Destination

Bikaner

Bikaner is a desert city in northern Rajasthan at 242 metres, founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a younger son of the Rathore royal house of Jodhpur who established his own kingdom in the Thar. For five centuries, Bikaner controlled the caravan trade between Central Asia and the Gujarat coast, and the wealth from that trade built the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and the Karni Mata Temple, one of the most unique places to visit in Bikaner. Unlike Jaipur or Udaipur, Bikaner has retained a working city feel, making it a distinctive Bikaner travel experience. The old town’s havelis are still lived in, and the city remains a major camel breeding centre where the Indian Army Camel Corps still trains, adding to the unique things to do in Bikaner. Modern Bikaner is also known for its food, especially bhujia, papads, and rasgullas, making it a highlight of any Bikaner trip. The Bikaner Camel Festival in January is one of the top attractions in Bikaner and a great time to visit Bikaner.

Places to stay in Bikaner

Things to Do in Bikaner

Top activities and experiences

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Quick facts about Bikaner

Local weather

36°34°

clear sky

Humidity

19%

Wind

6.97 m/s

Tue

38°26°

Wed

37°27°

Thu

37°27°

Fri

37°26°

Sat

33°26°

General info

Time zone

IST

Currency

INR

Official languages

Hindi, Rajasthani, English

Best time to visit

OCT-MAR

Recommended trip duration

2 days

Insights

Travel insights about Bikaner

Travel guides, tips, and stories

Trade the Blue Streets of Jodhpur for the Golden Sands of Osian

Trading Jodhpur’s blue alleys for the golden dunes of Osian offers a serene escape into the heart of the Thar. Just 65 km away, this ancient oasis is home to the stunning 8th century Sachiya Mata Temple and intricate Jain ruins. Experience the thrill of a jeep safari or a slow camel ride across rippling sands as the desert sun sets. Spend a starlit night in a traditional luxury tent, enjoying folk music and authentic Rajasthani flavors by a crackling bonfire.

FAQs about Bikaner

The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Summer (April to June) can reach 45°C. The Bikaner Camel Festival in early January is a major highlight of Bikaner tourism.

Bikaner is well connected by air and rail, making it easy to plan a Bikaner trip. The city has its own airport with flights from Delhi, and a major railway station on the Delhi–Jaisalmer line, convenient for Bikaner travel.

Yes, the Karni Mata Temple is home to around 25,000 rats that are worshipped as sacred, making it one of the most unusual places to visit in Bikaner. Visitors must enter barefoot, and spotting a white rat is considered especially auspicious, making it a unique experience among the top attractions in Bikaner.