Best things to do in Bikaner – a hidden gem of Rajasthan

Bikaner, a magical and unexplored city of Rajasthan is located in the northwestern region of the State. Although Bikaner is not often under the spotlight, unlike its sister cities, it’s an equally amazing place to visit. A favourite locale for royal heritage, stunning landscapes, rich culture and traditions, and mouth-watering food, Bikaner is a hidden gem that you must discover. Be it your first time visiting Rajasthan, or the tenth time, I would definitely recommend adding Bikaner to your Rajasthan itinerary. Trust me, you’ll be in awe of this magical city. There are so many places to visit in Bikaner and so many things to do, I would recommend that you spend a minimum of 3 nights in Bikaner. And for those of you who are wondering what to do there, read further on the best things to do in Bikaner.

We’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Bikaner and this should come in handy when you’re planning your itinerary to Rajasthan. 

Best things to do in Bikaner

Tour the magnificent Junagarh Fort

Visiting this beautiful piece of architecture is certainly one of the best things to do in Bikaner. The Junagarh fort, built in the 15th century by the then ruler – Raja Rai Singh, is characterized by its themed areas. You’ll witness the different coloured mahals, each of which was added as a section to the fort by different generations. Junagarh Fort will surely leave you spellbound with its stunning and captivating architecture.

Timings:

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fees:

INR 50 for Indian tourists, and INR 300 for foreign tourists

Visit the Lalgarh Palace in all its glory

Another architectural wonder built by the Maharaja of Bikaner is the majestic Lalgarh Palace. When you’re at the Lalgarh Palace you’ll not only witness its royal architecture, but also the rich history of the Palace. This red sandstone building is characterized by its mix of British and Indian architectural style. 

And you know what the best part about Lalgarh Palace is? You can also opt to stay here. If you’re looking for a heritage stay, then you must visit this place. This is surely one of the best things to do in Bikaner. 

Timings:

Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fees:

INR 10 for Indian tourists, and INR 20 for foreign tourists 

Visit the sacred Karni Mata Temple

Rajasthan like any other state in India is home to some of the most celebrated and holy temples. But there’s just one difference between the Karni Mata Temple and the other temples – want to know what it is? Well, Karni Mata Temple is home to more than 25,000 RATS or Kabbas. So, a heads up to those of you who are scared of rats! However, this Hindu temple is the most unique place to visit in Bikaner. And despite the fact that its residents are rats, the locales there consider it to be extremely holy. This interesting sight is one of the best things to do in Bikaner. 

Timings:

Daily from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fees:

Free Entry 

Visit the epic Thar Desert in Bikaner

The Great Indian Desert or the Thar Desert has been a famous place for so long that you would’ve for sure read about it somewhere. You must visit this place when you’re in Bikaner. And do not miss out on the Camel Safari! For those of you who wanted a desert safari experience like Dubai, then here’s the place for you. Hop on those tall humpback camels with the help of the regal servicemen and go on a ride witnessing one of the most beautiful sceneries you would’ve ever seen. 

Timings:

Safaris take place from morning till night

Entry Fees:

INR 1,200 and above depending on your tour package 

Devour mouth-watering food in Bikaner

What’s a trip to Rajasthan without tasing the yummy food it has to offer? Just like any other city in Rajasthan, Bikaner also offers some authentic local delicacies that you must try. Your tastebuds are in for a feast. There are several places to eat from tiny roadside shops to luxury-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all at Bikaner. And while we’re discussing food, let me also tell you about Bikaner’s famous savoury. Or do you know it already? Well, for those of you who don’t, it’s the famous lip-smacking Bikaneri Bhujia. I would definitely recommend you buy yourself some Bikaneri Bhujia and take it back home. I’d say eating these delicacies is one of the best things you can do in Bikaner. 

Popular cuisines of Bikaner:

Kachori, dal bati churma, khata, gatta ki sabzi, pakodi, raj bhog, ghevar, fini, and more

Best places to eat in Bikaner:

Heeralal’s, Gallops, Chappan Bhog,

Go on a shopping spree at Kote Gate

Last but not least. When you’re done exploring all the attractions in Bikaner, give yourself one extra day to just go shopping. If you’re a shopaholic like me, then you might need more days but one day is definitely a must for everyone. You’ll find several famous markets, where you can buy everything from local handicrafts to royal jewellery through local delicacies. And one such famous market is the Kote Gate market. Make sure you visit the market to buy some really cool stuff. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Bikaner and anywhere in the world.  

Plan your vacation to the beautiful state of Rajasthan and don’t forget to add Bikaner to your itinerary. Talk to the destination specialists at Pickyourtrail or choose from PYT deals and book your vacation. Additionally, you can also chat with our destination expert though Whatsapp query.