Things to Do in Bikaner

1. Pay a Visit to the Magnificent Junagarh Fort: One of the most favourite things to do in Bikaner among architecture enthusiasts, is to enjoy an exploration tour of the awe-inspiring Junagarh Fort.

Known formerly as Chintamani Mahal, this grand structure dates back to the 20th century and manifests a brilliant architectural design, which has been influenced by foreign inspirations and the difference in culture of the various rulers. The alluring Junagarh Fort is home to a number of breathtaking palaces, gardens, and kiosks.

Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 10.00 AM to 4.30 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 50 per head for Indian nationals; INR 300 per head for foreign nationals.

2. Marvel at the Architecture of the Lalgarh Palace: Visiting the Lalgarh Palace is one of the unmissable Bikaner things to do if you want to get a sneak peak into the traditional, cultural, and royal beauty of the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Constructed using red sandstone derived from the Thar Desert, this majestic structure changes its colour throughout the day. This lavish palace also serves as a renowned heritage hotel at the present day, featuring luxury rooms and imperial hospitality. The Lalgarh Palace flaunts a huge well-maintained garden and a pristine swimming pool.

Location: NH15, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on all the days, except on Sundays.
Price: INR 10 per head for Indian nationals and INR 20 per head for foreign nationals.

3. Attend the World-Famous Bikaner Camel Festival: If you want to explore the true colours of Rajasthan, just like a local, attending the world-famous Camel Festival would definitely be one of the most recommended things to do in Bikaner for you.

This festival is observed with great pomp and show and attracts a huge influx of national as well as international tourists with its fun-filled camel rides, impressive folk dance, exhilarating camel safaris, colourful processions, and other exciting cultural events. During this 2 days festival, one can spot camels dressed beautifully in colourful bridles and ornaments.

Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan.

4. Go Shopping at Kote Gate: Going on a shopping spree to Kote Gate is one of the best Bikaner things to do for families as well as couples. Offering absolutely economic shopping options, this flamboyant open market always remains busy with locals as well as tourists.

Here, you can find colourful shops selling all kinds of unique souvenirs, starting from beautiful local handicrafts to attractive camel hide accessories. Some of the most recommended things the tourists must consider purchasing from Kote Gate include khadi kurtas, open-toed sandals, miniature paintings, utensils, and wood-carved items. While you shop here, remember to relish a hot cup of local tea, prepared specially from camel milk.

Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 9 AM to 9 PM.

5. Relish Camel Milk Products at the National Research Centre On Camel: Pay a visit to the National Research Centre On Camel and get a chance to spot different breeds of camels and learn about their unique behaviour.

You will also find an intriguing camel museum here, which is aimed at performing research on the various species of camels in the Thar desert. Tourists visiting the National Research Centre On Camel can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as camel rides and photography. They can also savour ice-creams and beverages made locally from camel milk.

Location: Jodhpur Bypass, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334022.
Timings: From 2 PM to 6 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 30 per head for Indian nationals; INR 100 per head for foreign nationals.

6. Pay Homage to the Black Rats at Karni Mata Temple: If you are seeking peace and spirituality, visiting Karni Mata Temple would surely be one of the most suggested Bikaner things to do for you.

Known popularly as the ‘Rat Temple’, this 600 years old Hindu shrine shelters more than 25,000 black rats, who are also worshipped here by the devotees. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, Karni Mata Temple flaunts a noteworthy Mughal style architecture, with stunning marble carvings and a beautiful marble facade.

Location: Karni Mata Niji Pranyas, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 4.30 AM to 10.00 PM, on all days.

7. Explore the Intriguing Royal Cenotaphs: Every history fanatic will agree that paying a visit to the Royal Cenotaphs is one of the most unique and intriguing things to do in Bikaner. Exhibiting an exemplary architecture, the Royal Cenotaphs serves as the cremation site of Bikaner’s royal families.

This splendid structure features beautiful marble pillars, adorned with intricate carvings of human figures, floral patterns, and peacocks. Perched atop a small hill, the Royal Cenotaphs manifest the perfect amalgamation of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Location: Sagar Road, Ridmalsar, Rajasthan, India.
Timings: From 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 70 per head.

1. Experience a Camel Safari in the Thar Desert: Your tour to Bikaner will never be complete without you enjoying the traditional camel safari in the Thar Desert. The smooth golden sands, clear sky, and serene environs will add to your experience.

2. Take a Boat Ride on Gajner Lake: Board a solar powered boat and enjoy a boating on the serene waters of the Gajner Lake. The lake is a part of the lavish Gajner Palace hotel at the present day.

3. Indulge in Water Activities at Skybird Water Park: One of the most favourite things to do in Bikaner among the adrenaline seekers is to enjoy the fun-filled water activities available at Skybird Water Park. The water park allows both kids and adults to indulge in small picnics and fun rides.

4. Experience Camping under the Desert Sky: Enjoy camping in the Thar, under the starry desert sky. Experience staying in a Swiss tent, enjoy a bonfire, watch the traditional folk dance, and relish authentic Gatte ki Sabzi and Dal Bati Churma.

1. Enjoy Picnicking at Sursagar Lake: One of the most off-center things to do in Bikaner, is to go enjoy a laid-back picnic at the serene Sursagar Lake with your loved ones. While you are here, you can unwind and soak in the well-maintained environs and scenic beauty.

2. Walk through History at Ganga Singh Museum: Paying a visit to the Ganga Singh Museum is one of the highly suggested Bikaner things to do for archaeological buffs. This lesser visited museum has got interesting antiques and figurines from the Gupta Dynasty and the Harappan Civilization for the off-beat travelers to explore.

3. Head for an excursion to Kolayat: Ditch the museums and palaces and take an exploration tour to the quaint town of Kolayat, which is known famously for the Kolayat Temple, the sacred Kolayat Lake, and the Kapil Muni Fair.

4. Spot Wild Animals at Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: Visiting the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Bikaner for wildlife and nature lovers. Here, you can spend time spotting various wildlife species, including deer, nilgais, black bucks, antelope, wild fowls, and desert foxes.

5. Shop for Unique Souvenirs at Miniature Art Studio: Pay a brief visit to the Miniature Art Studio, lying near the Junagarh Fort. Here, you can spend time marveling at the impressive miniature artworks and shopping for beautiful creations at significantly low rates.

1. Devi Kund: Devi Kund is home to the cenotaphs of the Bika dynasty’s brave rulers. All the cenotaphs built here showcase excellent Rajput architectural style.

2. Laxmi Niwas Palace: Serving as a beautiful heritage hotel at the present day, Laxmi Niwas Palace once was Maharaja Ganga Singh’s royal palace. The palace also houses a museum, which offers a sneak peak into the glorious past of Bikaner.

3. Sadul Singh Museum: Sadul Singh Museum is built in the memory of the three Maharajas of Bikaner, namely, Maharaja Sadul Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh, and Maharaja Ganga Singh. This magnificent museum exhibits artefacts, paintings, photographs, and weapons that once belonged to the 3 fearless kings.

4. Rampuria Haveli: Dating back to the 15th century, the majestic Rampuriya Haveli exhibits unmatched grandeur and antiquity. Built of Dulera red sandstone, this gorgeous structure showcases an amazing blend of Rajputana, Mughal, and Victorian architecture.

5. Gajner Palace: Lying on the peaceful banks of Lake Gajner, the charming Gajner Palace was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh to serve as a hunting retreat for himself. In 1976, the palace was transformed into a heritage hotel.

The city of Bikaner is famous all over the world for a number of unique things including its magnificent historical palaces, age-old Hindu temples, thrilling camel safari, intriguing museums, and excellent shopping experiences.

The wide range of interesting things to do in Bikaner, make this city of Rajasthan totally worth visiting.

From enjoying camel safari and relishing camel milk products to shopping for Rajasthani artefacts and gazing in awe at the heritage buildings, there are so many exotic things Bikaner lets its tourists experience.

The most ideal time for visiting and enjoying the overwhelming things to do in Bikaner is during the winter months of October to March. During this period of the year, Bikaner experiences pleasant weather and also celebrates the world-famous Camel Festival.

You need at least 3 days to visit the city of Bikaner. During these three days, you can cover all the primary places of tourist interest in the city and experience all the top rated things to do in Bikaner.

Both Bikaner and Jodhpur are counted among the best tourist places in the state of Rajasthan. However, if you want a more happening and adventurous desert holiday, Jodhpur can be a better pick. On the contrary, if you are seeking a peaceful, offbeat, and laid-back vacation, Bikaner can be a better choice.

Bikaner is less commercialized & less crowded and offers cheaper prices and more satisfying services. On the other hand, Jaisalmer is very much commercialized and features high prices and busy streets.

So, if you’re looking for a peaceful and budget holiday in Rajasthan, Bikaner would be a better pick. However, if you want a happening and vibrant vacation, you can choose Jaisalmer.