Bikaner is well-known throughout the world for its culture, traditions, and beautiful desert location. There are a variety of activities available to visitors in Bikaner, ranging from camel safaris to festivals, market browsing, and cuisine establishments. The area also has various heritage havelis and forts that add to the overall feel of the area. The city also holds a spectacular yearly Camel Festival. In addition, you can explore museums and temples, and feast on delectable local cuisine. A comprehensive list of activities to do in Bikaner is provided below. Examine it out!
THE JUNAGARH FORT
Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort is a spectacular edifice that rose and developed around it. Rao Bika laid the groundwork for Junagarh Fort in 1478. However, it was only a stone fort back then. The current magnificent structure was dedicated on February 17th, 1589. Aside from its rich history, the Junagarh Fort is a work of art in architecture. The palaces within the fort, as well as the gardens, balconies, and kiosks, reflect a composite architectural style influenced by the cultural diversity of the various kings as well as foreign inspirations. The majestic Junagarh Fort stands as an example of architectural magnificence. Visiting the Junagarh Fort is one of the top things to do in Bikaner.
VISIT THE UNIQUE KARNI MATA TEMPLE
The Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Nari Mata Temple among devotees, is a renowned tourist destination devoted to Karni Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Maa Durga. What distinguishes this temple is not its architecture or location, but rather the fact that it houses and worships 25,000 black rats.
WITNESS THE OPULENCE OF LAXMI NIWAS PALACE
Laxmi Niwas Residence, once Maharaja Ganga Singh’s royal palace, is a beautiful site that is now open to the public as a heritage hotel. The architectural splendour of the palace, as well as its rich historical and heritage significance, draw a huge number of visitors. The majestic palace also features a museum where visitors may learn about Bikaner’s dynasty.
RELISH THE LOCAL CUISINE
Bikaner is usually often associated with its popular bhujjias, Namkeens, Papads, and Baris. Make sure to try these while in Bikaner and bring some home with you. Along with this, you can eat traditional Rajasthani snacks like Samosa, Kachori, and many more. Bikaner also serves most traditional Rajasthani dishes such as Dal Bati Choorma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Khata, and Pakodi, as well as desserts such as Ghevar, Fini, Rabri, and others.
CAMEL RIDE AND CAMEL RESEARCH CENTRE
National Research Centre on Camel, a popular tourist destination in Bikaner, is open to visitors in the afternoon. Tourists can observe the behaviour of many varieties of camels. A camel museum is offered to inform them about the camel’s evolution and studies in desert ecology. Camel riding, safari, and video/photography services are also available. The centre’s main feature is the Camel Milk Parlour, where you can enjoy unique value-added camel milk items such as ice cream and hot and cold beverages. This is one of the most unusual activities in Bikaner.
SHOPPING AT KOTE GATE
If you enjoy shopping, Kote Gate will not disappoint you. Apart from mouth-watering Bhujia and Rosogollahs, you may shop for buffed camel hide products, miniature paintings, Khadi industry articles, and wood sculptures here. You can also get locally manufactured handicrafts as well as traditional clothing and items from the region.
SHOP FOR LOCAL JUTIS
The Station Road market is teeming with retailers and small-time merchants. This market is an excellent place to purchase embroidered footwear (jootis), native fabrics, leather goods, wood, and traditional relics. You can even receive a personalised Jooti in as little as 24 hours, and in the meantime, you can sample the local tiny paintings and gold-worked wood and leather goods. The famed Haldiram Bhujiawala original shop is a must-see for foodies.
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF JAIN CULTURE
Bhandasar Jain Temple is one of Bikaner’s 27 exquisite Jain temples. This temple is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara, and is also regarded as the most beautiful and highest temple. Bhanda Shah, a Jain trader, built this temple. The temple’s foundation was made of pure ghee and dry coconuts. The three-story temple is built of red sandstone and features wall murals and usta art.
REVISIT HISTORY
The Sadul Singh Museum, dedicated to the Maharajas of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh, and Maharaja Sadul Singh, contains a fantastic collection of kings’ relics, paintings, trophies, weapons, and photographs, to name a few. It is the ideal site to learn about the Maharajas’ remarkable exploits. If you are interested in history, this should be on your list of things to do in Bikaner.
SUNSET AT SURSAGAR LAKE
The Sadul Singh Museum, which is dedicated to the Maharajas of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh, and Maharaja Sadul Singh, houses a wonderful collection of kings’ relics, paintings, trophies, weaponry, and photographs, to name a few. It is an excellent place to learn about the Maharajas’ extraordinary feats. This should be on your list of things to do in Bikaner if you are interested in history.
DEVI KUND VISIT
Devi Kund, located around 8 kilometres from Bikaner, is made up of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of the Bika dynasty’s valiant monarchs. Several cenotaphs can be found in this royal crematorium. Every cenotaph exemplifies Rajput craftsmanship. This magnificent architecture is a must-see during your vacation to Bikaner. You can also go to the neighbouring Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer.
ROYAL CENOTAPHS
The Royal Cenotaphs are the cremation grounds of Bikaner’s royal families. It is a tourist attraction in terms of architecture. The magnificent structure, with intricately carved marble pillars depicting Lord Krishna’s stories and other lovely traditional designs. The oldest monument on the ground was built in honour of Rao Kalyanmal, and the newest was built for Maharaja Karni Singh.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE REGAL GAJNER PALACE
If you’re looking for a place that is the perfect combination of culture and tradition, Gajner Palace is the place for you. It is located in the city of Bikaner on the banks of Gajner Lake. This regal palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge for him and his family but was converted to a hotel in 1976. Gajner Palace offers you a variety of leisure activities from boat rides to desert safaris.
CAMEL FESTIVAL
Camel Festival in Bikaner is a two-day event organized annually in January in the land of camels, Bikaner which is situated in the north-west Indian state of Rajasthan. The festival is a grand celebration of the rich culture of Bikaner that draws tourists from all over the world to this land of camels.
VISITING THE EXQUISITE LALGARH PALACE
Lalgarh Palace, a breathtaking Rajasthani Palace, is located in the beautiful city of Bikaner, Rajasthan in India. It was constructed for the Maharaja of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, between 1902 and 1926. The marvellous palace is a treat to the sore eye in the dry and arid regions of Rajasthan. The palace has now been opened up for tourists as a Heritage Hotel and the entire estate comes under the National Heritage Trust.
