handicrafts. The Desert Festival in January features camel races, folk performances, and displays of desert culture.

Top Attractions

Bikaner Highlights

8:00 AM

Junagarh Fort

Explore undefeated fort - palaces with gold leaf, mirror work, and Italian tiles

11:00 AM

Karni Mata Temple (Deshnoke)

30 km from Bikaner, temple with 25,000 sacred rats. Seeing white rat is auspicious

1:00 PM

Lunch at Gallops Restaurant

Multi-cuisine in Lalgarh Palace hotel

2:30 PM

Lalgarh Palace

Indo-Saracenic architecture, museum with hunting trophies and photographs

4:00 PM

Camel Research Centre

See camels being milked, camel rides, buy camel milk products

6:00 PM

Rampuria Havelis

Walk through old city to see ornate merchant havelis

7:30 PM

Dinner & Bikaneri Bhujia

Try local snacks and sweets, buy bhujia to take home

Two Days in Bikaner

Day 1

8:00 AM

Junagarh Fort

3 hours exploring Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Badal Mahal

11:30 AM

Prachina Museum

Cultural museum inside Junagarh Fort complex

1:00 PM

Lunch at Chhotu Motu Joshi

Famous sweet shop - try rasgulla and ghevar

2:30 PM

Karni Mata Temple

Visit the rat temple in Deshnoke (30 km away)

5:00 PM

Gajner Palace

32 km from city, lakeside palace with wildlife sanctuary

7:30 PM

Dinner at Palace Hotel

Heritage dining experience

Day 2

8:30 AM

Camel Research Centre

Morning tour, camel milk tasting, camel ride

11:00 AM

Lalgarh Palace & Museum

Royal residence turned heritage hotel

1:00 PM

Lunch at Heeralal

Try kachori, samosa, and local Rajasthani dishes

2:30 PM

Old City Walking Tour

Rampuria Havelis, Bhandeshwar Temple, local markets

5:00 PM

Shopping for Bhujia

Buy authentic Bikaneri bhujia and sweets

6:30 PM

Sunset at Kodamdesar Temple

Desert temple 20 km from city

8:00 PM

Farewell Dinner

Traditional Rajasthani thali

Best Time to Visit

November to February (10-25°C). Desert Festival in January

Getting There

Closest Airport:

Bikaner Airport (Nal) (BKB)

15 km from city (30 min). Limited flights - Jodhpur (250 km) better connected

Local Cuisine

Must Try:

Bikaneri Bhujia (savory snack), Kachori, Rasgulla, Ghevar, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Camel milk products

Vegetarian:

Bikaneri Bhujia, Kachori, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Papad ki Sabzi, Sweets

Travel Tips

  • Combo ticket for Junagarh Fort and museums (₹550 for foreigners)
  • Karni Mata Temple: Remove shoes, cover head, don't step on rats (₹1000+ fine)
  • Seeing white rat at Karni Mata considered very auspicious - they're rare
  • Buy Bikaneri bhujia from Haldiram's or Bikaji - original stores
  • Camel milk available at research centre - good for digestion