Bikaner Travel Guide: the desert city in Rajasthan

Bikaner, located in the state of Rajasthan, is a desert jewel with an impressive architectural legacy and a rich cultural tradition. Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Rajput prince, this city retains its majestic forts, ornate temples and red sandstone havelis that look like something out of a Thousand and One Nights tale. Unlike other more touristy cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner maintains an authentic and peaceful essence that invites you to discover it without haste.

If you are planning a trip to explore the more authentic and less touristy side of Rajasthan, this Bikaner Travel Guide will help you discover the best places, activities, accommodation options and tips to enjoy the city to the fullest.

What to see in Bikaner? How many days do I recommend?

While Bikaner can be visited in two days, I recommend at least three days to soak up its history, enjoy its markets, explore the surroundings and taste its delicious cuisine. Also, if you travel in January, you can't miss the famous Camel Festival, a unique event that showcases the best of Rajput culture.

What to see and do in Bikaner

Bikaner is a city of historical monuments, fascinating temples and vibrant local life. Here is a list of the 10 places you can't miss and other suggestions to extend your tour.

Top 10 must-see places to visit in Bikaner and things to do in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort

An imposing fort built in the 16th century that stands out for its red sandstone walls and palaces decorated with frescoes, mirrors and marble. Unlike other forts in Rajasthan, Junagarh is not on a hill, but its architecture is simply spectacular. On a personal note, it is my favorite fort in India.

Recommendation: Don't miss the Anup Mahal, a room with golden ceilings and exquisite details.

2. Lalgarh Palace

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace combines European and Mughal elements with extensive gardens. Part of the palace has been converted into a hotel, but its museum displays photographs and royal artifacts that reveal the life of Bikaner royalty.

Recommendation: Have a cup of tea in the gardens and enjoy the tranquility.

3. Karni Mata Temple (the temple of the rats)

It is about 30 km from Bikaner, and this temple is known to house thousands of 🐀sacred rats that are considered reincarnations of Karni Mata's devotees. Seeing a white rat is considered a good omen.

Recommendation: Wear socks, as it is necessary to enter barefoot.

4. Kote Gate Market

This market is the soul of Bikaner, with stalls selling spices, sweets, textiles and handicrafts. It is a perfect place to practice bargaining and take some unique souvenirs. Also in this market you can try the famous snacks typical of Bikaner as the Bhujia, freshly made and are finger-licking good.

Recommendation: Try Bhujia, Bikaner's most famous snack.

5. Havelis of Rampuria

The Havelis of Rampuria are an architectural gem of Bikaner, built in the 19th century by the wealthy Rampuria family. Their red sandstone facades, intricate balconies and hand-carved details reflect the opulence of the period. Located in the old town, they stand out both for their exterior beauty and for their interiors decorated with frescoes, stained glass windows and crystal chandeliers. Strolling through these mansions is like stepping back in time and discovering the splendor of the most authentic Rajasthan.

Recommendation: Visit them early in the morning to take the best photos in the golden morning light.

6. Bhandasar Jain Temple

This Jain temple is famous for its decorated columns and frescoes depicting Jain cosmology. The view from its terrace offers a breathtaking panorama of Bikaner.

7. National Camel Research Center

If you are fascinated by camels, this visit is a must. Here you can learn about camel breeding and taste unique products such as camel milk ice cream🍦.

Recommendation: The visit is best in the late afternoon, when the camels return from the rides.

8. Camel Festival

Every January, Bikaner transforms itself to celebrate this festival, with decorated camel parades, folk dances and beauty contests (for camels, of course 🐪). It's a unique experience to get a taste of Rajput culture.

9. Thar Desert and Camel Safari

For those seeking adventure, nothing like a camel safari in the desert dunes at sunset. The sunsets over the Thar are unforgettable.

10. Gajner Palace

The Gajner Palace, located about 30 km from Bikaner, is a former hunting lodge built on the shores of Gajner Lake by Maharaja Ganga Singh. This palace, now converted into a luxury hotel, combines Rajput and colonial architecture, with spacious courtyards, terraces and gardens offering spectacular views of the lake and the desert. It is the perfect place to enjoy boat rides, safaris and outdoor dining under the stars, surrounded by a tranquil and magical atmosphere.

Where to stay in Bikaner

Bikaner offers accommodation options for all budgets, ranging from historical havelis to budget hotels near the markets. Choosing the right area is key to enjoy the city to the fullest and to easily access the main tourist attractions.

Cheap hotels in Bikaner

For those looking for economical options, the Tanisha Heritage Haweli is an excellent choice, with spacious rooms and traditional decoration. Another good alternative is The Prince Haveli, a haveli with charm and affordable prices, perfect to live an authentic experience.

It is important to make reservations in advance, especially during the Camel Festival in January, when demand is high.

Luxury hotels in Bikaner

For a more exclusive stay, the Narendra Bhawan is one of my favorites: a palace converted into a boutique hotel with art deco décor and exceptional services. Another spectacular option is the Laxmi Niwas Palace, with rooms decorated with frescoes and a regal atmosphere. If you prefer something quieter and surrounded by nature, the Gajner Palace, the hotel, next to a lake and surrounded by gardens, is perfect for a romantic getaway.

For those looking for the comforts of international chains, the Vesta Bikaner Palace offers modern facilities and good value for money.

Experiences and Activities in Bikaner

Bikaner offers a host of authentic activities and experiences to discover the essence of traditional Rajasthan. From camel safaris in the Thar desert and visits to historic havelis to gastronomic tours to taste the famous Bhujia and local sweets. Nor can you miss the guided tours of the Junagarh Fort and traditional markets, where you can buy spices, textiles and unique handicrafts.

If you're looking for something more authentic, I recommend exploring the Karni Mata and Bhandasar Jain temples, attending an aarti ceremony at one of the local temples, or signing up for a Rajasthani cooking workshop to learn how to prepare curries and chapatis like a local. In addition, during the Camel Festival in January, the city is transformed with parades, races and folkloric dances that you can't miss.

Find the best experiences here to get the most out of your trip and, as I always advise you, remember to travel with insurance. I travel with the HeyMondo insurance because they have the best coverage and prices, and because they are a reader of MiViajealaIndia you have a 5% discount Enjoy Bikaner and its desert magic! 🐪🌵

Shopping in Bikaner

Bikaner is a fascinating destination for shopaholics, with traditional bazaars filled with unique products and local handicrafts. The city is especially known for its camel leather, used to make handbags, sandals, belts and cushions decorated with intricate engravings and dyed with natural dyes. Also highly valued are the figurines and combs carved from camel bone, which showcase the skill of local artisans.

The Kote Gate Market is the commercial heart of Bikaner and the perfect place to immerse yourself in its vibrant local life. Its narrow alleys are lined with stores selling aromatic spices, embroidered fabrics and silver and brass jewelry with traditional designs. It is also home to the Haldiram's first store, famous for its Indian snacks and sweets, makes this market a must stop for food lovers. It is essential to try the famous Bhujia, a crunchy and spicy snack that is a symbol of the city, in addition to traditional sweets such as the tears and rabri of the legendary store Chotu Motu Joshi. The stalls also offer a wide variety of textiles with typical Rajasthani prints such as the bandhani and leheriya. The market is a great place to pick up sarees, dupattas and embroidered tablecloths. Bargaining is part of the experience and local traders are usually very friendly, so strolling through this market is a unique opportunity to discover the true essence of Bikaner.

For jewelry lovers, Bikaner offers silver pieces with semiprecious stones and traditional designs like the meenakari and Kundan, very typical of Rajasthan. Prices are reasonable and, as in any Indian market, bargaining is almost mandatory. In addition, the bazaars also have spice stalls where you can buy cumin, cardamom, chili and spiced tea (Masala chai) at good prices. If you are looking for unique souvenirs, the antiques and furniture decorated with marquetry and mother-of-pearl sold near Junagarh Fort are an excellent choice.

Shopping in Bikaner is an authentic experience, full of colors, aromas and the friendliness of the local merchants. I recommend you to bring enough cash, as many stalls do not accept cards and enjoy the art of bargaining, it is part of the charm of the markets of Rajasthan!

The weather in Bikaner

The weather in Bikaner depends on the time of year you decide to travel. Being located in the Thar Desert, the city has a climate of desert with three distinct seasons: winter, summer and monsoon. Read on to learn more about the climate in Bikaner:

• Winter in Bikaner: goes from November to February. The maximum temperature is between 20-25ºC and the lowest among the 5-10ºC. During this season the days are sunny and the nights are cool, being the best time to visit the city and explore its palaces and markets without the extreme heat. It is advisable to bring something warm for the evenings.
• Summer (pre-monsoon) in Bikaner: goes from March to June. The maximum temperature can reach 40-48ºC and the minimum is around 25-30ºC. This is the hottest season and it can be exhausting to visit the city during the day. The best option is to plan your visits early in the morning or at sunset and stay well hydrated.
• Monsoon or rainy season in Bikaner: the precipitation period is concentrated between July and SeptemberAlthough the amount of rainfall is low compared to other regions of India. The average temperature is 28-35ºC and humidity increases slightly, but without becoming stifling. Rainfall tends to be sporadic and short, so it does not usually affect travel plans too much.
• Autumn (post-monsoon) in Bikaner: takes place during the months of october and november. The maximum temperature is around 25-32ºC and the minimum of 15-20ºC. It is a very pleasant time to visit the city, with sunny days and almost no rain, perfect for exploring the Junagarh Fort and local markets on foot.

The weather in Bikaner by months

Here are some graphs about the weather by months in Bikaner from the website Weather Atlas.

Temperature in Bikaner

The hottest month is May, with a maximum temperature that can exceed 46ºC.
The coldest month is January, with lows that can go as low as 5ºC during the night.

Humidity in Bikaner

August is the month with the highest humidity, reaching a 50-60%.
March and April are the months with the lowest humidity levels, with levels below the 25%.

Rains in Bikaner

The month with the most rainfall is August, although it does not usually exceed 9 days of rain.
The month with the least precipitation is Decemberwith practically no rainy day.

With its desert climate and extreme temperatures, winter is undoubtedly the best time to discover Bikaner and enjoy its monuments and landscapes.

You can read more about the climate in India in this article.

How to get to Bikaner

Bikaner, located in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, is accessible by different means of transportation. The most comfortable way depends on your starting point and your travel plan. Here I explain the best options to reach Bikaner and some tips to make the journey easier.

By Plane

Bikaner has the Civil Airport, about 13 km from the city, operates domestic flights from Delhi, Jaipur and other nearby cities. However, the options are limited and it may be more practical to fly to the Jodhpur Airport, which is about 250 km from Bikaner, and from there take a private car or bus. For those looking for comfort, it is best to book a private car or private cab in advance or use services such as Ola Cabs.

Recommendation: If you decide to fly to Jodhpur, take advantage of the opportunity to spend a night there and visit the Mehrangarh Fort before continuing on to Bikaner.

By Train

The train is one of the most practical and scenic ways to reach Bikaner. The city has two main stations: Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Junction, both well connected to cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Agra. Night trains are an excellent option to save time and enjoy a comfortable ride. The line Delhi-Bikaner has several air-conditioned express trains that arrive in a few minutes. 8-10 hours.

Recommendation: I suggest you book in advance through the official website of Indian Railways or on apps such as Cleartrip. Opt for the wagons 2AC or 3AC for greater comfort and safety.

By private car with driver

Traveling by chauffeur-driven car is ideal for those who want to discover the surroundings of Bikaner at their own pace. The National Route 11 (NH11) connects Bikaner with Jaipur and Agra, offering spectacular desert scenery and the possibility to stop at small villages and temples. The journey from Jaipur to Bikaner lasts about 6 hoursand since Jodhpur about 4 hours. Although it is a comfortable option, it is advisable to agree on the price in advance and make sure that the car has air conditioning.

By bus

Bikaner is well connected by public and private buses with cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Delhi. The air-conditioned luxury buses are comfortable and economical, although the journeys can be long due to frequent stops. The main terminal is the Bikaner Bus Stationnear Rani Bazar. Night buses are a good option to save time, especially those of the line Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC).

Recommendation: For greater convenience, book tickets online through platforms such as RedBus , MakeMyTrip.

Getting to Bikaner is part of the adventure, and every mode of transportation has its charm. Choose the one that best suits your budget and travel style and get ready to discover this jewel of the desert. Bon voyage!

Transportation in Bikaner

The best way to get around is by auto rickshaw or cab. Although Bikaner has no metro, rickshaws are inexpensive and a fun way to get around the city.

Getting around Bikaner is relatively easy thanks to the various transportation options available. Although the city does not have a metro, its rickshaws, buses and cabs allow you to comfortably explore the main tourist attractions and markets. Here are the best alternatives to move around Bikaner.

1. Auto Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk

The auto rickshaws are the most popular means of transport in Bikaner, ideal for short journeys between Junagarh Fort, the markets and the historic havelis. Although they are fairly inexpensive, most drivers do not use a meter and it is common for them to inflate prices, especially with tourists.

Recommendation: It is best to negotiate the price before going up and, if you prefer to avoid discussions, you can book your rides with the app OlaCabs:which offers fixed and transparent rates. This option allows you to know the exact cost and follow the route on the map, ensuring greater safety and comfort.

2. Urban Bus

The CITY BUSES in Bikaner are inexpensive and connect the main points of the city, although their frequency can be irregular and they tend to be full. Fares range from 10 and 20 rupees, depending on the distance. The main bus station is close to Rani Bazar and from there routes depart to Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and other tourist spots.

Recommendation: Opt for the air-conditioned buses for longer trips, especially in summer. To avoid confusion with routes, ask locals or consult map apps.

3. Private car with driver

Traveling in car with driver is the most comfortable way to get around Bikaner and the surrounding area. This option is ideal if you are planning to visit places such as the Gajner Palace or the Karni Mata Temple without worrying about bus schedules. Prices vary according to distance and type of car, but are usually reasonable.

4. Cab

Although they are not as common as rickshaws, rickshaws are not as cabs are a practical option for longer journeys or if you are traveling with luggage. Cabs in Bikaner do not always use a meter, so it is important to negotiate the price before starting the journey.

Recommendation: Use the apps OlaCabs and Uber to order cabs with fixed fares and follow the route on the map. This option is not only safer but also avoids haggling, ensuring a smooth ride.

Bikaner Guide Map - Where to find Bikaner

Interesting Apps in Bikaner

OlaCabs: The perfect app for booking cabs and rickshaws with fixed rates and transparency. Ideal to avoid haggling and to know the exact cost of the routes. It also allows you to follow the route on the map, which guarantees safety and comfort when moving around Bikaner.

Google Maps: Indispensable for locating monuments such as the Junagarh Fort, the Havelis of Rampuria and other points of interest. Download offline maps to move smoothly even without connection.

Paytm: Ideal for paying in restaurants, stores and local transport without the need to carry so much cash. Many establishments and rickshaws in Bikaner accept payments through this app.

Websites of interest

• Rajasthan Tourism Official Website: Information about monuments, routes and festivals in Bikaner.
• Contact of the Embassy of Spain in India:It is advisable to have it at hand in case of any emergency during the trip.
• Indian Railways Homepage: To check timetables and book train tickets to and from Bikaner.

I hope this Bikaner Travel Guide will be useful to organize your trip and that you will enjoy every corner of this magical desert city! 🌵🐪