Bikaner at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Rajasthan |
| Famous For | Desert City, Junagarh Fort, Camel Festival |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, Rajasthani, English |
| Nearest Airport | Bikaner Airport (BKB), 15km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Bikaner Junction (BKN) |
| From Deshnoke (Karni Mata) | 30 km · 0h 45m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹50+ (varies) |
| Best For | history enthusiasts |
Bikaner: What Makes It Worth Visiting
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.
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.
Bikaner: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) | 24 hours | Free | Morning - to avoid crowds | Remove footwear before entering |
| Shiv Bari Temple | 06:00-20:00 daily | Free | Evening - for a peaceful atmos | Remove footwear before entering |
How to Reach Bikaner: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Bikaner: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deshnoke (Karni Mata) | 30 km | 0h 45m | NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89 |
| Jodhpur | 250 km | 4h 30m | NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89 |
| Jaisalmer | 330 km | 5h 30m | NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89 |
| Jaipur | 335 km | 5h 30m | NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89 |
| Delhi | 450 km | 8h 30m | NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89 |
train Train to Bikaner: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Bikaner Junction (BKN) — Main railway station, well-connected to major cities
- From Delhi: 8-10 hours (₹800-1500)
- From Jaipur: 5-6 hours (₹600-1200)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Bikaner: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Bikaner Airport (BKB), 15km from city
- Delhi: 1.5 hours (₹3000-5000)
- Jaipur: 1 hour (₹2500-4000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹400-500
- Auto-rickshaw: ₹300-400
directions_bus Bus to Bikaner: Services & Timings
- From Jaipur: 6-7 hours (₹500-800)
Trains more comfortable for long distances
Best Time to Visit Bikaner: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 12-30 degrees C | The weather is perfect for exploring forts, palaces, and enjoying desert safaris | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: July to September | 30-38 degrees C | You can find fewer crowds and lower prices. The monsoon showers bring temporary | Some outdoor activities might be re |
| Avoid: April to June | 35-45 degrees C | Avoid visiting during these months due to the intense heat. It's difficult to en | If you must travel during this time |
Peak season note: This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. Book accommodations and tours in advance.
2-Day Bikaner Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏛️ Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort is a well-preserved fort showcasing a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It was built in the late 16th century…
💡 Tip: Hire an audio guide for a more in-depth understanding of the fort's history.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🏛️ Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace is a stunning red sandstone palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century. It exhibits a blend of …
💡 Tip: Consider staying at the heritage hotel within the palace for a luxurious experience.
🙏 Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, is a unique and fascinating temple dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata. The templ…
💡 Tip: Bring socks to wear inside the temple as the floor can be slippery.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🎨 Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum houses a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from the Harappan civilization, the Gu…
💡 Check for special exhibitions or events happening at the museum during your visit.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🙏 Shiv Bari Temple
Shiv Bari Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. It was built…
💡 Visit during the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) for a spiritual experience.
🎨 Prachina Museum
Prachina Museum showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Bikaner, including textiles, costumes, and jewelry. It is located wit…
💡 Ask the museum staff for information about the different exhibits and their significance.
Top Places to Visit in Bikaner: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏛️ Junagarh Fort | ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 10:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | 🏛️ Lalgarh Palace | ₹30 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners) | 2-3 hours | 10:00-17:00 daily |
| 3 | 🙏 Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) | Free | 1-2 hours | 24 hours |
| 4 | 🎨 Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum | ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners) | 2 hours | 10:00-17:00 daily |
| 5 | 🙏 Shiv Bari Temple | Free | 1 hour | 06:00-20:00 daily |
| 6 | 🎨 Prachina Museum | ₹50 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 2 hours | 09:00-18:00 daily |
🏛️ 1. Junagarh Fort
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.
Honest take: Worth visiting for its well-preserved architecture and historical significance.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw: ₹80-100 from city center
🏛️ 2. Lalgarh Palace
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 European architectural styles.
Honest take: Worth a visit for its unique architecture and royal ambiance.
📍 Getting there: Auto-rickshaw: ₹100-120 from city center
🙏 3. Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)
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 population of rats, which are considered sacred.
Honest take: A must-visit for its unique and unusual religious significance.
📍 Getting there: Taxi: ₹500-600 round trip from Bikaner (30km)
Food & Restaurants in Bikaner: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Bikaneri Bhujia, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Kesar Kulfi, Mirchi Vada
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Dal Baati Churma | ₹₹ (₹600-800 for two) | City Center |
| Bikaneri Bhujia | ₹ (₹200-400 for two) | City Center |
🛺 Street Food: Station Road — Mirchi Vada, Samosas, Kachoris (₹50-100 per person)
Bikaner Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹2000-3000/night | ₹8000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Bikaner: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Chirag
₹800-1200/night
Near Junagarh Fort
Hotel Sagar
₹700-1100/night
City Center
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Raj Vilas
₹2000-3000/night
Near Lalgarh Palace
Bikaner Heritage Resort
₹1800-2800/night
Outskirts of Bikaner
⭐ Luxury
Laxmi Niwas Palace
₹8000+/night
Near Lalgarh Palace
Narendra Bhawan Bikaner
₹7000+/night
City Center
Bikaner Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging: Auto-rickshaw drivers may try to overcharge tourists. Always bargain and agree on a price beforehand.
- ✓ Fake Guides: Be wary of unofficial guides offering their services. Stick to licensed guides or rely on reputable tour operators.
- ✓ 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.
- ✓ ATMs are widely available in the city center.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A SIM card costs around ₹200 with data plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bikaner
How many days are enough for Bikaner?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Bikaner. Day 1 covers Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, while Day 2 explores Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and Shiv Bari Temple.
What is Bikaner famous for?
Bikaner is famous for Desert City, Junagarh Fort, Camel Festival.
What is the best time to visit Bikaner?
The best time to visit Bikaner is October to March. Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Days are sunny, and nights are cool.
How do I reach Bikaner from Deshnoke (Karni Mata)?
Bikaner is 30 km from Deshnoke (Karni Mata) by road, approximately 0h 45m drive via NH-11;NH62, NH-62, NH-89. The nearest railway station is Bikaner Junction (BKN). The nearest airport is Bikaner Airport (BKB), 15km from city.
Is Bikaner worth visiting?
Yes, Bikaner is worth visiting for Desert City, Junagarh Fort, Camel Festival. It is especially recommended for history enthusiasts and can be combined with a visit to Jodhpur.
What is the budget for a trip to Bikaner?
A 2-day trip to Bikaner costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)?
Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) is open 24 hours. Best time to visit: Morning - to avoid crowds.
What is the entry fee for Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)?
Entry fee at Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple): Free.
What is the dress code for Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple).
What are the timings of Shiv Bari Temple?
Shiv Bari Temple is open 06:00-20:00 daily. Best time to visit: Evening - for a peaceful atmosphere.
What is the entry fee for Shiv Bari Temple?
Entry fee at Shiv Bari Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Shiv Bari Temple?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Shiv Bari Temple.