Bikaner Tour & Travel Guide

A Dust-Swirling Desert Town with Amazing Forts & Heritage Relics

Less dominated by tourists, Bikaner is a vibrant desert town with astounding red sandstone forts and relics of the past. Bikaner is in northern Rajasthan and is one of the earlier establishments of the state. This city displays its ancient opulence in its architecture and existing palaces, which could withstand the passage of time. The beauty of this desert town, are the sand dunes across places here, which render a unique geographical beaut to Bikaner.

World’s best riding camels are reared here, so this place is aptly nicknamed ass the ‘camel country’. Also, Bikaner has one of the world’s biggest camel research and breeding & rearing farms. Interestingly, Bikaner has one of the only two models of biplane, which the Brits used during World War I. Maharaja Ganga Singh, who was the ruler of Bikaner then, was gifted one of this biplane by the British.

Might not attract much tourists, but this sleepy town of Rajasthan has loads to offer for sightseeing to any discerning tourist. Some must see places here are, Junagarh Fort – the never captured fort, constructed by Raja Rai Singh in 1588 AD, this fort has magnificent palaces of red sandstone and marble and attractive courtyards, balconies, and intricately carved windows.; The National Research Centre on Camel managed by the Government of India is one of its kind in Asia.; Lalgarh Palace & Museum – an architectural marvel that blends Rajputana, Islamic and European architecture was conceptualized by Sir Swinton Jacob and commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

The architecture here is an influenced of Mughal art and Victorian designs and are a sight to fancy; Ganga Government Museum – is considered as the best museum in the State, which houses rich display of archaeological artefacts from the early Gupta periods and Harappa civilization; Laxmi Niwas Palace – Constructed between 1898 and 1902 the residence of the king of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh. The Indo-Saracenic architectural style of this palace is worth seeing. Presently, it has been converted into a luxury hotel. Prachina Museum is inside the Junagarh fort and exhibits a wide array of royal costumes, fabrics and accessories; The very famous Deshnok Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple is a place to see. Other temples here are Jain Temple Bhandasar Temple of 15th century, and the Kodamdesar Temple established by Rao Bikaji. ; If you are a bird watcher, then Jorbeed is the place to be in to spot some gorgeous Steppe Eagles, Griffon Vultures, and Egyptian Vultures.

Much like every other place in Rajasthan, Bikaner too has a set of its own fairs and festivals. The Kolayat Fair is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety during Kartik Poornima and the other world known Bikaner Camel Festival is an annual festival dedicated to camels. Camel races, camel milking, best breed competition, camel acrobatics and camel beauty pageants are the highlights of this festival.