3 Days in Bikaner for a Colorful Cultural Trip

Kick off your Bikaner adventure with its most iconic sights, from a grand fort to a unique rat temple, and savor the city's famous snacks.

Activities

Junagarh Fort Tour

Start your day at Junagarh Fort, one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hill. The intricate carvings, courtyards, and museums inside showcase Rajput grandeur. Don’t miss the Anup Mahal with its gold leaf detailing and the quirky vintage car collection.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner10 AM - 12 PM (beat the afternoon heat)₹300-500 per person (including camera fees)

Tips:

• Hire a guide (₹200-300) for fascinating stories behind the architecture.
• Wear comfortable shoes—the fort has uneven stone floors.

Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

A short drive from Bikaner, this surreal temple is home to thousands of revered rats. Locals believe these rats are reincarnated descendants of Karni Mata. Walk barefoot (as required) and watch your step—it’s considered lucky if a rat runs over your feet!

Deshnok, 30 km from Bikaner1 PM - 2:30 PM (less crowded post-lunch)Free (donations accepted)

Tips:

• Remove shoes before entering—carry socks if the floor feels too hot.
• Stay quiet; photography is allowed but without flash.

Bikaneri Bhujia & Sweets Crawl

Wrap up the day with a food crawl in the old city. Bikaner is famous for its bhujia (crispy snacks) and mithai (sweets). Hit spots like Bhikharam Chandmal for spicy bhujia and Rampuria Street for melt-in-the-mouth rasgullas and ghewar.

Kote Gate and Rampuria Street, Old Bikaner5 PM - 6:30 PM (evening snack time)₹200-500 (for snacks and sweets)

Tips:

• Try the 'kachoris' at Karni Kachori near Kote Gate.
• Carry cash—many old shops don’t accept cards.

Must Try Foods

Dive deeper into Bikaner's royal heritage and vibrant culture with visits to stunning palaces, a unique camel research center, and a sunset stroll through the old city's bustling markets.

Activities

Lalgarh Palace Tour

Start your day at this architectural marvel built in red sandstone by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The palace blends Rajput, Mughal, and European styles beautifully. Don't miss the intricately carved jharokhas (overhanging balconies) and the museum showcasing royal artifacts. Part of the palace is now a heritage hotel where you can peek into the luxurious lifestyle of Rajasthan's royalty.

Lalgarh Palace Road, Bikaner10 AM - 12 PM (best before the afternoon heat)INR 100-200 per person

Tips:

• Ask about the guided tour to hear fascinating stories about the royal family
• The palace looks magical in morning light - great for photography

National Research Centre on Camel

A truly unique Bikaner experience! This working camel farm is both educational and entertaining. See hundreds of camels, learn about their importance in desert life, and if you're feeling adventurous, try camel milk ice cream at their cafe. The evening camel rides (available after 4 PM) offer a fun way to experience the surrounding sand dunes.

Jorbeer Road, 8km from city center2:30 PM - 4 PM (avoid the hottest midday hours)INR 50 entry, extra for rides/ice cream

Tips:

• Don't miss the 3 PM milking demonstration
• Bargain politely for camel ride prices

Evening at Kote Gate & Local Markets

As the sun sets, head to the heart of old Bikaner near Kote Gate. Wander through the colorful bazaars - from the fragrant spice market to shops selling traditional mojris (embroidered shoes). Stop by the iconic Rampuria Havelis to admire their exquisite stone carvings. End your evening at one of the local tea stalls, sipping masala chai while watching the bustling street life.

Kote Gate area, Old Bikaner5 PM - 7:30 PM (best when markets are lively)Free to explore (shopping varies)

Tips:

• Try the local specialty - hot ghevar (honeycomb-shaped sweet) from street vendors
• Bargain hard but politely in the markets - start at 40% of quoted price

Must Try Foods

A relaxed day exploring lesser-known spots and soaking in the local culture, from historic havelis to artisan workshops and sunset views.

Activities

Rampuria Havelis Walk

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Old Bikaner to admire the stunning Rampuria Havelis, a cluster of ornate 19th-century merchant homes. Their intricate carvings, jharokhas (balconies), and frescoes showcase the wealth of Bikaner's trading past. Many are still privately owned, but the exteriors alone are worth the visit. Stop by the small, family-run shops nearby for traditional lac bangles and handmade mojris (embroidered shoes).

Rampuria Street, Old BikanerMorning (9:30 AM–11:30 AM), when the light highlights the carvingsFree (unless shopping)

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes—the lanes are uneven.
• Ask permission before photographing residents.

Usta Artisan Workshop Visit

Bikaner is famous for Usta art, a 400-year-old gold leaf and lacquer craft. Visit a small workshop where artisans hand-paint intricate designs on camel leather, wood, and marble. You’ll see the painstaking process of applying gold leaf and natural dyes—some families have practiced this for generations. Many workshops offer short demonstrations or let you try a simple design.

Workshops near Kot Gate (ask locals for directions)Late morning (11:30 AM–12:30 PM), before artisans break for lunchFree (small tip appreciated); items for purchase start at ₹500

Tips:

• Carry cash—most workshops don’t accept cards.
• Bargain politely if buying.

Sunset at Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

End your day with a peaceful drive to Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (30 mins from Bikaner). This lesser-known lakeside reserve is perfect for spotting deer, migratory birds, and maybe even a desert fox. The golden-hour light over the water is magical. Stay for chai at the historic Gajner Palace (now a hotel) and watch the sun dip behind the dunes.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, 32 km from BikanerLate afternoon (4:00 PM–7:00 PM)₹100 entry fee; chai at Gajner Palace ₹50-100

Tips:

• Hire a cab round-trip—public transport is infrequent.
• Bring binoculars if you have them.

Must Try Foods