Often overlooked by travellers racing between Rajasthan’s more famous hubs, there are some truly one-of-a-kind Things To Do in Bikaner that make it well worth a visit.
Bikaner is an evocative desert city defined by its beautiful, red sandstone architecture, a labyrinthine Old City, and some (more) of the most (seriously) unique cultural encounters in India. It offers a more authentic, less-hurried glimpse into royal history and traditional desert life in Rajasthan.
We’ve put together this guide to help you discover why Bikaner deserves a spot on your India itinerary.
Part 1: About the Rajasthani City of Bikaner
Bikaner is an atmospheric outpost that often falls just off the main India tourist trail. But along with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, it forms the ‘desert triangle’ of western Rajasthan.
The city flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries as a vital trade hub on the caravan routes linking Central Asia to the seaports of Gujarat.
So today, Bikaner is celebrated as the City of Havelis. Its Old City is full of beautiful red sandstone architecture and intricately carved mansions that reflect its wealthy trading past.
Plus, it is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms – and the famous Karni Mata Temple—home to 25,000 holy rats.
Is Bikaner Worth Visiting?
Because Bikaner sits slightly further afield, it lacks the tourist hype of Jaipur or Jodhpur. But I’d say that makes for a blissfully authentic experience instead.
The Old City is incredible—a place where families have managed the same market stalls for generations and tiny chai shops have operated unchanged for decades.
It offers a more understated, grounded version of the grandeur associated with this vibrant desert state.
How Long Should You Stay?
While Bikaner is a relatively small city by Indian standards, its treasures are spread between the historic Old City and the surrounding desert outskirts.
You could technically see the main highlights in a single day, but we recommend allowing at least two days.
This gives you enough breathing room to explore the famous camel research farm and visit the iconic Karni Mata (Rat) Temple without feeling rushed.
Read Getting The Bus From Jaisalmer To Bikaner.
Do You Need a Guide in Bikaner?
A guide isn’t necessary to navigate the city, but as with many places in India, having a local by your side can transform your experience.
We spent our first morning exploring with Atik Ahmed, the host from our accommodation at Prince Haveli.
Born and raised in Bikaner, Atik is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about his hometown.
One of our highlights was walking through the Old City with him, navigating the morning food street, and seeing the local markets through his eyes. We enjoyed the tour so much that Gavin headed out the following afternoon on the back of Atik’s motorbike to see even more of the city’s hidden corners.
- Contact Atik:
+91 98290 05026
Part 2: Top 10 Things to Do in Bikaner
There are lots of cool Things To Do in Bikaner that make it worth a visit.
1. Explore Junagarh Fort
Unlike most Rajasthani forts perched on hills, Junagarh Fort was built on the desert plains in 1589. It is one of the few major forts in India that was never conquered. The result? The interiors are impeccably preserved.
You can wander through the Anup Mahal with its gold-leaf carvings, the Cloud Palace (Badal Mahal) painted with blue rain clouds, and the armoury which houses a diverse collection of royal weaponry.
2. Visit the Karni Mata (Rat) Temple
Now this; is one of the most truly unique things to do in Bikaner.
Located about 30km away in Deshnoke, this is one of the world’s most unusual spiritual sites. Dedicated to the female sage Karni Mata, the temple is home to approximately 25,000 ‘holy rats’ known as kabbas.
Devotees travel from across India to feed them grain and milk.
You can take a bus from Bikaner and go and visit this famous Rat Temple. Keen?
- Tip: If you spot a rare white rat, it’s considered a sign of immense good fortune!
3. Wander the Old City Havelis
Bikaner’s old city is a maze of narrow alleys lined with Havelis—grand merchant houses.
The Rampuria Group of Havelis in Bikaner, is the most famous.
It is a magnificent 15th-century cluster of nine red sandstone mansions built by the wealthy merchant Rampuria family. These Havelis are known as the Pride of Bikaner, and they truly are stunning.
The buildings feature intricate carvings, delicate lattice work (jalis), and stunning jharokhas (balconies) blending Rajput and European architecture
4. The National Research Centre on Camels
Known as the ‘Camel Country’, Bikaner is home to one of the largest camel breeding farms in Asia. It’s best to visit in the late afternoon when hundreds of camels return from the desert.
- Don’t Miss: The museum and the milk parlour, where you can try camel milk ice cream (it’s surprisingly salty and delicious!).
5. Bhandasar Jain Temple
This 15th-century temple is a masterpiece of yellow stone and vibrant paintings.
But what makes it another of the oddly unique things to do in Bikaner is that legend has it that 40,000 kilograms of ghee (clarified butter) were used instead of water in the mortar for its foundation! Locals say the floor still gets oily on hot desert days.
6. Royal Cenotaphs at Devi Kund Sagar
A short drive from the city centre lies the cremation ground of the Bika dynasty. These white marble and red sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs) are built with stunning carvings.
7. Shop for Bikaneri Bhujia and Sweets
Bikaner is the snack capital of India. The local Bhujia (a spicy, crunchy bean-flour snack) is so famous it has a ‘Geographical Indication’ tag from Bikaner!
Head to the markets near Kote Gate to see mountains of snacks and try the famous Rasgullas.
8. Laxmi Niwas Palace
This is one of the things to do in Bikaner that we did twice! Even if you aren’t staying here, we highly recommend visiting for a meal or a walk through the grounds.
This former royal residence is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The woodwork and filigree stone carvings are world-class, and the dinner is delicious!
9. Kote Gate
Kote Gate is the main entrance to the old city and serves as a bustling hub of commerce.
It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by—camels, motorbikes, and brightly dressed locals all vying for space under the ancient archway.
10. Madina Masjid
While Bikaner is famous for its Hindu and Jain landmarks, its diverse religious heritage is also seen in the Old City’s magnificent mosques.
The striking green Madina Masjid is a vibrant, functioning Sunni mosque and a focal point for the city’s Muslim community, which makes up about 20% of the population.
Even from the street, the architecture is fascinating—look for the historic clock traditionally used to time the call to prayer.
Or for those who don’t mind a tight squeeze, you can climb the narrow, winding stairs of the minaret. The balcony at the top offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding local neighbourhood, making the climb well worth the effort.
Part 3: Food Things To Do in Bikaner
One of the of the other things to do in Bikaner is to try the famous food.
Bikaneri cuisine is designed for the desert—it’s hearty, spice-forward, and uses ingredients that can survive the heat.
- Bikaneri Bhujia: The quintessential Bikaneri snack.
- Gatte Ki Sabzi: Gram flour dumplings in a spicy yogurt gravy.
- Kachoris: Deep-fried pastries stuffed with lentils or onions, found at almost every street corner.
- Saffron Lassi: Thick, creamy, and served in traditional clay cups.
- Laal Maas: If you eat meat, this ‘Red Mutton’ curry is a Rajasthani staple, flavoured with local Mathania chilies.
Part 4: Logistics – Getting There and Around
As with all travel in India, a bit of (flexible) planning ahead makes for a smoother trip. The things to do in Bikaner are no exception!
Location and Climate
Bikaner is situated in northwest Rajasthan, within the Thar Desert.
- Tip: Like Jaisalmer, it gets exceptionally hot in the summer, but the cooler months are perfect for exploring the city or heading out on an overnight camel safari into the dunes.
Getting to Bikaner
It connects easily to Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, as well as north to Punjab (Amritsar and Ludhiana).
- By Train: Bikaner is well-connected to Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. We also took the train Bikaner to Amritsar (and in the opposite direction to Jaipur) and recommend the trains as a reliable option.
- By Bus: This is often the most flexible way to arrive. We’ve travelled and reviewed AC sleeper buses from Jaisalmer or Jodhpur that are frequent and affordable.
- By Air: Bikaner has a domestic airport (Nal Airport) with seasonal flights from Delhi and Jaipur.
Getting Around in Bikaner
It is (comparatively) smaller than the other Indian mega-cities so getting around in Bikaner is easy.
- Auto-Rickshaws: These are the primary way to navigate. Be prepared to haggle, and always agree on the price before starting the journey.
- Walking: The Old City is best explored on foot. The alleys are too narrow for cars, and you’ll miss the best carvings if you’re whizzing by in a rickshaw.
- Bus: You will need to take a local bus out to visit the Karni Mata Rat Temple.
Read All About Travel By Train In India.
Part 5: Accommodation in Bikaner
Bikaner has some of the most unique heritage properties in Rajasthan.
Where We Stayed In Bikaner
We stayed at The Prince Haveli in Bikaner.
The Haveli has been lovingly restored and is located right in the centre of the old city. Owner Atik and his staff are very gracious hosts and it is Atik that we did a tour of Things To Do in Bikaner with and recommend.
It is a basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner.
Other Places to Stay in Bikaner:
- Narendra Bhawan: A luxury splurge in the residence of the last Maharaja.
- Bhanwar Niwas: A stunning heritage haveli in the old city.
- Vesta Bikaner Palace: A great mid-range option with a pool to escape the desert heat.
Part 6: Tips for Things To Do in Bikaner
A few travel tips make the cool things to do in Bikaner even more enjoyable:
- Photography Etiquette: Bikaner is very photogenic, but always ask permission before taking portraits of locals, especially in the residential alleys of the old city.
- The Heat: Like Jaisalmer, Bikaner gets incredibly hot. Visit between October and March. If you are there in the shoulder season, do your exploring before 11:00 AM and after 4:00 PM.
- Water Conservation: Bikaner is a desert city. Keep your showers short and support eco-conscious hotels.
- Drinking Water: Always take care of your health and stick to drinking bottled or filtered water.
- Bargaining: In the markets near Kote Gate, bargaining is a way of life. Keep it friendly and aim for about 60-70% of the initial asking price.
Final Thoughts: Things To Do in Bikaner
Bikaner is a city that rewards the curious traveller. Albeit it doesn’t hand its secrets over on a silver platter. You have to wander the dusty alleys, brave the Rat Temple, and sample the spicy Bhujia to truly understand its charm!
But it is totally worth it.
Enjoy all the of the unique Things To Do in Bikaner! 🙂
Planning a bigger Rajasthan loop? Check out our Full 10-Day Rajasthan Itinerary to see how to link Bikaner with Jaisalmer and the Blue City of Jodhpur!
Do you have questions about things to do in Bikaner? Drop them in the comments below! We’ve spent a lot of time in Rajasthan and love helping others plan their journey.
Safe travels, adventurers!
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Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner – Our favourite flight search engine. They can search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – A huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have travel insurance before further planning things to do in Bikaner!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
