Bikaner City
Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It's surrounded by the Thar Desert. The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits. Nearby, the Karni Mata Temple is home to many rats considered sacred by Hindu devotees.
The Deshnok Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnoke, 30 km from Bikaner, in Rajasthan, India. It is also known as the Temple of Rats.
The temple is famous for the approximately 25,000 black rats that live, and are revered in, the temple. These holy rats are called kabbas, and many people travel great distances to pay their respects. The temple draws visitors from across the country for blessings, as well as curious tourists from around the world.
Laxminath Temple
Built in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, this is the oldest temple in Bikaner. The temple contains statues of Hindu deities Vishnu and Laxmi and it boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans.
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Dedicated to Sumatinath, the 5th Tirthankara of Jainsim, 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.
The Royal Cenotaphs, Devikund Sagar
Devikund Sagar is the cremation ground of Bikaner Royal family. Among these memorials, the cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh (1669-98A.D.) is a marvelous piece of art and architecture. It stands on 16 pillars and bears carvings depicting acts of Lord Krishna, floral patterns, peacocks and other birds and animals. The tradition of painting the cenotaphs began with Maharaja Ratan Singh and the same is evident in his cenotaph. Some of the cenotaphs also have epigraphic memorial stones. Cenotaphs play an important role in Rajput as well as in Muslim art. These Cenotaphs are finest examples of architectural exuberance and ornamentation in classical Mughal taste.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
View the unique secrets, caricatures and artwork of Rajasthan at the government museum, commonly known as the Ganga Government Museum or Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum. Built in 1937, this place displays terracotta ware from the Gupta period, Rajasthani traditional musical instruments, rich gold paintings by local artisans, exquisite carpets and royal vestments. This vast museum reflects the rich legacy and traditions of not only Rajasthan but of entire India. The museum is divided into 2 levels. Photographs, artworks, paintings, metals, teak wood works are displayed on the ground floor, while on the second floor sculptures of bronze and terracotta, armoury, miniature paintings and carpets are showcased.
National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner
Camel Research Farm, Bikaner is a farm engaged in the research of camels. It is located about 8 km from Bikaner city in the state of Rajasthan in India. This is a one-of-a-kind institute in India. The farm is a complex of camel stables, enclosures and buildings. One can enjoy camel rides or ice cream made of camels milk. The farm permits tourists at certain hours of the day. It is interesting to watch camel calves gamboling around and also quite spectacular when the camels return from a day out in the desert. It is also known as a Camel Breeding Farm and was established in 1984 by the central government.
Desert Safari
Going on a desert camel safari in Bikaner has been a popular way for travellers to explore this small, but amazing town. The grainy yet smooth sands, serene environs and the clear sky in the evening will definitely make you want to head out of your lodgings. You may pass by little settlements in the region, which are the best places to understand Rajasthani tradition and culture. A desert camel safari in Bikaner in the evening will also allow you to lay back on the sand because it will have lost the major part of the heat. The cool breeze may blow across the area and make your journey even more enjoyable. While roaming the desert, you may get to see people in traditional attire.
Sursagar Lake – A Peaceful Retreat
A beautiful artificial lake built to store rainwater and provide a calm retreat in the city. Perfect for an evening walk or birdwatching. Highlights: Stunning reflections of Bikaner’s skyline. Serene surroundings, ideal for relaxation.
Kote Gate – The Bustling Market of Bikaner
A perfect place for shopping lovers, Kote Gate is the main market where you can buy traditional handicrafts, camel leather products, colorful Rajasthani textiles, and Bikaneri Bhujia. Must-Buy Items: 👜 Camel leather bags & footwear 🖼️ Handicrafts & miniature paintings 🍛 Famous Bikaneri snacks like Bhujia & sweets
Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary – A Lakeside Royal Retreat
A stunning lakeside palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, now converted into a heritage hotel. The adjacent Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is home to exotic birds and animals like blackbucks, chinkaras, and nilgai. Highlights: 🏰 Stay in a heritage hotel by the lake. 🦅 Spot migratory birds like the Imperial Sandgrouse. 🦌 Wildlife safari to see blackbucks and wild boars.
