10 things to see and do in Bikaner (India)

Bikaner was a very interesting stop on our route through India in 15 days. It is not a particularly tourist destination, but if you want to discover the charms of the province of Rajasthan, we think it is a smart stop, since It is located halfway between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. There are not many things to do in Bikaner, but it is ideal to spend a day and rest between transfers. In this article we tell you the 10 Best Things to See in Bikaner so you can get to know this interesting destination.

10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BIKANER

1. Be amazed by the interior of Junagarh Fort (Bikaner Fort)

The main attraction of Bikaner is the Junagarh Fort. Its visit alone justifies the trip to the city. It is one of the most spectacular forts in Rajasthan! Especially for its meticulous decoration. The fort was built between 1589 and 1594 under the name Chintamani. However, it was renamed Junagarh in the 20th century, when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits.

One of the most surprising things is that, Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, it is not built on a hill. From the outside it is impressive, especially its east façade, but inside it is another level! For these reasons it is said that it was a fort more dedicated to luxury than defense. Inside you can visit several beautiful palaces and temples, which are extremely well preserved.

The one we liked the most was Phool Mahal or Flower Palace. We fall in love! In addition, they will give you the opportunity to learn about the luxurious lifestyle of the Maharajas of Rajasthan at the time. They weren’t living bad at all! Definitely, the most interesting place to see in Bikaner.

2. Visit the Rat Temple (Century Women) in Deshnok, one of the best things to do in Bikaner

Many people only come to Bikaner to see this Hindu temple (only suitable for strong stomachs). In India you will see all types of temples, but few as striking as this one. It’s dedicated to rats! It is located 30 kilometers south of the city and An excursion there is one of the best things to do in Bikaner.

Of course, if you are squeamish about rats, it is better to stay in Bikaner, since More than 20,000 rats live inside.. Almost nothing! According to Hindu legend, It is believed that rats are the reincarnation of the Sedhu, disciples of Karni Mata, and that Karni Mata herself and her family are reincarnated as white rats.. That’s why seeing one of them is the best!

It is important to know that while for us it is a tourist place, for the faithful it is a very important pilgrimage site. Note that inside you will have to walk barefoot and, sometimes, rats climb on your body in search of food.

While in almost the entire world rats are hated animals, in this temple they are venerated. Definitely, one of the most curious visits to do in Bikaner. What you don’t see in India you won’t see anywhere else!

3. Hop on a tuk-tuk to explore Old Bikaner

One of the most fun things to do in Bikaner is to hop on a tuk-tuk to explore the old part of Bikaner. Like most ancient cities in India, it is a super chaotic area, so we recommend going by tuk-tuk rather than on foot. It’s safer!

Start your tour passing through the imposing Kote Gate, considered the entrance to the city. Once you have entered, tell the driver to take you through its labyrinthine streets full of commercial life. It’s amazing to see how the locals live! And in fact, very stressful.

4. Photograph Rampuria Haveli, one of the most famous buildings to see in Bikaner

The ancient city of Bikaner is packed with havelis and temples. Basically, When we talk about a haveli in India we are referring to a mansion with certain historical and architectural importance.. In Old Bikaner you can see several havelis, but none as beautiful and famous as Rampuria. It’s super photogenic!

This group of seven havelis was built during the 15th century for the powerful Rampuria merchant family, who were the richest in Bikaner. Its red color stands out since it was built with red sandstone from Dulmera as the main element.

5. Visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple

Apart from the havelis, in the ancient city of Bikaner you can visit several temples. And this It is one of the most famous and oldest temples to see in Bikaner! It is a Jain temple built in the 15th century. It attracts a lot of attention because it is believed that To build this temple they used 40,000 kilos of ghee instead of mortar. Ghee is a type of clarified butter, widely used in India. It’s super curious!

We loved its interior, especially its colorful pillars. However, what is really worth it are its frescoes. It is worth contemplating them in detail! Definitely, one of the most interesting visits to do in Bikaner. Entrance is free.

6. Eat at Gallops, one of the best things to do in Bikaner

Right next to Junagarh Fort you can eat at the best restaurant in the city. They have a super extensive menu with several of the most famous dishes of Indian cuisine. Like most restaurants, they have an extensive menu of vegetarian options. We recommend the Murgh Tikka Lababdar. Delicious!

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7. Visit the royal cenotaphs in Devi Kund Sagar, one of the most spectacular places to see in Bikaner

We were lucky enough to see the sunset at this site. And we loved it! It is the cremation ground of the royal family of Bikaner. It is located on the outskirts of the city, but it is totally worth visiting to see the famous royal cenotaphs.

The cenotaphs in Rajasthan are special due to their canopy-like structure, known as Chhatri. Since they were Hindus, they were not buried, but burned and los chat rice They are built on the land where they were cremated.

Devi Kund was erected to commemorate the founder of Bikaner, Rao Bikaji, his descendants and the other members of the Bikaner royal family. It is curious to see the difference in materials: The cenotaphs of the early rulers of Bikaner are made of red Dulmera stone, while the later ones are made of marble.

If you like to take good photos, visit this place at sunset. It has a magical light! Definitely, one of the most interesting places to see in Bikaner. Entry costs 10INR (€0.10).

8. Learn about camels at the National Camel Research Center

This camel research center eIt’s one of the main tourist attractions of Bikaner. It is also located on the outskirts of the city and Your visit is recommended if you want to learn about camels. These animals have been (and are key) in the development of economies in desert areas like Bikaner.

Apart from seeing a lot of camels, in this center you can learn a lot of curiosities about these creatures (and also try their milk). What we do not recommend is getting on them. Although unfortunately they are going to offer it to you, we believe that it is not a good thing for them.

The best time to visit is after noon, since during the mornings, there are fewer camels. Definitely, one of the most interesting visits to do in Bikaner.

9. Approach the Shri Laxminath Temple

This Hindu temple is the oldest in the city. Ideal if you like history! It was built in the 14th century to worship Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. What is most surprising is that this temple is adorned with exquisite works of silver art. Admission to the temple is free.

10. Sleeping in the Lallgarh Palace (Lallgarh Palace)

And finally, to finish this article on the best things to do in Bikaner, we couldn’t forget to mention this incredible palace (now hotel). It was built in 1902 by Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner. Sleeping in a palace is an incredible experience in India, so you can take advantage of it in Bikaner (which is not that expensive). Keep in mind that several British kings have stayed inside, including George V of the United Kingdom.

In the same palace, there is also another hotel called The Laxmi Niwas Palace which is also really good. A unique experience!

MAP WITH THE BEST THINGS TO SEE IN BIKANER

On the following map you will find the best ones marked. 10 things to do in Bikaner mentioned in the article.