Plizio Visual Lab

Bikaner

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Located in northern Rajasthan, Bikaner retains an authentic medieval atmosphere. The Junagarh Fort is the city's centerpiece; unlike many other Rajasthani forts, it is not built on a hill but impresses with its opulent interiors, intricate stone carvings, and museums. The old city, with its narrow lanes and magnificent red sandstone havelis, is best explored by rickshaw. A truly unique experience is a trip to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, where thousands of sacred rats are revered by devotees. The city is globally famous for its savory snacks, particularly Bikaneri Bhujia, which you can sample at local markets. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, a former hunting ground for maharajas. Bikaner is well-connected by rail to major cities like Delhi and Jaipur. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is handy for desert safaris and exploring the local architecture. The annual Camel Festival in January is a cultural highlight featuring folk music and camel races.

Location: India
Top sights: Lallgarh Palace · Lalgarh · Bhanda Shaha Jain Temple
Nearby: Jodhpur (66 km)
Population: ~644.406 (2025)

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Bikaner Fort and the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok are open to the public. Both can be viewed inside and outside.

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Typical hours

The fort and temple are usually open daily from morning to evening, with possible lunch breaks at the temple. Ask for exact hours locally.

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Photography

Photography is allowed on the fort grounds; however, it is often restricted inside the temple. Please respect local rules, especially indoors.

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Time needed

Allow half a day for the fort and another half for the temple in Deshnok. A full day is sufficient.

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Combine with

Combine Bikaner with a desert excursion, e.g., to Jaisalmer or the Desert National Park. The city itself also has nice bazaars.

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Getting there

Bikaner is well connected by train from Delhi, Jaipur, or Jodhpur. The airport has domestic flights.

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Insider tip

Try the famous Bikaner bhujia snack and visit the Karni Mata Temple early morning when the rats are active.

Geography

Population

644,406 (2025)

Coordinates

28.01806, 73.31694

Facts

Founded in 1488 by the Rathore prince Rao Bika.
World-famous for the savory snack Bikaneri Bhujia.
Junagarh Fort was never captured by an invading army.
Home to one of the largest camel breeding farms in Asia.
The Karni Mata Temple houses over 25,000 sacred rats.
Lalgarh Palace features a mix of Indian and European styles.
Famous for intricate Usta art and camel hide products.
Hosts a massive annual Camel Festival every January.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mehrangarh Fort65 km · SWExplore →

Jodhpur66 km · SWExplore →

Pakpattan74 km · EExplore →

Sahiwal88 km · EExplore →

Punjab Wheat Fields99 km · EExplore →

Burewala100 km · SEExplore →

Haldighati Battlefield107 km · NWExplore →

Faisalabad Textile Industry112 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bikaner (16)

Lallgarh Palace 🏰 castle

Lallgarh Palace is a grand historical castle and heritage hotel located in the city of Bikaner.

Lalgarh 🏰 castle

Lalgarh is a majestic castle built in the city of Bikaner.

Bhanda Shaha Jain Temple ⛪ religious

Bhanda Shaha Jain Temple is a prominent place of worship famous for its wall paintings in the city of Bikaner.

Junagarh Fort 📍 landmark

Junagarh Fort is an impressive historical fortress and major attraction in the city of Bikaner.

Central Art Gallery 2 🏛 museum

Central Art Gallery 2 is an art gallery venue in the city of Bikaner.

National Camel Research Centre 🏛 museum

The National Camel Research Centre is a fascinating research facility and museum in the city of Bikaner.

Lyner Garh 🏰 castle

Lyner Garh is a castle and local architectural landmark situated in the city of Bikaner.

Shree Sadul museum 🏛 museum

Shree Sadul Museum is a regional museum located in the city of Bikaner.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:30

Maharaja Dungara Singh Smarak 🏺 historical

Maharaja Dungara Singh Smarak is a prominent monument standing in the city of Bikaner.

King on his horse 🏺 historical

King on his horse is an equestrian monument located in the city of Bikaner.

Royal Rajasthani, Folk & Cultural Group of Navya 🎭 culture

Royal Rajasthani, Folk & Cultural Group of Navya is a cultural theatre venue in the city of Bikaner.

IGNP Karyakaram 🎭 culture

IGNP Karyakaram is an arts and cultural centre located in the city of Bikaner.

Ganga Theater 🎭 culture

Ganga Theater is a theatre in Bikaner.

Noori Masjid ⛪ religious

Noori Masjid is a place of worship in Bikaner.

🕒 24/7

Rampuria Havelis 📍 landmark

The Rampuria Havelis are historic merchant houses and a major attraction in Bikaner.

The Royal Cenotaphs 📍 landmark

The Royal Cenotaphs are a historic memorial site and attraction in Bikaner.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Bikaner: where is it located?

Bikaner is located in India.

Bikaner: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lallgarh Palace, Lalgarh, Bhanda Shaha Jain Temple.

Bikaner: why is it worth visiting?

Located in northern Rajasthan, Bikaner retains an authentic medieval atmosphere.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Bikaner