Bikaner Overview Being the fourth largest city in the state of Rajasthan, Bikaner is famous for its lavish havelis, Bikaneri Shawls, carpets and blankets. The […]
Things to do in Bikaner
Bikaner Overview
Being the fourth largest city in the state of Rajasthan, Bikaner is famous for its lavish havelis, Bikaneri Shawls, carpets and blankets. The city of Bikaner is a cultural paradise for the travelers, it boasts rich history and culture that can be seen at every nook of this haven. Bikaner is situated in the middle of Thar Desert that gives it an advantage to offer the best Camel Safari through the desert.
The history of Bikaner dates back to the 1400s when Rao Bika angered by his father insensitive comment left his kingdom of Marwar, after travelling a long way he came upon the jungle of Jangladesh and decided to set up his own kingdom there, after years of hardwork he made it into an impressive city of Bikaner. The city of Bikaner was founded on the year of 1488.
Bikaner is also famous for its sand dunes that are scattered around the whole city. Even the nightlife of Bikaner is amazing, visitors can freely roam around. Taking you further in this blog, we will discuss about some of the best things to do in Bikaner and with our Rajasthan Tours you can turn your imagination to reality.
Best Things to do in Bikaner
1. Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort is the center of attraction in Bikaner, it is one of the most decorative fort in India that houses several royal palaces, Temples and Museum inside it. Some of the palaces to visit inside the Fort are Karan Mahal, Phool Mahal, Anup Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Ganga Mahal, Badal Mahal etc. Exploring this fort is one of the best things to do in Bikaner.
The very first foundation placed of Junagarh Fort was on 1478 by Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, before it, the fort 0was just a normal stone fort. The imposing structure you’re seeing today was established in the year of 1589. The balconies, gardens, and the museum of Junagarh Fort gives it a regal feel, making it a major tourist attraction in Bikaner and one of the famous Forts in India.
11 Days Rajasthan Heritage Tour
(Delhi (1) – Mandawa (1) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jaipur (2) – Agra (1) – Delhi (1) – Departure)
11 Days Agra Jaipur Rajasthan Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Udaipur (2) – Delhi)
11 Days Agra Jaipur Jaisalmer Udaipur Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Udaipur (2) – Delhi)
2. Bhandasar Jain Temples
Dedicated to the fifth Tirthankara, Sumatinath, Bhandasar Jain Temples is one of the beautiful Jain temples situated in Bikaner. Built using the red sandstone, the walls of the temple are adorned by the life illustrations of the 24 Tirthankaras. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Bhandasar Jain Temple is renowned for its beautiful artwork and for its wall paintings.
Bhandasar Jain Temple was constructed by Bhanda Shah, a Jain Merchant. The legend has it, that instead of putting foundation with water, the temple’s foundation was filled with pure ghee and coconuts. If you’re planning on visiting Bikaner, Bhandasar Jain Temples are a must visit.
12 Days Golden Triangle with Rajasthan Tour
(Delhi (2) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Udaipur (2) – Delhi)
12 Days Rajasthan Tour Package
(Delhi (2) – Udaipur (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaipur (2) – Agra (1) – Delhi)
12 Days Rajasthan Castle Tour
(Delhi (2) – Mandawa (1) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Udaipur (2) – Jaipur (2) – Delhi)
3. Rampuria Haveli
Rampuria Haveli are said to be the pride of Bikaner, with its old and charming architecture that date backs to the 15th century, these havelis are a cluster of 9 small beautiful havelis. Made up of rose colored sandstone, the amount of beauty they hold is just fascinating. No doubt Rampuria Haveli is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner.
The Haveli is the perfect blend of the Mughal and Victorian architecture, in the drawing room of the haveli you will see the influence of the Rajputana architecture. To witness the grandeur and beauty of its redstone, you don’t need a guide or a ticket, just keep gazing at its brilliant architecture that amazes tourists.
13 Days Rajasthan Agra and Varanasi Tour
(Delhi (1) – Udaipur (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaipur (2) – Agra (1) – Varanasi (2) – Delhi)
13 Days Taj Mahal and Rajasthan Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Khimsar (1) – Jodhpur (1) – Mount Abu (1) – Udaipur (2) – Pushkar (1) – Delhi (1) – Departure)
14 Days Rajasthan Maharaja Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) - Samode (1) – Jaipur (2) – Deogarh (1) – Udaipur (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Bikaner (1) – Mandawa (1) – Delhi)
4. Shiv Bari Temple
One of the sacred pilgrimage sites for the devotees of Lord Shiva, this temple is situated just 6 km away from the Bikaner city center. Secured by a high wall, this temple is famously known as Laleshwar Mahadeo by the locals. Shiv Bari temple houses a sacred Shiva Lingam along with a large statue of Lord Shiva crafted out of a black stone and a gorgeous wall paintings of Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam.
Visiting this temple will give you the peace you need, you also get a chance to experience the various rituals and traditions of the locals. The amazing architecture of the temple builds up the charm of this temple, with the stunning domes, pavilions and Mandapa as its architectural features. The Laleshwar Mahadev temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner and paying visit to it is the best thing to do in Bikaner.
14 Days Fort and Palace of Rajasthan
(Delhi (2) – Dhadikar (1) - Jaipur (2) – Neemaj (1) – Udaipur (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Bikaner (1) – Mandawa (1) – Delhi)
14 Days Rajasthan Adventure Tour
(Delhi – Agra - Ranthambore (Tiger Safari) – Jaipur (Hot Air Baloon Safari) - Shekhawati (Jeep Safari) – Bikaner – Jaisalmer (Camel Safari) – Jodhpur (Village Safari) –Udaipur – Delhi)
15 Days Rajasthan History Heritage and Taj
(Delhi (1) – Alsisar (1) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Jojawar (1) – Udaipur (2) Deogarh (2) – Jaipur (2) – Agra (1) – Delhi)
5. Bikaner Camel Festival
Witnessing this vibrant event is no doubt one of the best things to do in Bikaner, the Bikaner Camel Festival is a two day annual event organized in January, and during this day Bikaner becomes a hotspot of tourists. The grandeur of this festival can be seen through the streets of Bikaner, with the camels being adorned by traditional items like anklets, necklaces, vibrant bridles.
This grand event includes several activities like Camel Safaris, processions, Camel acrobatics, tug of war, Women Matka race and cultural performances like Folk Dance and music. Also try out the Rajasthani cuisine at the festival, you can find several booths which serve mouthwatering Rajasthani Food. Some of the famous dishes you can try out are Daal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Mohan Maas, Kher Sangri, Gatte ki Sabzi etc.
15 Days Delhi Agra Rajasthan Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Mount Abut (1) – Udaipur (2) – Pushkar (1) – Ranthambore (2) – Delhi)
16 Days Rajasthan Agra and Kashmir Tour
(Delhi (1) – Agra (1) - Jaipur (2) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Jodhpur (1) – Udaipur (2) – Delhi / Srinagar (1) – Gulmarg (1) – Pahalgam (2) – Srinagar (1) – Delhi)
17 Days Rajasthan Village Tour
(Delhi (2) – Alsisar (1) – Bikaner (1) – Jaisalmer (2) – Khimsar (1) – Jodhpur (1) – Jojawar (1) – Udaipur (1) – Nimaj (1) – Bijay Nagar (1) – Jaipur (2) – Abhaneri (1) – Agra (1) – Delhi)
6. Karni Mata Temple | Rat Temple
Famed of being called the Rat Temple, Karni Mata Temple is another major tourist attraction in Bikaner. The temple is said to be 600 year old, situated at a distance of 30 km away at Deshnoke the Karni Mata Temple is considered to be one of the unique temples in India. It houses over 25,000 black rats known as Kabbas that are worshipped here.
The temple is dedicated to the Karni Mata, a form of Goddess Durga and devotees and travelers from worldwide visit this distinct temple in order to pay their respects to these rats called as Kabbas. There are numerous mythologies and legends that are associated with this temple, but exactly the uniqueness of this shrine is still unknown that is what makes a visit here worthwhile.
7. Prachina Museum
The Prachina Museum was commissioned by Siddhi Kumari during the year of 2000, as an aim to give a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of Bikaner to the tourists and travellers. The Prachina Museum is a part of the complex of Junagarh Fort and is just walking distance away. It is a must visit place for all the history buffs as it displays the equipment and stuffs belonging to the three generation of the Royal women with silver and furniture used by the Maharaja of Bikaner. You can witness the gather the insight about the rich culture and history of Bikaner through the various items on display.
8. Devi Kund Sagar
If you are looking for a rejuvenation spot during your trip to Bikaner, Devi Kund Sagar is you place. Without a doubt it is one of the best things to do in Bikaner. The Devi Kund Sagar comprises of numerous royal cenotaphs of the brave rulers of Bika Dynasty, every cenotaph is a masterpiece on its own, with having detailed carvings and amazing craftsmanship at them.
Demonstrating the Rajputana architecture, the main cenotaph among them is of Maharaja Anup Singh that showcases the brilliant art as it stands on 16 strong pillars and holds the carvings of acts done by Lord Krishna, peacock and flower patterns.
9. Kote Gate
Standing tall in the heart of Bikaner, Kote Gate serves as an important gateway between the Old city of Bikaner and the New City of Bikaner. Surrounding the Kote Gate is the main market area of Bikaner and houses numerous shops and stalls that display the traditional clothings, goods, etc. One can also find several kiosks that serve delicious food items. Stroll around the markets and see the variety of items they have to offer, it is one of the best things to do in Bikaner.
10. National Research Center on Camel
Visiting the National Research Center on Camel situated in Bikaner is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bikaner. The research center is open to the public during afternoon, and during the hours you can see the camels of different breeds and can notice their behavior.
The National Research Center on Camel also offers some amenities like, Camel Riding, Safari and Photography and videography. One can also try out Camel Milk Products like Ice-creams and cold and hot beverages at the Camel Milk parlor.
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