Bikaner Travel Guide — Junagarh Fort, Camels & Bikaneri Bhujia

Bikaner is Rajasthan's most underrated desert city — a place of extraordinary forts, elaborate havelis, magnificent temples and the finest camel country in India. The Junagarh Fort (1589) is one of the finest and best-preserved forts in all of Rajasthan, never successfully breached in battle, with 37 palaces and pavilions inside ranging from Rajput-Mughal fusion to European baroque — including a room with Belgian glass and another with Venetian mirrors, and a vintage biplane gifted to the Maharaja by the King of England. The old city's red sandstone havelis rival Jaisalmer for carved facade beauty. The National Camel Research Centre (the only one in Asia) and the extraordinary "Rat Temple" of Karni Mata (30 km) make Bikaner singular among Rajasthan destinations. And the Bikaneri Bhujia here — at the source — tastes unlike anything sold elsewhere.

Places to Visit in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort (1589)

Never conquered in battle — 37 palaces, temples and pavilions, each more ornate than the last. Anup Mahal (ruby and gold), Karan Mahal (coronation hall), Vikram Vilas (with vintage biplane!) are extraordinary. Entry ₹100 Indians.

Lalgarh Palace (1902)

Magnificent red sandstone Indo-Saracenic palace built for Maharaja Ganga Singh — partly a heritage hotel, partly a museum. The carved latticework and interiors are exceptional. Museum ₹50.

Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok, 30 km)

The extraordinary Rat Temple — 20,000+ sacred rats (believed to be reincarnations of Karni Mata's devotees) live here. A unique, surprisingly uneerie experience. Spotting a white rat brings exceptional good luck.

Old City Havelis & Bhujia Market

Red sandstone havelis — Rampuria, Bhandari, Kothari — with carved facades rivalling Jaisalmer. The wholesale Bhujia market near Kote Gate sells Bikaneri specialities at source prices. Fresh, fragrant, unmissable.

Experiences & Activities

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  Junagarh Fort Deep Exploration: Allow 3 full hours. Hire a guide (₹250) — the stories of each room's creation are as good as the rooms themselves. The vintage biplane in Vikram Vilas alone is worth the entry fee.
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  Karni Mata Temple (30 km): Remove shoes, walk carefully among 20,000 sacred rats. White rats are especially auspicious. Photography permitted. One of India's most unique religious experiences — approach with open curiosity.
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  Camel Safari & National Research Centre: The National Camel Research Centre (8 km) produces camel milk ice cream, camel milk products — fascinating visit. Day and overnight camel safaris into the Thar Desert from multiple operators.
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  Bikaneri Food Trail: Bhujia at source (Haldirams was founded in Bikaner in 1937), Kachori, Rasgulla and Chhena Murki sweet. Buy Bhujia from the wholesale market — freshest and cheapest in India.

When to Visit Bikaner

Delhi to Bikaner Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Bikaner Trip

Essential Bikaner Tips

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  Audio Guide: Rent Junagarh audio guide (₹100) — transforms the visit. Keyed to each room number. Stories of Maharaja Ganga Singh and King George V are extraordinary.
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  Camel Festival (January): Camel races, beauty contests, folk music, Rajasthani performances. One of Rajasthan's most photogenic events.
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  Bhujia Tip: Buy from original Haldiram store on Station Road or wholesale market near Kote Gate — fresher and far cheaper than anything sold elsewhere.