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Bikaner!

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Population

0.65 million

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Rajasthan map North India 🏙️ Urban 🏛️ Heritage 🏜️ Desert Historical Sites Bikaner Rajasthan Desert City Junagarh Fort Camel Festival Bhujia Havelis

Bikaner, a desert city in Rajasthan, is known for its magnificent Junagarh Fort, vibrant culture, and delicious snacks like bhujia. It offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and desert charm.

Bikaner offers a glimpse into Rajasthan's rich heritage and is less crowded than other major tourist cities. However, the desert climate can be harsh, and infrastructure is not as developed as in larger cities. Be prepared for dust and heat.

Plan for at least two to three days to explore the major attractions and experience the local culture. Getting around is mainly by auto-rickshaw or taxi. The city is well-connected by train and bus.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

12-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Days are sunny, and nights are cool.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for exploring forts, palaces, and enjoying desert safaris. The annual Camel Festival in January is a major highlight. It's the best time for comfortable travel and cultural immersion.

Tip: This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. Book accommodations and tours in advance.

Shoulder Season

July to September

30-38 degrees C

Hot and humid with occasional monsoon showers. The landscape turns greener.

Why Visit:

You can find fewer crowds and lower prices. The monsoon showers bring temporary relief from the heat, but humidity can be high.

Tip: Some outdoor activities might be restricted due to the rain. Check the weather forecast before planning.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extremely hot and dry with scorching winds. Conditions can be unbearable for outdoor activities.

Why Avoid:

Avoid visiting during these months due to the intense heat. It's difficult to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities in such extreme conditions.

Note: If you must travel during this time, stay indoors during the day and ensure access to air conditioning.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Junagarh Fort

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)

Junagarh Fort is a well-preserved fort showcasing a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It was built in the late 16th century by Raja Rai Singh....

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Lalgarh Palace

⏱ 2-3 hours ₹30 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners)

Lalgarh Palace is a stunning red sandstone palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century. It exhibits a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and ...

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Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, is a unique and fascinating temple dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata. The temple is famous for its ...

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Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

⏱ 2 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners)

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum houses a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from the Harappan civilization, the Gupta period, and the ...

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Shiv Bari Temple

⏱ 1 hour Free

Shiv Bari Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. It was built by Maharaja Doongar...

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Prachina Museum

⏱ 2 hours ₹50 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Prachina Museum showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Bikaner, including textiles, costumes, and jewelry. It is located within the Junagarh For...

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Things To Do

attractions

Camel Safari

⏱ 2-4 hours 💰 ₹1500-3000 per person

Experience the Thar Desert on a camel safari. Explore the sand dunes and enjoy the scenic landscapes....

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attractions

Desert Camping

⏱ 1 night 💰 ₹3000-5000 per person

Spend a night in the Thar Desert under the stars. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner and cultural performances....

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attractions

Shopping for Bhujia

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 ₹200-500

Bikaner is famous for its bhujia, a spicy snack made from moth beans and gram flour. Visit local shops and markets to bu...

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attractions

Visiting a Camel Breeding Farm

⏱ 2 hours 💰 ₹50 per person

Visit the National Research Centre on Camel, a camel breeding farm. Learn about different camel breeds and their importa...

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Camel Festival (January)

2 days | Free

The Bikaner Camel Festival is a vibrant celebration of the camel, an integral part of desert life. I...

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celebration

Rajasthani Cooking Class

3-4 hours | ₹1500-2500

Learn to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. A local che...

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celebration

Traditional Rajasthani Music and Dance Performance

2 hours | ₹500-1000

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan through music and dance. Watch traditional perfor...

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celebration

Visiting a Local Village

4-5 hours | ₹800-1500

Visit a local village to experience the rural life of Rajasthan. Interact with the villagers and lea...

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celebration

Visiting a Pottery Village

3 hours | Free

Visit a village known for its traditional pottery making. Watch the potters at work and learn about ...

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celebration

Attending a Local Fair or Festival

Varies | Free

Attend a local fair or festival to experience the vibrant culture of Bikaner. These events showcase ...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Bikaneri Bhujia
Bikaneri Bhujia

A spicy snack made from moth beans and gram flour (try at Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop).

Dal Baati Churma
Dal Baati Churma

A traditional Rajasthani dish (try at Heeralal's Restaurant).

Gatte ki Sabzi
Gatte ki Sabzi

A curry made from gram flour dumplings (try at Gallops Restaurant).

Kesar Kulfi
Kesar Kulfi

A saffron-flavored ice cream (try at a local sweet shop).

Mirchi Vada
Mirchi Vada

A spicy chili fritter (available at street food stalls).

Where to Eat

Heeralal's Restaurant

Heeralal's Restaurant

₹₹

Rajasthani

📍 City Center

A popular restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The ambiance is traditional and the food is delicious.

Dal Baati Churma

₹600-800 for two

Gallops Restaurant

Gallops Restaurant

₹₹₹

Indian, Continental

📍 Near Junagarh Fort

A fine-dining restaurant offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes. The atmosphere is elegant and the service is excellent.

Gatte ki Sabzi

₹800-1200 for two

Street Food Spots

Station Road

Station Road

💰 Budget: ₹50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be careful of hygiene. Choose stalls that look clean and have a high turnover.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Bikaner

More restaurants & dishes from Bikaner

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

City Center

Stay here for easy access to markets, restaurants, and the railway station. It can be noisy during the day but is convenient for transport.

Best For: First-time visitors, budget travelers

Near Junagarh Fort

A good location for exploring the fort and other historical sites. It's quieter than the city center but still within easy reach of amenities.

Best For: History buffs, families

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Chirag

📍 Near Junagarh Fort

Clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Good location for sightseeing.

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Sagar

📍 City Center

Basic but decent rooms, close to the railway station. Convenient for budget travelers.

₹700-1100/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2000-3000/night

Hotel Raj Vilas

📍 Near Lalgarh Palace

Well-maintained hotel with spacious rooms and a swimming pool. Offers good value for money.

₹2000-3000/night

Bikaner Heritage Resort

📍 Outskirts of Bikaner

A peaceful resort with traditional Rajasthani decor. Offers a relaxing stay away from the city.

₹1800-2800/night

Luxury

₹8000+/night

Laxmi Niwas Palace

📍 Near Lalgarh Palace

A heritage hotel offering a luxurious stay in a former royal residence. Impeccable service and stunning architecture.

₹8000+/night

Narendra Bhawan Bikaner

📍 City Center

A boutique hotel with elegantly designed rooms and a rooftop restaurant. Offers a unique and memorable experience.

₹7000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Bikaner Airport (BKB), 15km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Bikaner Junction (BKN)

Main railway station, well-connected to major cities

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 8-10 hours (₹800-1500)
  • From Jaipur: 5-6 hours (₹600-1200)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

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By Bus

Terminals:
  • Bikaner Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Jaipur: 6-7 hours (₹500-800)

Note: Trains more comfortable for long distances

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-150 per trip

Best for: Short distances, local sightseeing

Bargain for the fare before starting the journey. Confirm the destination with the driver.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹300-500 per trip

Best for: Longer distances, comfortable travel

Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola for better rates.

directions

Scooter Rental

💰 ₹400-600 per day

Best for: Independent exploration

Ensure you have a valid driving license and wear a helmet. Check the condition of the scooter before renting.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear light and comfortable clothing, especially during the summer months. Cover your head with a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are widely available in the city center.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water to avoid stomach problems. Avoid ice from unknown sources.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants to minimize the risk of food poisoning. Be cautious of street food.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach problems are common. Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A SIM card costs around ₹200 with data plans.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: Hindi is the most commonly spoken language. English is spoken in tourist areas. Learn a few basic Hindi phrases.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50

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