Top Places to Visit in Bikaner – Desert Forts, Temples & Camel Charm

Bikaner, a vibrant desert city in Rajasthan, offers an authentic taste of royal heritage, intricate architecture, and raw desert culture. Often overlooked in favor of Jaipur and Jodhpur, Bikaner remains one of India’s best-kept travel secrets — an unfiltered, colorful, and culturally immersive destination for foreign travelers.

From massive forts and lavish palaces to a temple filled with rats (yes, really!) and the world-famous Camel Festival, Bikaner is a city that surprises at every corner.

Why Foreign Tourists Should Visit Bikaner

• Less touristy than Jaipur or Jaisalmer — offering raw, unfiltered Rajasthan
• Home to the largest camel research center in Asia
• Known for its elaborate havelis, desert culture, and unique temples
• Famous Bikaneri snacks, handicrafts, and miniature art
• Ideal for off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences

Whether you’re exploring Golden Triangle extensions, taking a Rajasthan desert circuit, or seeking underrated heritage destinations, Bikaner deserves a place on your India itinerary.

Top Places to Visit in Bikaner for Foreign Tourists

1. Junagarh Fort

Mughal-Rajput Architecture | Ornate Interiors | Historic Stronghold

Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, Junagarh Fort was built on the plains, not on a hill, and has never been conquered. Constructed in 1589 by Raja Rai Singh, it’s a masterpiece of defense and beauty.

• Stunning palaces and courtyards
• Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Phool Mahal with intricate mirror work
• Rare weapons and artifacts on display

Why Foreigners Love It: The blend of architectural styles — Mughal, Gujarati, and Rajput, plus well-preserved interiors that are Instagram-worthy and historically rich.

2. Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), Deshnok

One-of-a-Kind Temple | Sacred Rats | Religious Curiosity

Located about 30 km from Bikaner, this temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered local deity. What makes it globally famous? Over 25,000 rats that roam freely — and are worshipped by devotees.

• A spiritual and mind-blowing cultural experience
• Considered auspicious to spot a white rat
• Experience local faith, ritual, and mythology first-hand

Foreign Travel Tip: Remove shoes at entry, but socks are allowed. Respect the religious sanctity despite the shock value.

3. Lalgarh Palace

Royal Residence | Indo-Saracenic Architecture | Heritage Hotel

Built in the early 20th century for Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgarh Palace is a red sandstone masterpiece. It blends European, Mughal, and Rajput styles and is partially converted into a heritage hotel and museum.

• Bikaner Royal Museum displaying royal costumes, portraits, and manuscripts
• Expansive gardens with peacocks and fountains
• Museum wing with Rajasthan tourism archives

Pro Tip: Even if not staying, you can tour the museum and dine at the hotel restaurant for a royal experience.

4. Rampuria Havelis

Merchant Mansions | Stunning Facades | Architectural Walk

These 400-year-old havelis, built by the wealthy Rampuria merchant family, are living examples of intricate Rajasthani craftsmanship. The red sandstone carvings and latticework balconies are a photographer’s dream.

• Take a walking heritage tour through Bikaner’s old city
• Capture traditional Jain-influenced architecture
• Explore local life in narrow desert alleys

Why Foreigners Visit: It’s like walking through a desert Venice, with ornate buildings frozen in time.

5. National Research Centre on Camel

Camel Safari | Camel Museum | Camel Ice Cream

Just 8 km outside Bikaner, this center is Asia’s largest camel breeding and research farm. An offbeat but memorable stop, especially if you’ve never seen a camel up close.

• Learn about camel anatomy and breeds
• Ride camels in a controlled, safe environment
• Taste camel milk kulfi or camel milk coffee

Travel Tip: Best visited in the late afternoon to avoid the desert heat.

6. Bhandasar Jain Temple

Jain Architecture | Painted Ceilings | Peaceful Ambience

One of the most beautiful Jain temples in Rajasthan, Bhandasar is known for its vibrant frescoes, gold leaf detailing, and three-tiered architecture. Built in the 15th century, this temple is dedicated to Sumatinatha, the 5th Jain Tirthankara.

• Colorful interiors rivaling European chapels
• Peaceful, spiritual setting with no entry fee
• Offers a quiet break from the city's hustle

Interesting Fact: Legends say that ghee was used instead of water in the mortar mix.

7. Ganga Singh Museum

Historical Treasures | Royal Artifacts | Cultural Showcase

Established in 1937, this museum holds a fantastic collection of Rajasthani heritage — including miniature paintings, ancient coins, weaponry, textiles, and sculptures from the Gupta to the Mughal period.

Travel Tip: Ideal for art lovers and those curious about pre-modern India.

8. Bikaner Camel Festival (January)

Cultural Extravaganza | Folk Shows | Camel Parade

Organized annually in January, this is Bikaner’s biggest international attraction. It showcases Rajasthan’s rich desert culture with decorated camels, dances, music, puppet shows, and camel beauty contests.

• Unmatched visual spectacle of colorful camels & local tribes
• Traditional mustache competitions, folk musicians, and fire dances
• Local food and handicraft bazaars for shopping

Insider Tip: Book accommodations in advance as hotels fill quickly.

What to Shop in Bikaner

Foreign travelers love Bikaner for affordable handicrafts and local delicacies:

• Kundan jewelry and lac bangles
• Handwoven carpets and camel leather goods
• Miniature paintings on camel bone (ethically sourced)
• Bikaneri Bhujia – world-famous spicy snack
• Local sweets like Rasgulla and Ghewar

Where to Shop: Kote Gate Market, Station Road, and old city bazaars.

What to Eat in Bikaner

Bikaner’s cuisine is full of desert spice, tangy flavors, and deep-fried goodness:

• Bikaneri Bhujia (try factory outlets for fresh packs)
• Dal Baati Churma, Kachori, and Papad Ki Sabzi
• Ras Malai, Rabdi, and Moong Dal Halwa
• Try the thali at Gallops Restaurant or Heeralal’s

Other Unique Experiences in Bikaner

• Sunset at Devi Kund Sagar – royal cenotaphs and photo ops
• Take a heritage walk or cycle tour through old town alleys
• Visit the Sursagar Lake and Kodamdesar Temple
• Enjoy a camel safari in the nearby Thar desert dunes

Bikaner Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool and festival season)
• How to Reach:
  • By Train: Well-connected to Delhi and Jaipur
  • By Road: 330 km from Jaipur
  • By Air: Nearest airports – Jodhpur (250 km), Jaipur (330 km)
• Where to Stay:
  • Heritage hotels: Laxmi Niwas Palace, Narendra Bhawan
  • Boutique stays: Gaj Kesari, Hotel Bhairon Vilas