13 Best Places To Visit in Bikaner

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Raja Rai Singh, who was one of the eminent generals of the Emperor Akbar's, marked the invincible Junagarh Fort in 1593 AD. The splendid red sandstone architectural brilliance with marvellous patios, galleries and windows, all built in primaeval archaeological design will amaze you with the awe-inspiring skills of the craftsmen of that era. Offering a number of attractions such as Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Har Mandir, the fascinating Junagarh Fort is sure to enchant all.

Timings: 10am- 4.30pm, daily.
Admission:50 INR (Indians); 300 INR (foreigners). Students: Indians (30 INR); foreigners (150 INR).

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India is an incredible country that has some interesting rituals that may leave you astonished! One of such kind is the worshipping of rats. Exactly, that was the expression I was expecting! This is the reason for the fame of the 600 years ancient Karni Mata Temple, sited at Deshnok in Bikaner. The marvellous architecture of stone and marble and the adorned statue of Karni Mata draw many disciples from different parts of the world. The resident population of rats is revered in the temple. If you see a white rat, consider yourself lucky- as the belief says!

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This spectacular palace in the whole of Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Gaj Singhji in 1784 on the banks of the Gajner Lake and completed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The red sandstone structure was built as a hunting and unwinding place for the monarchs and their invitees. Currently serving as a hotel, this place is apt to spend a quiet weekend. If you are fond of witnessing the nasty movements of the wild animals, then the in-house Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary will offer you some of the best encounters with nature and wildlife!

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Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob and constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902, this vivid red sandstone palace is an embodiment of the architectural virtuosity of the history. This palace is a magnificent amalgamation of Mughal, Rajput and European architectures that features the stunning pillars, ornate fireplaces, Italian porticos, and convoluted lattice work. Famed for the fourth largest private library in the world, the palace also houses a museum, which is the only accessible place for the public. The rest of the palace has been converted into a luxury hotel recently.

Timings: 10 AM 5 PM, except Sunday
Admission: 25 INR per person (museum).

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Bhandasa Oswal commissioned the three-storied Jain Temple in the 15th-century AD. Devoted to the 5th Tirthankar Sumatinathji, who experienced Nirvana. The temple has an amazing blend of red sandstone and white marble With the Rajputana architecture in its excellence in the form of obscure mirror work, exquisite frescos, and gold leaf portraits, this temple of one of the top-rated tourist places in Bikaner. Jain devotees and regular sightseers horde here in vast numbers throughout the year.

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Which place other than Bikaner could be more apt for this one of a kind research centre in the continent of Asia, as the city is renowned for its camel population since the British Rule. Habituating over 400 camels of over four breeds, National Research Centre on Camel happens to be a must visit to observe camels in their best habitat.

Timings: 3 PM 6 PM, Daily.
Admission: 30 INR (Indians), 100 INR (foreigners).

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The famous cremation ground of the royal family members of Bikaner is situated in Devikund. Constructed with a beautiful combination of red stone and marble, Cenotaphs have been a significant part of the Royal Rajput rulers and the Mughals. Cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh, which was constructed with a total of 16 columns having the elaborated artefacts of various birds and animals and the Hindu God Krishna, chiefly draws the tourist attention. The nearby Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer holds in high reverence by the Muslim community.

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Located 24km away from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer Highway, this temple was constructed by Rao Bikaji in the initial three years of his coming back from Jodhpur. Devoted to Lord BhaironJi, this is an open temple with no rooms or doors. The Idol of Lord Bhairon stands high on the marble floor with a pond in the rear of the temple. The huge number of dogs present at the temple can never go unnoticed! Local artisans and craftsmen flock the place at the time of the famous Bhadrapad Fair. This temple is highly thronged by the devotees of Lord Bhairon.

Timings: 5 am- 9 pm, Daily.

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This wildlife sanctuary is a natural haven on the shores of a lake that was once a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Bikaner. The quaint Lake complementing the beauty amidst the thick jungles, serves as a thirst quencher to a variety of animals in the summers. This wildlife sanctuary is affluent with flora and fauna, including wildfowl, antelope, Blackbuck, etc. The sanctuary is also entitled as a site for the Cheetah Reintroduction project in India. Jungle safaris are available for lion-hearted tourists inclined to have a close look of the sanctuary.

Timings: Open 24*7
Admission: 100 INR

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A lavish display of the lives and the passions of the three sequential kings of Bikaner, namely, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh, and Karni Singh are revealed in the museum positioned on the first floor of Lalgarh Palace. With the separate sections devoted to each king exhibiting their life and heroic deeds, the museum houses a huge collection of aesthetic Georgian paintings, artefacts, pictures, and hunting trophies too. Feel lucky if you have any glimpse of the Royal Family members, who still reside in a section of the palace!

Timings: 10 AM 5 PM, Daily.
Admission: 10 INR (Indians) 20 INR (foreigners)

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A captivating place for those whose interest lies in archaeological evidence and their history, the Ganga Singh Museum was established by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1937. Famed for the ancient specimen of Harappan civilization and articles of historical importance from the Gupta period, this museum houses an array of labyrinthine ancient crafts, paintings, pottery, and terracotta. Some other famed possessions of this museum are the intricately designed carpets, the gold leaf painting and the armoury and weapons of the brave Rajput warriors. Do check out the luxuriant silk robe of Shahzada Saleem that made Anarkali admire him for his appearance!

Admission: 3 INR per person.
Timings: 10 AM 4:30 PM (except Fridays and government holidays)

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Founded by the daughter of Late Maharaja Narendra Singh of Bikaner, Prachina Museum is nestled in the silent corner of the Junagarh Fort. The museum possesses textiles and costumes of the royal family, portraits of former rulers, the legacy of contemporary art and craft, patrician locomotive, religious accessories, etc. Also a cultural centre of Bikaner, Prachina Museum promotes the local artists by exhibiting their artwork.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Daily.
Admission: 10 INR (Indians) 25 INR (foreigners) , 5 INR Children & Students.

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The beautiful artificial lake within the Gajner Sancturay that was once a summer break house of the royals, offers a captivating sight to the vacationers. The imminent towers positioned at the admittance of the lake make it one of the emblematic places to visit in Bikaner. Now a part of a luxury hotel, the guests can enjoy boating in the solar powered boats at the lake. The sprawling greenery and the melodic sound of chirping birds is a blissful experience to have while boating!

Timings: 24*7 Open

With so much to offer, the Bikaner tourist attractions have an ongoing trajectory of the Globetrotters visiting the city throughout the year. So, when are you planning to visit this splendid architectural heritage.