There are many places to Visit in Bikaner that display the rich culture and vibrant heritage of this treasure trove. Known as a traveler’s paradise, Bikaner boasts stunning architecture, art and splendid heritage, all beautifully interwoven with color and vibrancy.
One of the first ancient structures that you can see here is the Kote Gate, serving as the entrance to the city of Bikaner. Or you can go to Station Road, and shop to your heart’s delight at this colorful market. When visiting the Bikaner tourist places, there will be something for everybody. From the magnificent Junagarh Fort, which was constructed by one of Akbar’s trusted generals, to the man-made Sursagar Lake, which sits beautifully in front of the fort, there is a lot you can see in Bikaner.
There are also many places to visit near Bikaner, such as Khimsar, which is located at the edge of the Thar Desert and surrounded by golden dunes. You can also visit Phalodi, which is the “Salt City” of Rajasthan. Deshnoke, located a few kilometers near Bikaner, is also a great place to visit during your holiday here. Bikaner is a place that will surprise you at every turn, so a holiday here is guaranteed to be memorable for you and your near and dear ones.
21 Places to Visit in Bikaner
1.Laxmi Niwas Palace
One of the most opulent and grand Places to Visit in Bikaner, the Laxmi Niwas Palace was the erstwhile residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh, the king of Bikaner. It was built by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob between 1898 and 1902.
The palace was built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and is now one of the biggest luxury hotels in the country. You can also find a museum here, which is a treasure house of snippets and stories about the royalty of Bikaner.
2.Desert Camping
Bikaner in Rajasthan is the epitome of many adventure activities since the beautiful old city is located amidst the vast Thar Desert keeping its head high. The extreme climatic conditions make the place more attractive.
The desert camping here is a favorite activity done by the visitors frequently. There are plenty of sightseeing options around the city like Junagarh Fort, Laxmi Niwas Palace etc. Camel safari and cart safari are quite popular in this desert that let you meander through the golden sands.
3.Nagaur
Gaining popularity quite quickly, Nagaur is one of the most offbeat places to visit near Bikaner. Located right between the royal cities of Bikaner and Jodhpur, this quaint little town has a strategic location working in its favor.
With a deep cultural and historical significance, the little town has several sightseeing attractions. Some of these include the Amar Singh Palace, Akbari Mahal, Bhagat Singh Palace, Ganesh Temple and the Bhanwal Mata Temple.
4.Khimsar
Known for its vibrant heritage and traditions as well as the settlements which date back hundreds of years, Khimsar is one of the lesser-known places to visit near Bikaner.
The village boasts of friendly locals, good local food and a tranquil ambiance, great for a different yet relaxing weekend retreat away from the busy cities. While it is quiet and serene, Khimsar is also home to some attractions that you can visit. including the Khimsar Dunes Village and the Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary.
5.Khichan
Located in the Phalodi region of Jodhpur, around 161 kilometers from the city of Bikaner, Kheechan is amongst the best places in the region for bird watching. It is also the home of the picturesque Kheechan Bird Sanctuary.
Upon a visit to this village, one can catch a glimpse of over 15,000 Demoiselle Cranes and other migratory birds. This place also serves as one of the most beautiful and scenic picnic spots, great for a day out near Bikaner.
6.Shekhawati
Also known as Fatehpur Shekhawati, this small town lies in the Sikar district of Rajasthan and is amongst the most beautiful places to visit near Bikaner. Established by Nawab Fateh Khan in the mid-1400s, this quaint little town is quite offbeat, yet rich in culture and heritage.
Shekhawati boasts quite a few sightseeing attractions, all of which are significant in their way. The Singhania Haveli, which dates back to the mid-1800s and the Day Janti Balaji Dham, which is known for its miracles and fulfillment of wishes are both located in this village.
7.Pokharan Fort
Built by the clan of Rathore, the Pokhran fort exhibits the marvels of ancient Rajasthani architecture. Not only do you get to enjoy a photography session here with beautiful backdrops but the fort also lets you seep into the history.
Dating back several hundred years, the fort still stands without any harm and houses a museum and a resort on its premises. One of the most famous Places to visit in Pokhran, this fort will let you marvel at various beautiful angles of the sunset from its many corners. Standing still since the fourteenth century, the fort houses various other structures inside it including a Hawa Mahal, Mangal Niwas and Phool Mahal.
8.Sikar
Located in the northeastern part of Rajasthan, Sikar is a historical city boasting of its magnificence and allure. The city lies midway between Bikaner and Agra on the National Highway 52 and attracts tourists from all across the globe for its rich heritage, culture, and serenity. It carries historical significance for being the capital of the state Thikana Sikar and was known as Beer Bhan Ka Bass during the times of Shekhawati king’s rulings.
The beauty of Sikar is visible through its remarkable traditional places, gorgeous ancient temples, artistically landscaped gardens, and grand forts that make it not only eye-catching but also interesting and exciting. Its historic magic is proven by its surrounding gigantic walls that envelop the city and allow entry only through seven grand entry gates. It is also a place to learn about Rajasthani’s colorful culture, traditions, and friendliness.
9.Sursagar Lake
One of the top Bikaner tourist places that you must visit is Sursagar Lake. Constructed by Maharaja Sur Singh during his reign to curb water shortage, the manmade lake is one of the top sightseeing attractions in the city.
In addition to enjoying a serene picnic, you can also enjoy boating with your friends and family here. The surrounding areas of the lake are quite well maintained and have proper seating arrangements for a peaceful walk as well.
10.Prachina Museum
Amongst the greatest Places to Visit in Bikaner is the Prachina Museum. Located in the ancient Junagarh Fort, this museum is the house of royal costumes, accessories as well as textiles of the erstwhile Rajasthani royals.
The museum was established in the year 2000 by Siddhi Kumari, the daughter of Maharaja Narendra Singhji. One can see and marvel at the royal Poshaks that the queens and princesses of the bygone eras used to wear, and learn about the lost traditional designs, styles and workmanship.
11.MG Road
Another one of the significant Places to Visit in Bikaner is the legendary M.G. Road, also known throughout the country as the Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is one of the best places in Bikaner to enjoy a shopping experience.
Home to some of the best sarees in the country, such as georgette, chiffon, tie-dye (bandhani) and more, M.G. Road also has many shops selling beautiful ethnic wear. This road is also known for shops and vendors selling great quality wooden artifacts and leather goods. Additionally, you can also indulge in delicious food, drinks and snacks at the many food stalls, restaurants and cafes here.
12.Sadul Singh Museum
Sadul Singh Museum in Bikaner is one of the great historical sights included in the list of best places to visit in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Established in the year of 1972, the museum is a vista of Georgian paintings, hunting trophies and rare artifacts.
The museum is dedicated to some prominent kings of Bikaner named Maharaja Ganga Sing, Sadul Singh, and Karni Singh. It is located inside the Lalgarh palace with different sessions for each king with his histories, achievements displayed elaborately.
13.Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Approximately 32 km from Bikaner, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is an exemplary place for wildlife experience near Bikaner. The sanctuary houses many species of animals like Chinkara (black buck), wild boar, nilgai and much more and this is one of the best Bikaner tourist places.
One can also notice an enormous population of birds here like sandgrouse. This park was once the hunting area for the Maharaja and the ruling family and today it has been expanded as a wildlife reserve that preserves rich flora and fauna. Opting for a safari within it is a great experience for wildlife enthusiasts; Also the bird lookouts have an excellent chance to find birds of various species here.
14.Royal Cenotaphs, Devikund Sagar
Among the best places to visit in Bikaner, Devi Kund Sagar has a prominent position. It is located 8 KM in the east city. It is popular since the members of the ruling family of Bikaner after Jet Singh, the great-grandson of Rao Bikaji have been cremated here.
Here you can see a reservoir that has royal cenotaphs on either side; cenotaphs of rulers of the Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to Maharaja Karni Singh. Chhatris or cenotaphs of 22 Saties of the royal family before Maharaja Gaj Singh. You can see a cenotaph of a male as well.
15.Bikaner Camel Festival
The Bikaner camel festival is something that attracts plenty of people to the alluring sands of the Thar Desert. This festival conducted by the Department of Tourism of Rajasthan is a dedication to the gentle desert animal, the camel.
Also, it is an annual festival in which the colorful glory of Rajasthan can be seen completely. You will be getting to see the folk performances by the local artists. The festival starts with a parade of wonderfully decorated camels; the picturesque beauty of the camels standing in alignment against the red backdrop of Junagarh Fort is quite attractive.
16.Shri Laxminath Temple
It is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner and beautifully graces the sacred sanctum of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Many people know this temple for festivals and grand celebrations that occur here on the festivals like Janmashtami, NirjalaEkadashi, Ramanavami, Diwali and Geeta Jayanti.
In addition, the beautiful idols of this temple are embellished with delicate and intricate artwork in silver. Due to this plush celebration, this temple is the best place in Bikaner.
17.Rampuria Haveli
The rich merchants of Bikaner built Rampuria Havelis over a few hundred years. Standing beautifully, these Havelis of Bikaner are not just a visual delight. They are a perfect example of the delicate sagacity of aesthetics that our forefathers had endowed upon us.
These havelis in Bikaner take us to an era of our ancestors and when you witness the exuberance of their beauty and majesty, you feel going back to the few decades, which are past now and this is also one of the best places to see in Bikaner in one day.
18.Lallgarh Palace
Another structural wonder in Bikaner is Lalgarh Palace. This magnificent palace was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the new 20th century. The palace has now been transformed into a hotel and thus is an excellent place to spend your holiday. The extravagant Rajputana design blended with the elegant interior décor draws visitors here.
The palace also incorporates a museum that is located inside the Ganga Niwas. Here one can witness the miniature paintings that are linked to the Bikaner School of Art. There is also a library that has a large collection of Sanskrit Manuscripts printed on parchments and plaques of silver, copper and gold. The artifacts belonging to Harappan culture and Kushan and Gupta Age are also preserved here and this place is considered particularly one of the best places to visit in Bikaner.
19.Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace is among the popular sightseeing attractions of Bikaner, situated on the bank of a lake. The castle was built by the former ruler of the Bikaner province, Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Gajner Palace was a hunting and vacation lodge during old times. where the King of Bikaner and the royal family yielded their passion for hunting with the guests.
Constructed in red sandstone, is a classic representation of craftsmanship. Intricately sculpted pillars, jharokhas and screens are the major draws of the palace.
Located in the middle of a thick forest, visitors can sight wandering birds like Imperial Sand Goose, Antelopes, and Black Bucks along with Nilgais, Chinkaras, Blue Bull and Deer can be sighted this place is considered particularly one of the best places to visit in Bikaner
20.Karni Mata Temple
Karni Mata Temple is likely a standout amongst the most renowned spots to visit in Bikaner. This sanctuary is known for its sizable populace of rats that are the lasting occupants here. Going back to the 15th century, this sanctuary is devoted to Karni Mata who was the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that when Karni Mata’s child passed on, she asked for Yama to restore her child’s life, however, Yama did not. Along these lines, Karni Mata being the incarnation of Goddess restored the life of her child and proclaimed that from now onwards her family won’t confront demise but be resurrected as rats.
21.Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort was built in the year 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. The fort structure consists of temples and palaces. The delicately done galleries, lawns, and windows catch the eyes of the visitors. The Zenana quarters, in particular, lure the attention of tourists as they display impeccable designs of great creative skills.
The Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal are some major attractions here. It is assumed that crocodiles were raised in the water canal surrounding the impressive fort. The architecture is a fine mixture of Mughal, Gujarati and Rajput styles and this place is considered particularly one among the best places to visit in Bikaner
