Bikaner

Bikaner is a leading tourist destination of the state of Rajasthan. Located in the northwest part of the state, Bikaner was established by the Jats and Rao Bika. This Rajasthani city which truly reflects the culture and tradition of the state is famous all over India and in different parts of the world for its snacks and sweets. Tours to Bikaner is an enriching experience for the tourists since the city has something for everyone.

Picturesque natural beauty coupled with numerous tourist landmarks; attract both domestic and international tourists. Bikaner is one of the most visited cities of the state of Rajasthan. This beautiful city of Rajasthan is enmeshed in a rich history which appeals to the variety of tourists. Synonymous with chivalry, royalty, valor and courage, Bikaner still retains the old charm of the state of Rajasthan. Each and every part of Bikaner has a story to tell which takes the tourists back in time of the Golden age of Rajputs.

History: The history of Bikaner is having a rich saga of the royal Jats and the Rajput kings and the city was founded by RaoBika. In the early 15th century the city was ruled by the Jat Kings and the city was reigned by the Jat dynasties and their forefathers. The various Jat clans that ruled the city were Punia, Godara, Saran Sihag, Johiya Dhaka, Beniwal, and Kaswan and they ruled the city for a longer time. The city was ruled by the Mughal also as the Mughal king Humayun came into reign and king Akbar was ruled this city. After Akbar started ruling India Raja Rai Singh, who was the sixth ruler of Bikaner was among the first Rajput Chiefs who came in front to make an association with the Mughal Empire. And after their association Mughal emperor, Akbar make a warm welcome of the rulers of Bikaner and they were honored and stated as the most loyal supporters of the empire and held high ranks as Mansabdars. The Mughals and the Rajputs shared a warm relation with each other but with the demise of Aurangzeb, the relation went into ending. A Rajput king Sujan Singh who broke the relation with the Mughal throne officially.

RaoBika – The Founder of Bikaner: RaoBika was popularly known as the ‘Founder of Bikaner’was the elder son of RaoJodha, who was king of Marwar, and he was motivated by a comment by his father that, left him homeless and moved to Marwar which is presently known as Jodhpur and stayed as a small dependent of Rathorewarriors that consisted a number of 500 soldier and 100 cavalrymen and with this volume was enough to create his own kingdom and further he was escorted by his uncle, Rawat Kandhal. He respected his spiritual power Karni Mata and that force him to take better decisions to run the kingdom. Karni Mata who had become the kuladevi of RaoBikahad brought the rivalry between the Rathore&Bhatis. After the death of RaoJodhaRaoBika attacked Mehrangarh Fort and it brought war between the two groups. He died in the year 1504.

Tourist Attractions: Bikaner is replete with a number of historical landmarks. The different landmarks of Bikaner bring out the glorious past of the erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan. Some of the principal places of tourist interest include Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Moonayakji, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bhandasar Jain Temple, Laxmi Nath Temple and many more. Some other attractions of Bikaner inlcude the different fairs and festivals hosted by this city. The list includes Ganguar Fair, Kapil Muni Fair, Karni Mata Fair and the like.

Junagarh Fort: Junagarh Fort, located in the city of Bikaner, stands proudly as a symbol of invincibility. Originally called “Chintamani Mahal” until the 20th century, it was subject to repeated invasions in the past, but remained unconquered over time. It got its present name, Junagarh, which means “Old Fort”, in the early 20th century, when the royal family shifted to Lalgarh Palace. This is one of those few forts in Rajasthan which is not seated on a hilltop. Rather, the modern city of Bikaner was built around the fort. Its believe that the first digging ceremony of the fort was held on 30th January, 1589 AD, while the foundation was laid on 17th February, 1589 AD. The construction of the fort is said to have been completed on 17th January 1594 AD. This fort represents architectural excellence and is a great center of art, heritage, culture and history.

The structures found in the Junagarh Fort are palaces and temples, which are primarily built of red sandstone and marble. The palaces, with their courtyards, kiosks, balconies and windows, allure visitors in large numbers. Most of these have been converted as museums and provide a valuable insight into the royal lifestyle of the erstwhile princes and rulers of Rajasthan.

This fort, built in the plains of Bikaner, is rectangular in shape. It consists of 37 bastions and seven gates which were built to ward of enemy attacks. A special feature of the fort is the intricate stone carvings adorning the red and gold colored sandstones. The interiors of the fort are adorned in traditional Rajasthani style, while the architecture of the fort reflects several architectural styles including Rajput, Gujarat and Mughal styles of architecture. One can also witness the influence of the British style of architecture in the fort.

The Junagarh Fort has gone through sixteen successive generations of the rulers of Bikaner. As a result, one can witness several antique monuments and excellent objects of art inside the fort. The most prominent amongst these are the old palaces with their porches, pillars, gates, doors, galleries and corridors. The palaces here belong to different periods in history and reflect the events and shed light on the past glories of Bikaner.

Lal Garh Palace: Lalgarh Palace is a palace in Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan. Lalgarh Palace is truly an architectural beauty of Rajasthan. This impressive red- sand stone palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in 1902 A. D. He got this palace constructed in the memory of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. It was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. The architecture of this place showcases an amazing blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architecture. The intricately carving on red stone reflects the skills of great local craftsmen.

Lalgarh palace has a library ‘Anup Sanskrit Library‘. It has the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts. A portion of the palace has now become heritage hotel whereas the other part of the palace serves as the dwelling of the royal family. The palace encompasses a rich collection of impressive paintings and hunting trophies of the old Maharajas.The flowering terraced gardens of this palace are beautifully decorated with Bougainvillea plants. You can see the peacocks walking around this huge palace make a great visual treat. This architectural masterwork also incorporates latticework and filigree work. This beautiful palace is like a fresh splash in the dryness of the Thar Desert. The three-storied complex is coated in red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert.

Laxmi Niwas Palace: The Laxmi Niwas Palace is situated in Bikaner and made by Late Maharaja Ganga Singh, the maker of modern Bikaner, who personally conceived, foresaw and supervised the construction of his personal residence. The Laxmi Niwas Palace is a magnificent red sandstone structure designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in the Anglo-Scenic style. This stately building, great & grand, is built around a central courtyard and is intricately carved from the skirting up to the highest dome.The building has some exquisite stone ‘jali’ work or lattice is awesome and stunning. The motifs, floral and geometrical, will leave you hypnotized by the work of art. A lace- like work of stone on the edges of the entire roof was created as a splendid crown on the head of the palace!! The royal palace of Laxmi Niwas Palace has a huge principal entry gate.

 The Clock Tower which is secured by guards and reminds memories of old dignity and grandeur.The palace has the vast lawns with rows of trees, fairly big pools, and red sandstone housings. The huge entrance stretches to a warm and dignified welcome to the visitor. The monument art on the pillars are really captivating and attract the eyes along with the ceilinged Portico, looks gorgeous with the decorative carving. The wide area of grand staircase leads you up to the reception which extends a warmth of hospitality to the visitor. It is the pilot to the extensive hallways and the inner courtyard, which is normally called as “Chowk” blessed by the memories of festive occasions and gracious functions of Rajasthan. In this place where Gala dinners are arranged every day accompanied with folk music and dances by dholies and langhas. The main attraction of the dinner is a fireworks display.

Devi Kund, Bikaner: Located at a distance of 8 km from the Bikaner city, Devi Kund or Devi Kund Sagar is a collection of Cenotaphs (Chattris), an amazing proof of classic Rajputana style of architecture that has been mixed with Islamic architecture. These chattris are made of white marble and red sandstone and are decorated with intricate carvings. Originally a royal crematorium, Devi Kund was erected in the memory of the deceased members of the royal family of Binaker. These cenotaphs narrate the tales of bravery of Bikaji rulers.

Out of all, the cenotaph of Maharaja Suraj Singh is the prettiest one. This cenotaph stands out because of the use of Rajput-style paintings on the ceiling. Alterations in the architecture of the chattris were done due to the gender of the royal family member for whom it was being erected. While the cenotaphs of adult men were white in color with a stone slab on which their name was carved, the cenotaphs of the royal ladies had a horizontal plate with their footprints. Some cenotaphs are of royal children who had early deaths. These cenotaphs are not only one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bikaner but are also architectural gems with festooned frescoes.

Some of the royal cenotaphs of Bikaner include Chattris of Bikaer rulers starting from Rao Kalyan Singhji and going up to the last ruler Maharaji Karni Singhji, along with the royal ladies and other important people. There is also a Chattri of the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, Jet Singh was also cremated here. Then there are cenotaphs for 22 Satis belonging to the royal family who existed before Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji. You also come across a chattri of Sata (male sati), one of the rulers.

Bhandasar Jain Temple: Dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara of Jainsim, Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of the most popular temples of Bikaner. This 2-storied Jain temple of Bikaner is also known as Bhandreshwar temple and is made out of red sandstone. It is believed that the construction of the temple was commissioned in 1468 by a wealthy merchant, Bhandasa Oswal. The construction continued even after his demise in the year 1514.

This temple is an architectural masterpiece and includes of an antarala, an ardhamandapa, a garbhgriha and a mahamandapa. Detailed paintings can be seen on the pillars and walls of the mandapa and sanctum or pancharatha. These paintings have been adorned with gold leaf patterns. The locals say that instead of mortar, the temple is made with the use of around 40,000 kg of ghee that trickles from the walls during summers. The idol of Lord Sumatinath is made of marble and stands on a throne in silver, which is placed on a two fit high pavilion.

The marble pillars of Bhandasar Jain Temple are decked-up with floral arabesque pattern and events reflecting the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankars. The walls and the floorings contain beautiful dancing images of maidens and multi-colored floral designs. Imported porcelain tiles adorn the linings of tower of the second floor and the main alter. There are a number of chambers containing the idols of other Jain Tirthankars and deities. The mirror-work is the highlight. From the carved balconies of the temple, enjoy mesmerizing views of the surroundings.

Bhandarsar temple is not only a sacred site but is also one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bikaner and is visited by devotees as well as tourists in huge numbers. Soak-in the serenity and admire the stunning architecture. Take note that like other Jain temples, leather items are not permitted inside the temple.

Deshnok Temple: Rajasthan is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. Going for a holiday to Rajasthan will always provide a great experience to the tourists. The wide variety of attractions available in Rajasthan makes it a favorable tourist destination to tourists of varied tastes. In fact, it is this variety that helps in attracting a large number of tourists from various corners of the world. The variety includes desert, forts, palaces, museums, rich wildlife and a number of temples make Rajasthan tours a thoroughly enjoyable place. Bikaner is one of the most visited cities in Rajasthan. The presence of a large number of tourist attractions in and around Rajasthan makes it such a beautiful place. The temples in the city of Bikaner are major draw for the tourists. The Deshnok Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bikaner. Having a high spiritual significance along with a great architecture, you must visit the temple during Bikaner tours.

Attractions of Deshnok Temple: Deshnok temple is also known as Deshnok Karni Mata temple. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, which is an incarnation of the Goddess Durga who took birth in the 14th century. The goddess is believed to have miraculous power. The village in which the temple is located is also known as Deshnok, which means ten corners. The village is located 30 kilometers from Bikaner along the Jodhopur Road. The temple possesses a high a spiritual significance. There are a number of beliefs associated with the temple. On visiting the temple, you will come across a large number of brown rats in the temple complex. It is believed that these rats carry the soul of dead charans. Such beliefs attract a large number of devotees from different corners of the world. They come to the temple and offer sweets, grains, milk to the goddess during the aarti. Moreover, you can consider yourself really lucky if you get to see a white mouse as it is considered auspicious. The rats are such an integral part of the temple that wire grills had been constructed to protect then from birds of prey. A visit to the temple will surely be a unique experience as it will provide a close look of the various traditions and customs of the region.

The architecture of the temple is also a major attraction for the tourists. The various architectural features of the Deshnok temple like beautiful marble façade are a treat to the eye. Built by Ganga Singh, the temple also has domes and door made up of gold and silver. The doors impart a great look to the temple as they have images of the Karni mata and other deities. On getting inside the temple, you will also be able to see the image of the Goddess. It is enshrined in the inner spectrum.

There are lots of tour operators which offer packaged tour to the Deshnok temple. These tours are thoroughly enjoyable for the tourists as it provides you a close look of the Rajasthani architecture as well as the various religious beliefs of the region.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary:  Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 32.0 km (19.9 mi) from Bikaner. In former times, it was a hunting ground for the Maharajah of Bikaner. There is a lake in this sanctuary and a variety of animals come here to quench their thirst in summer. This is one of the proposed forests for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India. The lake and forested hills of this reserve, 32 km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer road, are inhabited by wildfowl, hares , wild boar, desert foxes and a number of deer and antelopes including black bucks and blue bulls. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands. Imperial sand house migrate here in winter. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, houses the former Hunting lodge of Bikaner and has a beautiful lake surrounded by a dense forest.

The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of wild animals and some of the resident species include wildfowls, deer, antelope, Nilgai, Chinkara, black buck, desert foxes and wild boars to name just a few. In the midst of densely wooded jungle and the surrounding haunting wildlife there is the elegant Gajner Palace Hotel where visitors can check-in for lodging. Apart from accommodation, the Gajner Palace Hotel regularly conducts jungle safaris which takes visitors into the deepest realms of the mysterious Gajner Sanctuary. The hotel has its own exclusive fleet of Vehicles and all jungle safaris are accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable guide who has years of experience of Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ganga Govt. Museum: Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is known to be as the best museum of Rajasthan state. Also known as Ganga Government Museum, it is located in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum was established in 1937 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh. The museum comprises some of the most unique and amazing collections of artwork, history and sculptures.The magnificent museum is in the Lalgarh palace of Bikaner. There are sections in the museum in a way that all the articrafts follow a hierarchy and historical importance. There is the Silk Robe of Shehjada Salim which is quite fabulous to see. There are also some other unique collection of miniatures from across the state. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum also has some collectibles which more than somewhat saying historical like old photographs, trophies, shikar objects early cameras and movie projectors and weapons. Majesty Maharaja Karni Singh used these splendid items at that time.The Anup Library contains an extremely rare and valuable collection of Rare Sanskrit manuscripts in Anup Library which are brought back from the Deccan by Raja Anup Singh in the 17th century also displays in this museum. Valuable sculptures from Harappan ages, war weaponry of Rajasthan and Litho prints of British Empire are a some other historical importance items. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum also has many black and white photographs of India which are from the time when India was under the British rule.

Junagarh Fort Museum: Bikaner city of Rajasthan is full of museums which adds to its attractiveness. One of the museum is magnificent Junagarh Fort Museum which was by Maharaja Dr.Karni Singhji in 1961.Junagarh Fort Museum has a superb collection of arms and armor. It comprises of jade handle daggers, camel hide and inlaid handguns and camel guns which were used at that time. Museum also has cold and silver howdahs, jhulas, kis, and a First World War biplane .

Another speciality of Junagarh Fort Museum is that it has Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts, miniature paintings, jewels, royal costumes, farmans (royal orders), portrait galleries, costumes, headgear and dresses of gods’ idols. Apart from there is a pair of drums which belongs to jamblioji, Other important items include a pair of drums belonging to Guru Jambheswar Ji also known as Jambhoji. Photographs and items of domestic use by Maharaja Ganga Singh and miniatures are also on display.

Shopping in Bikaner: Bikaner is a district of the princely state of Rajasthan and one of the major cities for tourism. The city is known for its gorgeous heritage hotels and lovely palaces and forts. The city is a heartthrob for the tourists who really want to discover the colorful Rajasthan. Bikaner has all the touches of a great city for tourism and along with that the city has all the colors of shopping opportunities which is as one of the best experiences to be enjoyed in the city. Bikaner shopping is something which you will always cherish for and the things which you will buy will always keep you reminding for the place and you can get more nice memories with those things.There are beautiful markets in Bikaner that are extremely vivid as they are filled with various kinds of articles and souvenirs and Bikaner is a place where the country’s best Kundan Jewelry is found and one can get the best of them. There are many other things that can be bought while shopping in Bikaner which are beautiful and colorful and will give you vibrant memories.

Bikaner is a shopper’s hub and people can buy a wide range of souvenirs from here that may vary from various things such as kundan ornaments which are found in ample quantity in the market and there are many other things such as lehriyasarees, bangles, and leather mojris which are available in various designs and they are really eye striking and one would lose heart to them. Most importantly Bikaner is a place where you can buy for the very warm and very light quilts or razaiis and they are popularly known as Nokha Razai. Amongst the Food items people can buy for Bikaneri Bhujiaand these are really yummy to try for.

Famous Markets in Bikaner:  Kote GateThis is one of the prime markets in Bikaner which are famous for dealing in various articles in the market such as kundan jewelry, khadi articles, beautiful wood carvings, miniature paintings and many others. This market is also known for selling beautiful handicrafts and other items. This market will also provide you with enough of eating opportunities while you shop.

Station Road Market: The market is known for selling markets in Bikaner leather jackets, handicrafts, jootis, cotton fabrics, leather jootis, leather chairs and many others. Bikaner is not so famous for its high profile markets but the local markets are vibrant enough to attract your eyes and one can get the best of Bikaner shopping experience through this market. Station road market is especially known for its bhujia shops which are nationally famous for the lip smacking taste.

Mahatma Gandhi Road Market: This is also one of the major street markets to be visited while you go for shopping in Bikaner. While you visit this place in the evening you will find the glittering shops which will more sparkle with the glittery bangles, glass embroidered lehangas and chunnis and sparkling jooti shops which will not only catch your eyes but also provoke you to buy them.

Fair and Festivals in Bikaner: Besides an engaging sightseeing session in Bikaner there are a lot other things to bind you; and fairs and festivals of Bikaner are renowned for their charisma. The most exciting of all is Bikaner Camel Festival; an exuberant event organized around January. If you haven’t ever witnessed dance performance or beauty pageant of camels, then this is the very festival for you.  Besides this Rajasthan’s vibrant culture is displayed through folk dance, puppet dance, musical performances and what not! Gangaur Festival is another important festival of the city.

This festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Lord Shiva’s wife) associated with a happy marital life. Similarly Kolyat Festival of Bikaner promotes religious belief, when people gather in Kolyat Lake and take a dip; believing that this act will wipe off their sins. The fairs and festivals of Bikaner are a reflection of the vibrant culture and the multi-hued dynamics of the place.

Bikaner Camel Festival: Camel is called the ship of the desert and the camels is also a dear animal among people of Rajasthan. The camel festival is celebrated in many districts of Rajasthan in different ways. The people of Rajasthan not only buy and sell them but also celebrate with them with a difference.The Bikaner Camel Festival is an event organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, of Bikaner, Government of Rajasthan. It takes place every year in the month of January. At this festival the “ships of the desert” are seen in mass. The Bikaner Camel Festival is one of the most colorful and lively festivals of the state, celebrated in the month of January. Devoted to the essential ship of desert the Camel festival starts off with a wonderful parade of decorated camels. And the camel festival also consists of a race of camels organized by the local people and this is taken as a hard competition and the camels are trained according to it.

The grace and appeal of the vividly garlanded camels leave the viewers fascinated. Further, this amazing two days festivals includes various appealing activities like camel races, fur cutting design, the best breed contest, camel bands, camel acrobatics and a lot more. A sight of remarkable camel activities like camel races and camel dances highly captivates the onlookers. You must attend this impressive festival. Camel dance performances also take place. Competitions take place for the best decorated camel, fur cutting design, camel milking and the best camel haircut. The camels display splendid footwork and dance gracefully to the direction of their drivers.

How to Reach: Bikaner Location - Bikaner is located at a distance of 316 kms from Jaipur, 240 km from Jodhpur and 330 km from and Jaisalmer. It lies on north rajasthan and shares boundary with Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Nagaur.

By Air – The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur Airport at a distance of 235 km.


By Train – Bikaner railway station connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Agra, Jaipur, Allahabad very well. The gorgeous ‘Palace on wheels’ also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.


By Road – Bikaner is well connected by road to all the major cities of north India like Delhi (458km), Jaipur (354 km), Jodhpur (235 km) and Jaisalmer (333 km).There are regular govt and private bus services that operate for all major cities.

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