Bikaner
Desert city famous for Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Rat Temple, and camel breeding
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
Junagarh Fort
Explore undefeated fort - palaces with gold leaf, mirror work, and Italian tiles
Karni Mata Temple (Deshnoke)
30 km from Bikaner, temple with 25,000 sacred rats. Seeing white rat is auspicious
Lunch at Gallops Restaurant
Multi-cuisine in Lalgarh Palace hotel
Lalgarh Palace
Indo-Saracenic architecture, museum with hunting trophies and photographs
Camel Research Centre
See camels being milked, camel rides, buy camel milk products
Rampuria Havelis
Walk through old city to see ornate merchant havelis
Dinner & Bikaneri Bhujia
Try local snacks and sweets, buy bhujia to take home
Two Days in Bikaner
Day 1
Junagarh Fort
3 hours exploring Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas, Badal Mahal
Prachina Museum
Cultural museum inside Junagarh Fort complex
Lunch at Chhotu Motu Joshi
Famous sweet shop - try rasgulla and ghevar
Karni Mata Temple
Visit the rat temple in Deshnoke (30 km away)
Gajner Palace
32 km from city, lakeside palace with wildlife sanctuary
Dinner at Palace Hotel
Heritage dining experience
Day 2
Camel Research Centre
Morning tour, camel milk tasting, camel ride
Lalgarh Palace & Museum
Royal residence turned heritage hotel
Lunch at Heeralal
Try kachori, samosa, and local Rajasthani dishes
Old City Walking Tour
Rampuria Havelis, Bhandeshwar Temple, local markets
Shopping for Bhujia
Buy authentic Bikaneri bhujia and sweets
Sunset at Kodamdesar Temple
Desert temple 20 km from city
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