Overview
Bikaner: The Heritage City of Rajasthan
Substantially located in the vast expanses of the parched Thar Desert, approximately 333 km from Jaipur, Bikaner is fondly known for its mouth-watering and lip-smacking sweets. The striking forts and exquisitely carved temples—often made of red and yellow sandstone—showcase the elegance of Indian craftsmanship.
The royal history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 AD, when a Rajput prince, Rao Bikaji, established his kingdom here. He selected a barren land named “Jungladesh” and transformed it into a flourishing city, later called Bikaner after him. Excavated statues, coins and stone carvings discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India indicate that a civilisation existed here even before the Harappan culture.
Following are the main attractions of Bikaner:
Junagarh Fort: Originally called “Chintamani,” this fort was built in 1593 A.D. Over time, the modern city of Bikaner developed around it. Interestingly, this major fort is not perched on a hilltop—unlike most forts in Rajasthan. This imposing structure houses several beautiful palaces carved in red sandstone and marble, forming an impressive ensemble of balconies, courtyards and windows. Anop Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal are among the key attractions inside the fort. The visiting hours are from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: Established near Lalgarh Palace in 1937, this museum is currently managed by the Government of Rajasthan. It was shifted to Civil Lines in 1954. The museum houses an impressive collection of terracotta artefacts, weapons, paintings and masterpieces from the Harappan civilisation.
Bhandaser Jain Temple: This 15th-century temple is dedicated to Sumatinath Ji, the 5th Tirthankar in Jainism. Tradition suggests that pure butter oil and coconuts were used in its foundation—an architectural belief associated with ancient Jain temples.
Lakshminath Temple: One of the oldest temples in Bikaner, its foundation was laid by Rao Bikaji in 1488 A.D. It enshrines the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and is revered by devotees from across the country.
Excursions from Bikaner:
Visitors can travel to nearby attractions such as Devi Kund Sagar (8 km), the 600-year-old Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke (30 km) and the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km).
Shopping in Bikaner:
Embroidered leather footwear, high-quality leather products and sheep wool carpets are some of the popular items to shop for in Bikaner. Food lovers can also buy spicy savouries and traditional sweets like ladoos, patisa, mesur, coconut burfi, dilbahar, chhena murchi and more.
When to Reach:
The best time to visit Bikaner is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. The Bikaner Camel Festival, held in January, is another popular time to explore the region.
How to Reach:
Air: The nearest airport to Bikaner is located in Jodhpur, about 253 km away.
Rail: The Bikaner Railway Station is well connected by regular train services to Delhi, Bathinda, Kalka, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Road: State-owned and private luxury buses operate regularly, connecting Bikaner to other major cities of Rajasthan.
