Bikaner is a city in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan. It is famous for its beautiful palaces, forts, and temples, as well as its delicious food. Here are some places to visit and things to do in Bikaner:
Junagarh Fort: This impressive fort was built in the 16th century and is one of the most well-preserved forts in India. It features beautiful palaces, temples, and courtyards, with intricate carvings and beautiful murals.
Lalgarh Palace: This stunning palace was built in the early 20th century and is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural styles. It features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and a museum.
Karni Mata Temple: This unique temple is dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata, who is worshipped in the form of rats. The temple is home to thousands of rats, which are considered to be sacred.
Camel Safari: Bikaner is located in the heart of the Thar Desert, making it a great place to go on a camel safari. You can explore the sand dunes and experience the local culture and traditions.
Local Food: Bikaner is famous for its delicious food, including bikaneri bhujia, rasgulla, and kachori. Don’t forget to try the local street food, which is spicy and flavorful.
Shopping: Bikaner is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including leather goods, textiles, and jewelry. You can explore the local markets and buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is located near Bikaner and is home to a variety of animals, including deer, antelopes, and wild boars. You can go on a safari and explore the natural beauty of the region.
In summary, Bikaner is a beautiful city that offers a range of experiences for travelers. By visiting these places and trying the local food and shopping, you can make the most of your trip to Bikaner and experience the local culture and traditions.
Best Time To Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit Bikaner is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges from 4°C to 23°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and camel safaris.
During the summer months from March to June, the temperature can reach up to 45°C, making it too hot for outdoor activities. Monsoon season, from July to September, brings some relief from the heat, but the high humidity can make it uncomfortable for tourists.
Therefore, the winter season is the best time to visit Bikaner, when the weather is comfortable and ideal for exploring the city’s many attractions. However, it is important to note that this is also the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book your accommodation and tours in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
How to get around in Bikaner
There are several modes of transportation available in Bikaner that tourists can use to get around the city. Here are some of the options:
Auto Rickshaws: Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Bikaner, and they are easily available throughout the city. They are affordable and convenient for short distances.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Bikaner, and they are a comfortable and convenient option for getting around the city. You can either hire them for the entire day or for a specific destination.
Buses: Bikaner has a good network of local buses that are operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). They are a cheap and convenient option for getting around the city and its suburbs.
Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bicycle in Bikaner and explore the city at your own pace. It is a great way to experience the local culture and see the sights up close.
Camel: Bikaner is famous for its camel safaris, and you can explore the city and its surroundings on a camel ride. It is a unique and memorable experience that you shouldn’t miss.
In summary, there are several options for getting around in Bikaner, and you can choose the one that suits your budget and preferences. Auto rickshaws and taxis are the most popular options, while buses and bicycles are more affordable. If you want to experience the local culture, you can also take a camel ride and explore the city’s surroundings.
Where to eat in Bikaner
Bikaner is famous for its delicious cuisine, and there are several restaurants and food joints where you can enjoy authentic Rajasthani food. Here are some of the best places to eat in Bikaner:
Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop: This popular sweet shop in Bikaner is famous for its traditional Rajasthani sweets and snacks, such as rasgulla, ghewar, kachori, and samosa.
Bhikharam Chandmal: This is a famous restaurant in Bikaner that serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include dal bati churma, ker sangri, and gatte ki sabzi.
Laxmi Niwas Palace: This luxury hotel in Bikaner has a restaurant that serves delicious Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful setting with a stunning view of the palace grounds.
Gopi Restaurant: This is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Bikaner that serves delicious thali meals and a la carte dishes. The restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and friendly service.
Bhanwar Niwas Palace: This heritage hotel in Bikaner has a restaurant that serves a range of Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful setting with elegant decor and live music performances.
Kote Gate Ke Samose: This is a popular street food joint in Bikaner that serves delicious samosas with a variety of fillings such as potato, onion, and paneer.
In summary, Bikaner has a wide range of options for foodies, from street food joints to luxury restaurants. You can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisine at traditional restaurants like Bhikharam Chandmal or indulge in a luxurious dining experience at a palace hotel like Laxmi Niwas Palace or Bhanwar Niwas Palace.
Famous street stalls in Bikaner
Bikaner is known for its delicious street food, which is a must-try for any foodie visiting the city. Here are some of the most popular street food stalls in Bikaner:
Kachori at Heeralal’s: Heeralal’s is a popular street food stall in Bikaner that serves delicious kachoris. The kachoris are filled with spicy lentils and served with a tangy chutney.
Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop: This is a famous sweet shop in Bikaner that also serves a variety of savoury snacks. Some of the must-try snacks include the pyaaz kachori, mirchi vada, and samosa.
Bhujia Bazaar: This bustling market in Bikaner is known for its famous bikaneri bhujia, which is a crispy snack made with chickpea flour and spices. You can find several stalls in the market that sell this popular snack.
Jain Bikaneri Bhujiya: This is another popular street food stall in Bikaner that serves delicious bikaneri bhujia. The snack is available in a variety of flavours, including spicy, tangy, and sweet.
Chotu Motu Joshi Chaatwala: This is a famous street food stall in Bikaner that serves delicious chaat. Some of the must-try dishes include the aloo tikki chaat, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla.
These are just a few of the many street food stalls in Bikaner that offer delicious and affordable food. Be sure to explore the city and try as many different dishes as possible!
Where to stay in Bikaner
Luxury accommodation
Bikaner is a city in Rajasthan that is known for its rich history and culture. If you are looking for luxury accommodation options in Bikaner, here are some of the best options:
Laxmi Niwas Palace: This is a stunning palace hotel that was built in the early 20th century. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options.
Gajner Palace: This palace hotel is located on the banks of the Gajner Lake and features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options. The hotel also offers activities such as bird watching, camel safaris, and village walks.
Narendra Bhawan: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Bikaner and features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options. The hotel is known for its unique decor and personalized service.
The Lallgarh Palace: This is another stunning palace hotel that was built in the early 20th century. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several dining options. The hotel also offers activities such as camel safaris and desert excursions.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodation options in Bikaner. Be sure to do your research and choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Where to stay in Bikaner
Budget accommodation
Bikaner has several budget accommodation options that offer comfortable and affordable stays. Here are some of the best options for budget accommodation in Bikaner:
Hotel Raj Vilas Palace: This budget hotel is located near the Junagarh Fort and offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices.
Hotel Sagar: This budget hotel is located near the railway station and offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices.
Hotel Desert Winds: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Bikaner and offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices. The hotel also features a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the city.
Hotel Marudhar Palace: This budget hotel is located near the Karni Mata Temple and offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices.
These are just a few of the many budget accommodation options in Bikaner. Be sure to do your research and choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Travel Tips Bikaner
Here are some travel tips for visiting Bikaner:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bikaner is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.
Local transport: Bikaner has several local transportation options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. However, it is recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into any mode of transport.
Clothing: Bikaner is a conservative city, and it is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places. It is recommended to carry comfortable and lightweight clothing as the weather can get quite hot during the day.
Food: Bikaner is known for its delicious street food and traditional Rajasthani cuisine. However, it is recommended to eat at clean and hygienic restaurants and avoid eating food from roadside stalls.
Sightseeing: Bikaner is a historic city, and there are several places of interest such as Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, and National Research Centre on Camel. It is recommended to plan your sightseeing in advance and hire a guide to get a better understanding of the city’s history and culture.
Shopping: Bikaner is famous for its handicrafts and traditional Rajasthani items such as mojari shoes, camel leather goods, and bhujiya. It is recommended to shop at government emporiums or reputed shops to avoid being duped.
Safety: Bikaner is generally a safe city. However, it is recommended to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bikaner.