12 Best Places To Visit in Bikaner for a Dive into its Glorious Past

Bikaner is a cultural paradise, the city is known for its forts and scenic beauty. Bikaner has fascinating places to visit that attract the tourists time and again. Bikaner is easily accessible through air, rail, and road. History buffs and culture enthusiasts will find a lot of tourist places to visit in Bikaner. No time is a bad time to explore Bikaner, which is rich in ethnic culture and history. The weather is pleasant during October to March making the winter season the best time to visit Bikaner. During January every year, tourists all over the world gather to witness and celebrate the Camel Festival. This festival is so much in hype among the tourists.

Top 12 Places To Visit In Bikaner

Here are some of the places to visit in Bikaner that give you insights into the city’s history and architectural excellence.

• Junagarh Fort
• Lalgarh Palace
• Laxmi Niwas Palace
• Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rampuria Haveli
• Bikaji Ki Tekri
• Sadul Singh Museum
• Jain Temple Bhandasar
• Shri Laxminath Temple
• Shiv Bari Temple
• Karni Mata Temple
• Ratan Bihari Temple

1. Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort is an undefeated and unconquered fort that narrates the glorious past. Junagarh fort is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Bikaner. The fort is known for its unique amalgamation of Mughal and Gujarati architecture. The Fort Museum at Junagarh Fort exhibits royal jewels and costumes alongside paintings of the royal family. The library showcases collections of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts.

2. Lalgarh Palace

Lalgarh Palace is one of the best places to visit in Bikaner known for its beautiful red sandstone structure portraying the perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Lalgarh Palace was built in the memory of Maharaja Lal Singh. Sadul Museum is located on the first floor of Lalgarh fort and exhibits the heads of various animals and a collection of trophies of rulers of Bikaner. Another museum within the fort is the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum which exhibits a fine collection of historical remains and it also showcases the German artist Mueller’s large oil paintings, sculptures, and coin collection. 

3. Laxmi Niwas Palace

Laxmi Niwas Palace was built between 1898 & 1902 and is the former residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Laxmi Niwas Palace was built by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob with the influence of  Indo-Saracenic style. Laxmi Niwas Palace is one of the most popular places to visit in Bikaner due to its red sandstone structure.  Later the palace was converted into a hotel.

4. Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Gajner Lake, situated in the dense forest. Gajner Palace is an architectural treat for visitors due to its red sandstone structure. The property is also home to the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary that was a famous hunting ground of the royal family.

5. Rampuria Haveli

Rampuria Haveli in Bikaner is famous for its magnificent haveli constructed by the rich Bikaner merchants. Rampuria Haveli is known for houses made with intricate carvings and jharokha that give a reminiscence of palaces itself. A visit to Rampuria Haveli will take you hundreds of years back.

6. Bikaji Ki Tekri

Bikaji Ki Tekri is one of the top places to visit in Bikaner. Bikaji Ki Tekri is the first fort in the city of Bikaner, Built by Rao Bika, one of the oldest structures standing tall in Bikaner, around 500 years old. The architecture is really amusing with red sandstone or Dulmera stone structuring a major part of the fort. 

7. Sadul Singh Museum

Sadul Singh Museum is dedicated to the Maharajas of Bikaner – Maharaja Ganga Singh, Maharaja Karni Singh and Maharaja Sadul Singh. This museum is one of the best places to visit in Bikaner as it is home to some of the famous collections related to the kings, possessions like paintings, trophies, weapons, and photographs which one can visit and see. 

8. Jain Temple Bhandasar

The Bhandasar Jain Temple is dedicated to Sumatinath, the fifth Tirthankara of Jainism, and is one of the religious places to visit in Bikaner. The temple is admirable and the beauty of this temple will leave you awestruck with its unique Rajputana architecture and intricate design, a perfect blend of red sandstone and white marble with gold layer finishing.

9. Shri Laxminath Temple

Shri Laxminath Temple is a famous and one of the oldest temples in Bikaner, dedicated to the honour of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its intricate silver artwork and beautiful idols of various deities. The best time to visit is during the festive season such as Diwali, Janmashtami, and Ramnavmi as Shri Laxminath temple is famous for the celebration of these festivals. 

10. Shiv Bari Temple

Shiv Bari Temple is built completely of red sandstone, a true architectural wonder. Shiv Bari temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the best places to visit in Bikaner. The major attraction of this temple is the miniature idols that showcase the culture of Bikaner and the serene and calm environment adds to the aura of this temple.

11. Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple is one of the unique places to visit in Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple is believed to be the abode of over 20,000 rats. The visitors worship these rats as they are believed to be the sons of Karni Mata. 

12. Ratan Bihari Temple

Ratan Bihari Temple is worth mentioning in the list of Bikaner tourist places. A visit to Bikaner is incomplete without paying a visit to Ratan Bihari Temple. Built on the 3rd day of the bright half of Falgun Samvat in 1907 as a result of a scarcity. The scarcity was of temples that preach Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna – 2 of the mightiest gods of Hinduism. Maharaja Ratan Singh Ji’s queen was a huge devotee of Lord Krishna and therefore, inspired her husband to a temple for her. So, it can be considered as a mark of love and respect. 

Are you mesmerized by these fantastic places to visit in Bikaner? Then wait no more, pack your bags and book a trip to Bikaner. Do not forget to add these places in your itinerary to Rajasthan. Do share your amazing experience with Pickyourtrail.