Bikaner – The Regal Gateway to the Thar Desert
Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, the son of the founder of Jodhpur, Bikaner is a historic desert city that once thrived on the ancient caravan trade route between North India and Central Asia. Surrounded by a sturdy wall with five ornate gates, Bikaner boasts an impressive heritage of red and yellow sandstone forts, palaces, and temples.
Today, Bikaner is known for its vibrant culture, camel safaris, and its role as a major trade center for wool, salt, grain, hides, and building stone. This city is also famous for its unique rat temple, spicy snacks, and exquisite arts and crafts.
How to Reach Bikaner
By Air
The nearest airport is in Jodhpur, around 247 km away, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
By Road
Bikaner has excellent road connectivity via:
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NH 11 (Pathankot to Kandla)
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NH 8 (Agra to Bikaner via Jaipur)
Frequent deluxe buses run between Bikaner and cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Kota.
By Rail
Bikaner is well-connected by Western Railways with convenient trains from Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. Air-conditioned coaches are available on major routes.
🌟 Tourist Attractions in Bikaner
🏰 Junagarh Fort & Museum
Built by Raja Rai Singh, this 16th-century fort is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. Explore royal palaces like:
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Diwan-i-Khas
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Anup Mahal
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Badal Mahal
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Gaj Mandir
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Hawa Mahal
The fort features exquisite stone carvings, rare armory, and even a biplane gifted by the British during World War I — one of only two in the world.
🐀 Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok
Located 30 km from Bikaner, this unique temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered local deity. It’s famous for its holy rats, called kabas, which roam freely and are fed by devotees. Letting them run over your feet is considered a blessing!
🏛️ Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
This museum offers fascinating exhibits, including:
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Terracotta artifacts
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Traditional musical instruments
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A miniature royal train
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Ancient carpets, manuscripts, and royal attire
Don't miss the historic decree from Prince Jehangir to Rai Singh.
🕌 Lalgarh Palace
Built in memory of Maharaja Ganga Singhji, Lalgarh Palace is an architectural marvel of red sandstone. A part of the palace is now a heritage hotel, while another part showcases royal artifacts and portraits.
🐪 Camel Breeding Farm
Located 8 km from the city, this is Asia’s only government-run camel research and breeding center. It highlights Bikaner’s legacy with the Camel Corps, once a powerful desert regiment. Tourists can enjoy camel rides and taste camel milk products.
🛕 Bhandasar Jain Temple
Just 5 km from Bikaner, this 16th-century temple dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinathji, is known for its intricate paintings, mirror work, and beautifully carved pillars.
🌡️ Weather in Bikaner
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Summer: Max 45°C | Min 30°C
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Winter: Max 23°C | Min 5°C
🗣️ Languages Spoken
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Hindi, Rajasthani, and Marwari
📅 Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore Bikaner is from October to March, when the desert climate is cooler and perfect for sightseeing and festivals like the Bikaner Camel Festival.
📞 Book Your Bikaner Sightseeing Tour Now!
Explore the royal charm, architectural wonders, and desert traditions of Bikaner with expertly guided tours from Empire Tours & Travels.
Enjoy a seamless travel experience and dive deep into Rajasthan’s regal past.
Book Your Bikaner Sightseeing Package Today!
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