Kurja Travel
Photo: DevUbc · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bikaner

Red sandstone forts, camel country and the home of bhujia.

Bikaner was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. Its Junagarh Fort, unusually built on flat ground, has some of the finest painted and mirrored rooms in Rajasthan.

The city sees fewer visitors than Jaipur or Jaisalmer, which makes it a pleasure to explore: carved havelis in the old town, camels at the research centre, and the famous Bikaneri bhujia and rasgulla.

Travelling with Kurja: see the group trips that visit Bikaner, or ask for a private trip planned around your dates.

Best time
October to March
Ideal stay
1–2 days
Airport
Bikaner (Nal)
Railway
Bikaner Junction

Top Tourist Places in Bikaner

Junagarh FortMust visit Junagarh FortHistory and ruins

Never conquered, with lavishly painted and mirrored palace rooms.

Photo: user:Flicka · CC BY-SA 3.0
Lalgarh Palace Lalgarh PalaceHistory and ruins

Red sandstone Indo-Saracenic palace from the early 1900s.

Photo: DevUbc · CC BY-SA 4.0
Karni Mata Temple, DeshnokeMust visit Karni Mata Temple, DeshnokeTemples and holy sites

The famous temple of the holy rats, 30 km south of Bikaner.

Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
National Research Centre on CamelParks and family

See camel breeds, calves and taste camel-milk products.

Rampuria HavelisHistory and ruins

Ornate red sandstone merchant mansions in the old city.

Plan a Bikaner Trip

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Things to Do

Food to try

  • Bikaneri bhujia – Crisp gram-flour noodles, famous across India.
  • Rasgulla – Bikaner has its own soft, syrupy version.
  • Kachori – With a dal filling, for breakfast.

Travel tips

  • Visit Junagarh Fort with a guide to see the painted rooms.
  • Combine with Deshnoke (Karni Mata) on the way to or from Jodhpur.

How to Reach

Bikaner is on good road and rail links from Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi.

  • Jaipur · Car or train330 km, 5.5–6 hours
  • Jodhpur · Car250 km, 4.5 hours
  • Jaisalmer · Car330 km, 5.5 hours
  • Delhi · Overnight train450 km

Best Time to Visit

October to March; January brings the Bikaner Camel Festival.

  • Winter (best)October–March · 8–28°CSunny days and cool nights: the best time for sightseeing. Book Christmas, New Year and festival dates early.
  • SummerApril–June · 40–46°CVery hot from mid-April. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, and expect lower hotel prices.
  • MonsoonJuly–September · 28–35°CLittle rain; hot.

Festivals

  • Bikaner Camel Festival (January)Camel parades, decorated camels, folk dance and fire dancing.

Questions

What is special about Karni Mata temple?

Thousands of rats live in the temple at Deshnoke and are considered holy. Spotting a white one is lucky.

Nearby Cities

JaipurForts & bazaars UdaipurLakes & palaces JodhpurBlue city & fort JaisalmerDesert & dunes

Reviewed by Kurja Travel team, updated 1 Nov 2026.