10 Famous Must-Do Activities in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Rajasthan is known as one of the golden states of India as it is loaded with soul-satisfying experiences for everybody around. There is something for everyone to do in Rajasthan. The state is never disappointing whether it is the places to see in Jaipur or the beautiful experiences to enjoy in Bikaner. As the visit to Jaipur is very monotonous today, it is always suggested to add some cultural paradise by visiting Bikaner. Hence you should add Bikaner to your next itinerary to Rajasthan.

The city of Bikaner has something for everyone in the store, whether it is a temple that has raised the festival where the camels get all decked up and dance. One thing for sure is you can expect that you will enjoy your trip to Bikaner, so you should not think twice before heading to the city.

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The Best Things to Do in Bikaner are as follows:

1. Attend the Famous Camel Festival of Bikaner

Bikaner is prominently known globally for holding desert camels. The city has the most amazing experience in store for tourists, which is the camel festival. This festival is held every year in January.

There is a lot to witness at the fair, from decorating camels to plenty of fun events. Attending this festival is one of the most beautiful things you can do in Bikaner, and it is also a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not miss.

Best Time To Visit: 12th and 13th of January

Location: Bikaner Rajasthan

2. Shopping At Kote Gate Bikaner

Rajasthan is nothing but a paradise for people who love shopping, and the markets in Bikaner are your must-visit place. One of the most prominent places to shop till you drop off is the Kote Gate. Here you can buy whatever you want, from camel hide articles to local handicrafts.

Irrespective to say you can shop your heart out at Bikaner and it is one of the best parts about visiting Bikaner. You can also buy different types of souvenirs for your loved ones at home while you are enjoying shopping in Bikaner.

Some Places to Shop in Bikaner: Mahatma Gandhi road market and bara Bazar.

3. Visit the prominent Karni Mata Temple

This temple is home to at least 25,000 rats, and it is one of the most unique places that you can ever visit in Bikaner. Irrespective of so many rats around, the place is considered pretty holy by the locals, and it is a sight to behold for not only the tourists but also the locals.

You should travel to Karni Mata temple if you are in the city because this attraction is surely not to miss. Read More: Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner: Things To Do, Timings, How To Reach & Activities.

Best Time To Visit: it is open on all days from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM at night.

Entry Fees: you don’t need to pay any entry fees to visit this temple.

4. Head to Thar desert and enjoy a camel safari

Besides all the things you ever do in Bikaner, you should not miss out on the Thar camel safari. It is an absolute must-have experience.

Furthermore, camels are known as the regal servicemen of the desert state, and they will make you hop on their humps and show you around the desert in one of the best ways, leaving you craving for more adventures.

Best Time To Visit: from morning till night

Entry Fees: the charges depend on the tour and the hour you book.

5. Take a tour of the amazing Junagarh Fort

A great thing that you can add to your Bikaner sightseeing itinerary is a tour of the amazing Junagarh Fort. Initially, the Junagarh Fort was known as the Chintamani Mahal.

The old Fort has marvelous architecture which is just impeccable, and it will leave you nothing but spellbound. So you should ensure that you do not miss out on this one while you are sightseeing around.

Best Time To Visit: open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Entry Fees: the entry fee for Indian tourists is INR 50, while if you are foreign, then you have to pay INR 300.

6. Witness the Richness of Lal Garh Palace

Heading to the splendid Lalgarh palace is one of the top things that you can ever do in Bikaner, and it is surely a must-do. The best architectural wonder in the city is the Lal Garh palace which was built by the Maharaja of Bikaner.

You cannot only come across the royalty or the history of the palace, but you can also experience staying in the heritage property. This is something which you would not like to miss out on because there is nothing better than experiencing the heritage of a palace.

Best Time To Visit: it is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it is only closed on Sunday.

Entry Fees: the entry fee for Indian tourists is INR 10, but the entry fee for foreigners is INR 20.

7. Enjoy some mouth-watering delicacies in Bikaner

Your trip cannot be completed without tasting the delicious food that the state has to offer. Beacon it’s just like any other city in the state and has amazing local delicacies that you should not miss out on. Your tastebuds will have a feast while you are in Bikaner. There are some amazing places to dine in.

Whether you like luxury dining or tiny roadside dishes, you can get everything here. Something that you can take for your loved ones also is the famous Bikaneri Bhujia which is nothing but just lip-smacking.

Popular Cuisines Here- Dal Bati Churma, Gatte Ki sabzi khata, rajbhog, and a lot more.

Some of the best places to eat in Bikaner- are Chappan Bhog and Hiralal.

You can expect your trip to be immensely fun-packed as you know what the best things to do in Bikaner are. You will enjoy different types of activities while we’re in Bikaner, whether it is enjoying a camel safari or just shopping your heart out. So all you need to do is get set for your next holiday in Rajasthan with your near and dear ones.

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Accommodation & Other Facilities in Bikaner

Accommodation Options:

1. Luxury Hotels:

Laxmi Niwas Palace: Heritage hotel with royal architecture.
Narendra Bhawan: Lavish hotel with modern amenities and historical charm.

2. Mid-Range Hotels:

Hotel Gaj Kesri: Comfortable stay with traditional decor.
Vesta Bikaner Palace: Offers modern amenities with Rajasthani hospitality.

3. Budget Hotels:

Hotel Raj Vilas Palace: Affordable with basic facilities.
Hotel Harasar Haveli: A budget-friendly heritage hotel.

4. Guesthouses and Homestays:

Tanisha Heritage Haveli: Offers a homely stay with a touch of tradition.
Rao Bikaji Camel Safari: Experience rural life and camel safaris.

Other Facilities:

Medical Facilities: PBM Hospital, multiple clinics, and pharmacies available.
ATMs and Banks: Widely available throughout the city.
Internet Cafes and Wi-Fi: Most hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.

Itinerary for Bikaner Trip

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

Morning:

Check into your hotel.
Visit Junagarh Fort: Explore the richly decorated interiors and museums.

Afternoon:

Visit Lalgarh Palace: A blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Evening:

Stroll through the local markets: Shop for handicrafts and local sweets like Bhujia and Rasgulla.

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Exploration

Morning:

Visit Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok): Famous for its rat population considered sacred.

Afternoon:

Explore the National Research Centre on Camel: Learn about camel breeding and take a camel ride.

Evening:

Visit the Ganga Government Museum: Explore artifacts and exhibits showcasing Bikaner’s history.

Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning:

Visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple: Known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Afternoon:

Explore the sand dunes: Go for a camel safari or jeep safari in the Thar Desert.

Evening:

Relax at Gajner Palace: Enjoy the serene environment by the lake.

People, Culture & Festivals of Bikaner

People and Culture:

The people of Bikaner are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant culture.
The city has a rich heritage with a blend of Rajput and Mughal influences.
Traditional attire includes colorful turbans for men and ghagras for women.

Festivals:

Bikaner Camel Festival (January): A unique festival dedicated to camels with races, dances, and camel beauty contests.
Karni Mata Fair (March/April and October/November): Held twice a year at the Karni Mata Temple, attracting thousands of devotees.
Gangaur Festival (March/April): Celebrates the goddess Gauri with processions, songs, and dances.
Kolayat Fair (November): Held at Kolayat Lake, a significant pilgrimage event with religious rituals and cultural activities.

Attractions to Visit Nearby Bikaner

1. Gajner Palace and Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location: 32 km from Bikaner
Highlights: Former hunting lodge, now a heritage hotel. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife species.
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.

2. Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok):

Location: 30 km from Bikaner
Highlights: Temple dedicated to Karni Mata, famous for its sacred rats.
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi or bus.

3. Kolayat Lake:

Location: 50 km from Bikaner
Highlights: Sacred lake and pilgrimage site, famous for the Kolayat Fair.
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi or bus.

4. Devi Kund Sagar:

Location: 8 km from Bikaner
Highlights: Cenotaphs of the Bikaji dynasty rulers, known for their architectural beauty.
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.

5. Shiv Bari Temple:

Location: 6 km from Bikaner
Highlights: Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its beautiful wall paintings.
How to Reach: Accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.

How to Reach Bikaner

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (250 km), Jaipur International Airport (330 km)
Travel Tips: Take a taxi or bus from the airport to Bikaner.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Junction
Travel Tips: Well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. Book tickets in advance during peak season.

By Road:

Bus Services: Regular bus services from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and other cities.
Self-Drive: Well-connected by NH 11. Roads are generally in good condition.
Travel Tips: Comfortable AC buses are available. Opt for state-run or reputable private bus services.

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Explore Bikaner’s Activities & Best Things To Do

The Best Things to Do in Bikaner are as follows: