Bikaner Tourism

Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect about Bikaner are the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the district, especially from the north-east down to the southern area. Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time. The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.

Junagarh Fort
Constructed between 1587 and 1593 by the third ruler of Bikaner, Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort is protected by a 986 m long sandstone wall with 37 bastions, a moat and, most effectively of all, by the forbidding expanse of the Thar Desert. Not surprisingly, the fort has never been conquered, a fact which explains its excellent state of preservation. Within the fort's austere stone walls are no less than 37 profusely decorated palaces, temples and pavilions, built by its successive rulers over the centuries, though in a harmonious continuity of style.

Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace, outside the walled town, is a sprawling extravaganza of carved friezes, jails, pillars and arches in the distinctive reddish-pink local sandstone. Constructed between 1902 and 1926, it was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, in a style that combines traditional Rajput and Renaissance European features with Art Nouveau décor inside. Part of it has been converted into a hotel, and another section into a museum with vintage photographs and wildlife trophies. Lalgarh Palaces' museum and beautiful gardens are open to visitors.

Gajner
Gajner, 30 km northwest of Bikaner, has the red sandstone Summer Palace of the maharajas, now a luxury hotel, and the Gajner National Park, home to blackbucks, wild boars, desert foxes and a large number of migratory birds.

Camel Breeding Farm
The Camel Breeding Farm, 9 km southeast of Bikaner, is best visited in the late afternoon when the camels return from grazing. Set up in 1975, the farm breeds nearly half the camels found in India, including those for the camel regiment of the Indian Army.

Karni Mata Temple
Deshnok temple is also known as Deshnok Karni Mata temple. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, which is an incarnation of the Goddess Durga who took birth in the 14th century. The goddess is believed to have miraculous power. The village in which the temple is located is also known as Deshnok, which means ten corners. The village is located 30 kilometers from Bikaner along the Jodhopur Road. The temple possesses a high a spiritual significance. There are a number of beliefs associated with the temple. On visiting the temple, you will come across a large number of brown rats in the temple complex. It is believed that these rats carry the soul of dead charans. Such beliefs attract a large number of devotees from different corners of the world. They come to the temple and offer sweets, grains, milk to the goddess during the aarti. Moreover, you can consider yourself really lucky if you get to see a white mouse as it is considered auspicious. The rats are such an integral part of the temple that wire grills had been constructed to protect then from birds of prey. A visit to the temple will surely be a unique experience as it will provide a close look of the various traditions and customs of the region.