Bikaner, the camel country of India, is known for its camel breeding and research activities. But you are wrong if you think that Bikaner is just a small city in Rajasthan famous for camels. Several Tourist Attractions in Bikaner will amaze you. Recently, the number of tourists visiting the city has increased tremendously. The city might not be as famous as other cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, but it has some of the best tourist attractions places that offer an insight into the rich heritage and culture of the city. So, let’s explore the Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Bikaner.
Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Bikaner
1- Junagarh Fort (View on Map):
Junagarh Fort is undoubtedly the major tourist attraction in Bikaner. The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1593. It is one of the few forts in India that was never conquered. The one thing that attracts the tourists about the fort is its architecture which is a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Gujarati styles. The massive fort is sprawled over 5.28 hectares of land and houses many palaces. Seeing the fort will give you than life experience and you can feel the richness and luxury of the fort kings lived in at that time. Not only this, the fort also showcases the artistic influences and vibrant culture of the city.
Highlights:
- Intricate carvings, mirror work, and beautiful paintings inside the fort.
- Anup Mahal adorned with gold leaf work and glass inlays.
- Karan Mahal with delicate stone carvings.
- Phool Mahal, known for its floral patterns and frescoes.
- A museum that displays a collection of weapons, manuscripts, jewellery, and artefacts.
2. Karni Mata Temple/Rat Temple (View on Map):
Think about a Goddess with thousands of Rats surrounding it. Doesn’t make you feel strange? Well, this is what happens in the most auspicious Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner. The temple is located in the small town of Deshnok, which is about 30 kilometres from Bikaner. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered 14th-century sage. There are about 25,000 black rats in the temple that are considered sacred and are believed to be the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata’s devotees. These rats, known as “kabbas,” are fed and protected by temple priests and devotees, and spotting a white rat among them is considered highly auspicious.
Highlights:
- Thousands of rats scurrying around the temple.
- Intricate silver doors and golden dome in the temple.
3- Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary(View on Map):
Gajner Palace, the hunting lodge of the Bikaner Maharajas by that time is now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. The Palace is located 30 km from Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century built the palace for hunting as the location is surrounded by dense forests. The palace location is set against the backdrop of the Gajner Lake. Hence, it is the best attraction for natural lovers and history enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Chance to explore the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Boat ride on Gajner Lake.
- Serene natural beauty.
- Lavish and grand architecture.
4- Lalgarh Palace (View on Map):
The best about this palace is the unique architectural style which is a combination of Indian, Mughal, and European styles. It was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh and designed by a British architect, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. A part of the palace is now converted into a heritage hotel offering luxurious facilities and services to the guests and visitors.
Highlights:
- Exquisite latticework, elaborate filigree, and grand halls.
- Ganga Singh Museum, which displays a collection of artefacts, including royal photographs, hunting trophies, and manuscripts.
- The Palace Gardens with Peacocks roaming freely.
5- Rampuria Havelis (View on Map):
The Rampuria Havelis are built by the wealthy Rampuria family for the merchant class. The Jharokhas and the red sandstone façade are the distinctive features of the haveli that make them different from the typical haveli patterns in Rajasthan. You should not miss to see the decorated interiors featuring frescoes, murals, and antique furniture. Visiting these havelis will make you feel like stepping back in time. Although, these Havelis are privately owned visiting their exterior architecture will give you an insight into the traditional Rajasthani architecture
Highlights:
- The Jharokhas and the red sandstone façade.
- Stunning craftsmanship
6- Bhandasar Jain Temple (View on Map):
This temple is one of the many Jain temples in India that are known for its marvelous architecture. Besides architecture, the one fact about the temple that makes it unique is the use of ghee (clarified butter) instead of water to mix the mortar in the construction. Visitors who visit the temple are stunned by its beautiful architecture. The interior of the temple is adorned with colourful murals depicting scenes from Jain mythology which is also worth watching.
Highlights:
- Serene and spiritual place.
- Exquisite artwork, gold leaf paintings, and architecture.
7- National Research Centre on Camel (View on Map):
Being the camel country of India, the city is famous for camel breeding and research activities. The National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to the study and conservation of camels. The research centre is located 8 km from the city and offers guided tours of its facilities, where visitors can observe various breeds of camels, learn about their care and breeding, and even try camel milk products like ice cream and cheese.
Highlights:
- An educational and entertaining experience.
- A small museum that provides information on the history and uses of camels in Rajasthan.
8- Bikaner Camel Festival (View on Map):
The Bikaner Camel Festival is the major festival of the city held annually by Rajasthan Tourism. The festival celebrates the city’s long-standing association with camels. It showcases camel races, camel dances, and camel beauty contests. Apart from the camel-centric events, the festival features traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances, handicraft stalls, and a variety of local food. The festival is a must-attend event for anyone visiting the city in January.
Highlights:
- The highlight of the festival is the camel procession, where camels decked in colourful regalia parade through the city’s streets, accompanied by folk musicians and dancers.
9- Kodamdesar Bhainru Ji Temple (View on Map):
This temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. A few people know about the religious importance of the temple. It was established by the founder of the Bikaner city, Rao Bika, who sought the blessings of Bhairav Ji before establishing his kingdom. The distinctive feature of the temple is that the idol of the deity is installed under the open sky. The local communities of the cities visit the temple to seek the blessings on various auspicious occasions in their life.
Highlights:
- A peaceful spiritual place surrounded by vast open fields and a small lake.
10- Royal Cenotaphs at Devi Kund Sagar (View on Map):
Devi Kund Sagar is the royal cremation ground of the Bikaner rulers. It houses a collection of carved cenotaphs (chhatris) made of white marble and red sandstone. Each cenotaph is dedicated to a member of the Bikaner royal family and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The most noted and striking cenotaphs at Devi Kund Sagar are those of Maharaja Anup Singh and Maharaja Surat Singh, which are known for their exquisite architecture and detailed carvings.
Highlights:
- Serene atmosphere and a glimpse into the royal heritage of Bikaner.
Some other Tourist Attractions in Bikaner:
- Sadul Singh Museum
- Shiv Bari Temple
- Shri Laxminath Temple
- The Laxmi Niwas Palace
- Prachina Museum
- Laleshwar Mahadev Mandir
- Kota Gate
- Bikaner Raj Parivar Vishram Ghar
- Devi Kund Sagar
I am sure this article excites you more to make your trip to Rajasthan. If you want to know the major tourist attractions in other cities of Rajasthan, please browse more pages of our website.