If you love to be associated with a city that has a rich cultural heritage, you need to be in Bikaner. The city was established in the year 1488 AD by Rao Bika Ji, a Rajput prince. The city is known for producing great warriors. The excavations from this city prove that the civilization was at its peak here even before Harappan civilization. Imposing palaces, forts and stunning temples with great architecture boast of the finesse of the Rajput civilization. Here are the 7 places to visit in Bikaner, which are all time favorites for tourists.
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1. Junagarh Fort
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 50 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners. Student’s concession for both Indians (30 INR) and foreigners (150 INR).
- Opening Timings: Open all days (10 AM – 4:30 PM).
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
About Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort was constructed in the year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. It is believed that crocodiles were bred in the water moat surrounding the formidable fort. The construction is a fine blend of Mughal, Gujarati and Rajput style of architecture. The picturesque courtyards beautify the fort. The amazing architecture inside the fort inspires you. Some of the attractions inside the fort are Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Dungar Mahal, Diwan-e-khas and Ganga Mahal.
Things to Do around Junagarh Fort
- Visit the fort’s museum.
- Have a tour of the armoury section.
2. Lalgarh Palace
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 25 INR per person (museum).
- Opening Timings: Museum open all days except Sunday (10 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902 in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji. The red sandstone construction is a stupendous example of the architectural brilliance of the past. Mughal, Rajput and European architectures blend excellently well. The massive lawns houses peacocks, which are a sight to watch when they dance. You could find library, cards room and billiards room among various other rooms. Lalgarh Palace is a feast to your eyes and architects’ delight. Most of the palace apart from the museum is not accessible to the public as this palace has been converted to a luxury hotel.
Things to Do around Lalgarh Palace
- Visit The Shri Sadul Museum.
- Take a look at the fourth largest private library in the world.
- A visit to Laxmi Niwas Palace luxury hotel, if you have money to splurge.
3. National Research Centre on Camel
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Animals, Photography, Research.
- Tickets: 30 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners. Still camera charges are 50 INR and no videography is allowed.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (3 PM – 6 PM).
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
About National Research Centre on Camel
A unique research centre devoted entirely to camels of over four breeds, National Research Centre on Camel is a must visit to observe camels in their best habitat. There are over 400 camels of over four breeds and they also include baby camels. Bikaner is well known for its camel population since the British, who used camels from Bikaner during WWI for their army. This is also a well known breeding ground for camels.
Things to Do
- Sample food made from camel milk like ice creams.
- Shop for souvenirs.
- Go for camel riding.
4. Shri Laxminath Temple
- Famous for: Pilgrimage, History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (5AM to 1PM & 5 PM to 11PM).
- Duration: 45 min.
About Shri Laxminath Temple
Established around 1526 by Maharaja Lunkaran of Bikaner, Shri Laxminath Temple is one of the oldest temples around Bikaner. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi who are considered to be the main deities of Bikaner. It is built from white marble and red sandstone from Jaisalmer and is also beautifully decorated with many beautiful paintings and sculptures. Also, the doorway has some intricate handiwork done in silver.
Things to Do Near Laxminath Temple
- Visit the Junagarh Fort.
- Have a look at the Bhandasar Jain Temple.
5. Ganga Singh Museum
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Culture.
- Tickets: 3 INR per person.
- Opening Timings: Open all days except Fridays and govt. holidays (10 AM – 4:30 PM).
- Duration: 30 to 45 min.
About Ganga Singh Museum
Ganga Singh Museum was founded by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1937. It houses articles of historical importance that go to show that the society was civilized even before the emergence of Harappan civilization. Some of the stunning collections include paintings, pottery, weapons used by Rajputs and a lot more. The paintings on golf leaves are excellent.
Things to Do Near Ganga Singh Museum
- Visit nearby attractions like Lalgarh Palace.
- Sample some Rajasthani cuisines.
6. Sadul Singh Museum
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Culture.
- Tickets: 10 INR for Indians and 20 INR for foreigners.
- Opening Timings: Open all weekdays (10 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 45 min to 1 hour.
About Sadul Singh Museum
Sadul Singh Museum is on the first floor of Lalgarh palace. The lives and the passions of the three successive kings of Bikaner are reflected in the art museum. The rare artifacts, Georgian paintings, and the photographs seen here stand proof of the interests and the heroics of the three kings namely Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh and Karni Singh.
Things to Do Near Sadul Singh Museum
- Go shopping at the nearby bazaars.
- Camel Riding.
7. Jain Temple
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Pilgrimage, History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: Free of entry.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Jain Temple
Jain Temple was commissioned by Bhandasa Oswal in the year 1468 and completed in the year 1514. Rajputana architecture in its excellence is evident in the construction of this temple. The unique and intricately designed temple, sculpted pillars, frescos and the gold leaf work inspire the visitor. With a blend of red sandstone and white marble used in the construction, the three-storied Jain Temple stands unique and commands admiration. The mirror work in the temple is unique as well.
Things to Do Near Jain Temple
- Shopping.
- Sample some cuisines in the nearby restaurants.
Some other attractions around the city include, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajner Palace, Camel Safari Day Tours, Karni Mata Temple, Prachina Museum and Bhatton Ka Chowk.
Popular Places to Visit Near Bikaner
A visit to Bikaner would be incomplete without paying a visit to its nearby places. So plan ahead and keep enough time in your itinerary for a day trip to these tourist attractions near Bikaner :
1. Deshnoke
- Distance from Bikaner: 45 min (30.5 km).
Deshnoke is perhaps the most famous for its Karni Mata Temple where rats are worshipped. This 600 year old temple is the subject of a famous legend and is an important pilgrimage site for many. The rats here are revered and draw many devotees from different parts of India. Many western tourists also heavily visit to observe the uniqueness of this temple. Navratri is an important festival celebrated here most devotees visit during this time.
2. Nagaur
- Distance from Bikaner: 2 hr 17 min (114 km).
A city that finds mention in the Mahabharata, Nagaur is also the home of India’s largest salt lake, Sambhar Lake. There are a lot important attractions around this place like Nagaur fort, built in the second century and Ladnun, an important Jainism centre. Kuchaman Fort, located two hours away is an important tourist destination and has being the setting of Bollywood films like Drona.
3. Khimsar
- Distance from Bikaner: 2 h 45 min (155 km).
Also located in the vicinity of Jodhpur, Khimsar is located in the Thar desert. Though Khimsar Fort is the most important attraction here, its location makes it ideal for many other activities. Visitors can have a desert safari or go desert camping.
4. Salasar
- Distance from Bikaner: 2 hr 56 min (179 km).
The home of Salasar Balaji, Salasar is an important pilgrimage site. It also has many famous temples along the circuit it is located like Khatushyamji and Rani Sati Temple. Throngs of devotees come here daily with the temple pulling huge crowds on Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima.
5. Churu
- Distance from Bikaner: 3 hr (181 km).
The gateway to Thar Desert, Churu is a region filled with grand havelis, beautiful fresco paintings and some really fine chhatris. Kothari and Surana Havelis and Sethani Ka Johara some of the best examples of Shekhawati architecture. A visit to them is a must for everyone who loves architecture and history. Tal Chhappar Sanctuary is also worth a visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Once you visit the tourist places in Bikaner, you are sure to be impressed by the cultural richness of the city. The ancient city has not lost its association with the past and it preserves until now the grandeur of the past by maintaining the ancient forts and monuments. This shows that the people of Bikaner, which is Rajasthan’s fifth biggest state honor and value the history of the region. The splendid constructions and the artwork are sure to impress you on your stay. Take up rides on camel to do justice to your stay in the camel country. To explore more about tourist places in Rajasthan, please visit: places to visit in Rajasthan.
More Tourist Destinations In Rajasthan:
Interested to visit Foreign Countries where no vis is required.
Great List of Tourist Places in Bikaner. I thinks you should have added Karni Mata Temple too in the list. Since it’s one of the most unique temples of Rajasthan.
Howdy!
Great and Thanks for the informational content. It helped me a lot to plan my trip to the Bikaner. Keep up the good work.