Rajasthan is a golden land in the country, filled with soul-satisfying experiences for all kinds of travelers. Be it the places to see in Jaipur or be it the things to do in Bikaner, the state never disappoints. But since visiting Jaipur has become too mainstream now, we suggest you also add the cultural paradise – Bikaner in your next trip itinerary.
From a temple that has rats to a festival where camels get dressed up & dance, the city of Bikaner has everything surprising in store for you. And just so that you do not miss out any of these, here’s a list of the 10 best experiences in the city that you must have during your Rajasthan holiday.
Top 10 Things To Do In Bikaner On Your Next Rajasthan Trip
Here’s what all you can do in Bikaner to make your Rajasthan getaway all the more fun, refreshing, and royal! Make sure you include them all in your Bikaner tour itinerary:
1. Attend the famous Camel Festival
Known popularly across the world for being home to desert camels, the city has the most exquisite experience in store for you – the Camel Festival, which is held every year in January. From decorating camels to an array of other fun events, there’s a lot to witness at the fair. Attending this festival is not only one of the most essential things to do in Bikaner, but also a one-of-its-kind experience to have.
When: 11th and 12th January, 2023
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan
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2. Shop your heart out at Kote Gate
Rajasthan is a paradise for Shopaholics, and the markets in Bikaner prove that too. One such famous place to shop your heart out is Kote Gate, where you can buy everything from camel hide articles to local handicrafts. Needless to say, shopping is one of the best things to do in Bikaner, Rajasthan during your holiday. While enjoying shopping in Bikaner, you can buy several kinds of souvenirs for your loved ones.
Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Other places to shop in Bikaner: Bara Bazar, Junagarh Fort Road, and Mahatma Gandhi Road Market
3. Take a tour of the majestic Junagarh Fort
Visiting the famous Junagarh Fort is certainly the best experience to have on your Bikaner sightseeing tour. Initially called Chintamani Mahal, this old fort has impeccable architecture, which is so marvellous that it’d leave you spellbound. So, make sure you do not skip this one off your list.
Timings: Open on all the days from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indian tourists, and INR 300 for foreigners
Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan
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4. Visit the popular Karni Mata Temple
Home to more than 25,000 rats, this Hindu temple is one of the very unique places to visit in Bikaner. Despite so many rats or ‘kabbas’ around, this place is considered very holy by the locals and makes for an intriguing sight for both locals and tourists alike. So, if you’re in the city, you ought to travel all the way to this attraction.
Timings: Open on all the days from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting this temple.
Location: Karni Mata Niji Pranyas, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan
5. Witness the splendour of the Lalgarh Palace
Of all the top things to do in Bikaner, visiting the Lalgarh Palace is an absolute must-do. The finest architectural wonder in the city, this palace was built by the then Maharaja of Bikaner. You can not only witness the royalty and history here, but also experience the same by staying at its heritage hotel. Now, that’s something even you wouldn’t want to skip, right?
Timings: Open on all the days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except every Sunday
Entry Fees: INR 10 for Indian tourists, and INR 20 for foreigners
Location: NH15, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
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6. Enjoy a camel safari in the Thar
Amongst all the things to do in Bikaner, India, another experience that is an absolute must-have is the camel safari in the Thar Desert. The regal servicemen of Rajasthan will make you hop on their back and show you around the city in the most wonderful way, leaving you craving for more such moments.
Timings: Morning till the night
Price: INR 1,200 and above (depends on the tour you book)
7. Relish the taste of the local cuisines
Like most of the tourists, ‘what to do in Bikaner’ may become one of your concerns too. But believe us, there is so much to see and do around in the city that you’d rather yearn to stay there longer. Likewise, exploring and eating the authentic local delicacies from the best restaurants in Bikaner is a treat you must give to your taste buds.
Popular cuisines: Kachori, dal bati churma, khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, raj bhog, ghevar, fini, and more
Best places to eat: Heeralal’s, Gallops, Chappan Bhog, and more
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8. Experience utmost luxury at the Laxmi Vilas Palace
A 5 star hotel in Bikaner, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is the most luxurious place to stay in the city. It not only offers a royalty-like experience but also treats its guests like one. The hospitality and ambience of this heritage hotel would definitely glam up your holiday and make it an affair you’d cherish for lifelong.
Price: INR 10,500 and above (double-sharing)
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Location: Lalgarh campus, Doctor Karni Singhji Road, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
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9. Go wildlife spotting in the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
In Bikaner, things to do are endless, but the best ones are few, of which going wildlife spotting at the famous Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. With innumerable flora and fauna, this ultimate spot situated in the desert is perfect to visit for calming the wildlife and photography enthusiast within.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 100 per person
Location: Gajner, Rajasthan
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10. Beat the heat at the Skybird Water Park
There is no denying that a trip to Rajasthan comes with a lot of sweat, especially if you’re visiting Bikaner in the first half of the year. So to beat the heat with a splash, visiting the popular Skybird Water Park is the best thing to do. It will help you chill and make the most of your holiday, whilst adding thrill to it.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 200 per person
Location: Behind Petrol Pump, Nal Village, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Now, when you know what are the best things to do in Bikaner, expect your trip to be immensely fun-packed. From enjoying camel safari to shopping experiences, you will enjoy several kinds of activities in Bikaner. So, gear up for an impeccable holiday in Rajasthan with your loved ones. And we hope it turns out to be the best vacation of your life!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Bikaner
What is the famous food of Bikaner?
There are numerous toothsome delicacies that you must try while visiting Bikaner. Some of the best ones include raj kachori, Bikaneri bhujia, papad ki sabzi, laal maans, khasta, kesari phirni, ghevar, and more.
Can I visit Bikaner during Covid?
Yes, you can definitely plan a vacation to Bikaner as it is one of the safest places to visit during the Covid times. However, make sure to wear a mask when going out, maintain social distancing, and sanitize your hands at regular intervals.
How far is the desert from Bikaner?
The distance between Bikaner and the Thar Desert is around 332 km and it will take around 5 hours to reach your destination.
What is Bikaner famous for?
The city of Bikaner is quite famous for being home to desert camels and is famed for hosting the Camel Festival every year in January, which is not just one of the best things to attend in Bikaner but is also a one of kind of experience. Apart from this, majestic forts and palaces such as Kote Gate, Junagarh Fort, and Gajner Palace also make it one of the most famous cities in Rajasthan.
What is the best time to visit Bikaner?
The best time to visit Bikaner is October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant and you will be able to explore the place comfortably.
What can I shop for in Bikaner?
Kundan jewelry (both artificial and original), textile, dress material, bhujia, Lac Bangles and handicraft items are some of the many things you can buy in Bikaner.
Which are the best restaurants in Bikaner?
Some of the top-rated restaurants in Bikaner where you can enjoy mouth-watering meals and drinks are Bhikharam Chandmal Bhujiawala, Sammy’s Pizza, Garden Cafe And Restaurant, Gallops Restaurant And Coffee House, Kings Pavilion Restaurant, and more.
Who established Bikaner?
Rao Bika who was the nephew of Maharaja Rao Jodha of Rathor clan established Bikaner in the year 1488.
How many days should I spend in Bikaner?
Ideally, you should spend 4 to 5 days in Bikaner as you will be able to cover all the major points of attraction and will be able to witness the beauty of the city in that kind of time.
How far is Bikaner from Jaipur?
Bikaner is 334 kilometres away from Jaipur. To reach Bikaner, one can board a direct train or can simply hire a cab that will take around 5.5 hours to reach.
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
