Namastey from team India Ghoomo, It’s Sarita & Kamal. Welcome to Rajasthan series. In this video/ post we will mention the Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Bikaner.
Bikaner Travel Guide – Rajasthan
Bikaner
Situated in the northern region of Rajasthan in India – Bikaner is one of the earlier established cities, founded by Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, in 1488. Bikaner is known for some of the world’s best riding camels and is correctly nicknamed ‘camel country’.
The city boasts of imposing palaces, forts and temples constructed out carving red and yellow sand stones. The intricate carvings display some of the finest creations of the Rajputs.
Bikaner Main Attractions are
The Karni Mata Temple
The Junagarh Fort
National Research Centre on Camel
Research Centre on Equines
The Lalgarh Palace
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum &
Shree Laxmi Nath Temple
The Karni Mata Temple
Location
30 Kms from Bikaner, in the town of Deshnok
Visit Duration
1 to 2 hours
Timings
Temple opens at 4:00 am
Bikaner – Karni Mata Temple
The Belief
The main deity in the temple is Goddess Karni Mata who is regarded as the incarnation of Maa Durga & The kabas are believed to be the manifestations of Karni Mata herself and her sons.
Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, is the best place to visit if you want to observe fascinating religious customs and want to enjoy watching thousands of rats running around you and over your feet as you walk around in the temple and feel the presence of Karni Mata. Read more.
Rats at Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner Rajasthan
The Junagarh Fort
Location
Bikaner city
Visit Duration
1 to 2 hours
Timings
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fees
Entry fee & Camera fee
Guides
It’s recommended to hire a guide available for a fee.
Junagarh Fort – Bikaner Rajasthan
Main Attraction
Unlike other forts, the Junagarh fort is built in the plains of Bikaner and not on a hilltop. It’s one of the oldest forts with 7 fortified gates. The fort further has structures built within and includes a number of palaces, a couple of temples and huge pavilions – the walls made of marble and red sandstone and roof made of wood and glass.
These structures are preserved as museums providing insight into the luxurious lifestyle of the Rajput Kings.
Junagarh Fort in Bikaner Rajasthan
Junagarh Fort Bikaner Rajasthan
Bikaner Junagarh Fort
National Research Centre on Camel / Camel Breeding Farm
Location
8 kms from Bikaner city towards the Eastern side
Visit Duration
1 hour
Timings
2 PM – 6 PM
Entrance Fee
Rs.30 Per Person for Indians and Rs.100 Per Person for Foreign Tourists. Camera charges Rs. 50, and Camel rides Rs. 50 ( The prices are subject to change)
Guides
Available for a fee
National Research Centre on Camel Bikaner
Main Attraction
Camel interactions, camel safari & museum.
The National Research Centre on Camel also known as the Camel Breeding Farm was established in 1984 by the government, this place is popular among tourists who wish to learn more about Camels.
National Research Centre on Camel houses around 350 camels of 4 different species – The Bikaneri, The Jaisalmeri, The Mewar and Rann of Kutch.
National Research Centre on Camel Bikaner Rajasthan
Camel Species Identification & Usage
The Bikaneri Camel
These camels have distinct thick and long eyelashes. The Bikaneri camels are used in transportation.
The Jaisalmeri Camel
These camels are light brown in color and have short hair. The Jaisalmeri camels are fast runners and are used by BSF.
The Mewar Camel
These camels are white in color and have short hair. The Mewar Camels are known for producing milk.
Rann of Kutch Camel
These camels are short and dark in color. The Rann of Kutch camels are used for milk production.
Camel Average lifespan – 27 years
After enjoying a short Camel ride. Tourists can try Camel milk lassi, coffee, cream, and kulfi available at the milk parlour in the campus.
Camel breeding farm Bikaner Rajasthan
National Research Centre on Equines
Location
Adjacent to the Camel Research Centre
Timings
Evening: 2 PM – 6 PM
National Research Centre on Equines Bikaner
Main Attraction
Interaction with horses, museum & horse riding.
The National Research Centre on Equines that houses 6 different breeds of horses – namely the Marwari, Manipuri, Spiti, Kathiawari, Bhutia and Zanskari.
Horse riding can be done early morning. It will be a fun experience interacting with these horses and ponies at the farm. Make sure to visit the place if you have sufficient time.
National Research Centre on Equines Bikaner Rajasthan
Bikaner National Research Centre on Equines Rajasthan
National Research Centre on Equines Rajasthan Bikaner
National Research Centre on Equines in Rajasthan Bikaner
The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
Located near Lalgarh Palace, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has collection of artifacts and objects from Royal Kingdom period.
Shri Laxmi Nath Temple
4 kms away from Junagarh Fort, Shri Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner and is adobe to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
The Lalgarh Palace
Built in the beginning of the 19th century, The Lalgarh Palace displays the themes of modernity combined with the the historical times of the Rajput Maharajas. The palace today serves as a hotel.
Places to Eat in Bikaner
Around 3 kms from Junagarh Fort, at Panchshati circle is a decent restaurant named Ganapati Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy delicious meals at very reasonable rates.
Bikaner Cuisine
While in Bikaner, do try the local traditional Rajasthani Thali. It is an absolute delight to eat a little bit of everything from the best that a Rajasthani cuisine can offer.
Rajasthani Thali Cuisine
Shopping in Bikaner
Kote Gate, Station Road Market & Mahatma Gandhi road market, you can find a number of shops selling Bandhani sarees, dupattas, footwear, blankets, quilts and jewelry at a very reasonable price.
Shopping in Bikaner
Music, Dance & Festivals
The music of Bikaner is yet another amazing feature of the cultural heritage of the place.
The best way to enjoy the traditional dance & music is by booking an accommodation at a heritage hotel. These hotels organize evening cultural programmes which are included in the package.
Bikaner Music Dance Festivals
Bikaner Music
The Bikaner Camel Festival and Fair
It is one of the main festivals celebrated in the month of January. The main attraction of the festival is decorated camels on display, camel dances and camel races followed by folk dance and music.
Bikaner Camel Festival and Fair
So these were the Top Tourist Attractions in Bikaner that we could cover in 1 and half days.
Hope you found the post useful and enjoyed watching the video. Your response & feedback matters so give this video a big Thumbs up, leave us a comment and Subscribe our youtube channel “India Ghoomo” for more videos and we will see you soon in our next travel guide. Till then, take care byeeee….