Bikaner is a cultural paradise and a traveler’s haven. This city will hold you captive in its forts, mesmerize you with its scenic beauty, and astonish you with its glorious past. With extremely fascinating places to visit in Bikaner, the city will call you back time and again.
Easily accessible through air, rail and road, Bikaner boasts of a lot of tourist places that will interest history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Before we move on to the top tourist places in Bikaner, here are a few essentials that’ll help you plan your trip to Bikaner.
Most Destinations To Visit Bikaner
No time is a bad time to explore the ethnic culture and history of Bikaner. But the pleasant weather during October – March makes the winter season the best time to visit Bikaner. And then there is the Camel Festival held in January every year that attracts the tourists during this time all the more.
Junagarh Fort: A Blend Of Mughal & Gujarati Architecture
An undefeated and unconquered fort that still stands tall and narrates tales of the glorious past, Junagarh fort is one of the truly mesmerizing places to visit in Bikaner. The unique amalgamation of Mughal and Gujarati architecture makes this fort one of its kinds. Its soaring beauty and a picturesque surrounding provide photographers with a lot of options to capture.
- Har Mandir a.k.a Royal Chapel: This temple was built exclusively for the royal family.
- Karan Mahal a.k.a Public Hall: Considered to be the most tranquilizing place of this fort, it narrates the victorious tale of Karan Singh over Aurangzeb and highlights the aesthetic side of the royal family.
- Anup Mahal: The erstwhile administrative block, it is beautifully built with Italian tiles, exquisite lattice balconies & windows, and the exceptional wooden work.
- Chandra Mahal: A fine example of royal luxuries, the structure boasts of breathtaking luxurious rooms and mesmerizing gold work.
- Fort Museum: Built in an attempt to preserve the tales of the past, the museum also exhibits royal jewels and costumes alongside paintings of the royal family. One can also see the arms and ammunition preserved here in the museum. The library boasts its collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts.
- Prachina Museum: Nestled peacefully in the corner of Junagarh fort, Prachina Museum exhibits the cultural spirit of Bikaner. The museum showcases ethnic royal dresses, beautiful portraits of former rulers, religious sculptures, art works, preserved crockery & cutlery, and a beautiful collection of handcrafted rugs & carpets.
- Opening days: Open all days of the week; 9 am – 6 pm
To Know More about Junagarh Fort Click here
Must Read: Places To Visit In Rajasthan: Alwar
Lalgarh Palace: In The Lap Of Luxury
The beautiful red sandstone structure is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner. With a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural style, this place is the true spirit of Rajasthan. Commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh between 1902 & 1926, the palace was later converted to Lallgarh Palace Hotel.
The palace now houses the following:
- Sadul Museum: Located on the first floor of Lalgarh fort, this museum exhibits the heads of various animals and a collection of trophies of rulers of Bikaner. One also gets to see photographs and personal artefacts of the mighty rulers of this region.
- Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: Another museum within the fort, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum exhibits a fine collection of historical remains brought together under one roof. It also showcases the German artist Mueller’s large oil paintings, sculptures of various dynasties, coin collection, and an amazing exhibition of remains of Pre-Harappan civilization.
- Opening days: Monday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday; 10 am – 5 pm
- Lallgarh Palace Hotel: It is a heritage hotel owned and run by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji Charitable Trust.
- Location: NH15, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Laxmi Niwas Palace: Former Abode Of Maharaja Ganga Singh
Laxmi Niwas Palace is the former residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, built between 1898 & 1902 in an Indo-Saracenic style by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The graceful red sandstone structure is one of the most popular places to visit in Bikaner. The palace was converted into a hotel and is now run by the Golden Triangle Fort & Palace Pvt Ltd.
- Location: Lal Garh Campus, Dr Karni Singhji Road, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary: The Blissful Getaway
Located on the banks of the Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace is an architectural treat for visitors. The red sandstone structure is situated in the dense forest and one can spot flocks of migratory birds around the area. The beautiful architectural marvel is among the most amazing places to visit in Bikaner for a quiet weekend.
The property also houses the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary that was a famous hunting ground of the royal family.
- Location: Kolayat, Gajner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334301
- Entry fee: INR as per
- Opening days: Open all days of the week
- Also Visit: Gajner Temple and Gajner Lake
Rampuria Haveli: Traverse Bikaner Lanes
Bikaner is famous for its magnanimous havelis and houses that have been made with intricate carvings and jharokas that give a reminiscence of palaces itself. Rampuria havelis were constructed by the rich Bikaner merchants. A stroll in the lanes of this haveli will teleport you to hundreds of years back. So, miss out on this spot when exploring the top places to visit in Bikaner.
- Location: Joshiwara, Old Bikaner, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Karni Mata Temple: Where The Rats Are Worshiped
One of the unique places to visit in Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple is believed to be the abode of over 20,000 rats. The visitors worship these rats and offer prasad to them for they are believed to be the sons of Karni Mata. The silver gate and intricate marble carvings of the temple add to its charm.
- Location: NH89, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334801
- Opening days: Open all days of the week; 5 am – 10 pm
Kote Gate: Shopper’s Paradise
Standing tall like a guardian to the city, Kote Gate is the main entrance to the city and separates the new city from the old city of Bikaner. This site is an amalgamation of ancient forts and monuments and new urban civilization. The major attraction of this place is local shopping. One can find a variety of goods in this market – handicrafts, traditional clothes, utensils, artifacts made of Camel hide, or traditional open toed shoes. Apart from shopping, this place will also excite you with its abundant eating joints.
- Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001
Sursagar Lake: Paddle In The Water
Initially, Sursagar Lake was constructed by one of the Kings in Bikaner for drinking facility in the city. But with time, the water got tainted and unsuitable for consumption. This made the place a sightseeing spot in Bikaner and later boating facility was added to lure more tourists to this attraction.