Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English Best time to Visit: November to February STD Code: 0151
Why Holiday in Bikaner
The desert city of Bikaner in Rajasthan is known for its well-fed camels and citadels. Fabulous forts and captivating camel safaris ensure that the tourists have the time of their life.
Location of Bikaner
The city of Bikaner is located in the north of northwestern state of India -
Rajasthan. It shares its boundaries with Nagaur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and even Pakistan.
Best Time to Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit Bikaner is during the winter months from November to February. Winter months are pleasant enough for long stays. The summer months are best avoided for visiting Bikaner.
Tourism in Bikaner
The city of Bikaner is dotted with tourist spots. There is the imposing Junagarh Fort that was built by Akbar's contemporary Raja Rai Singh. It comprises of thirty-seven palaces and pavilions including Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. Within the fort there is a museum that houses valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques.
Lalgarh Palace is a marvellous monument that was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh close to a century ago. Billiards room, library, cards room and smoking room are amongst the key features of the palace.
The 16th century Bhandeshwar Jain Temples in Bikaner are dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji. Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple are the other temples to visit while in Bikaner.
Tourism around Bikaner
Close to Bikaner is the temple of Mata Karni and Goddess Durga where you may see thousands of rats pacing. At wildlife sanctuary you may spot the nilgai, wild boar, chinkara et al. The revered Shiv Bari Temple with a bronze Nandi statue and a Shiva lingam is a must visit.
Fairs and Festivals of Bikaner
The beautiful city of Bikaner is famous for its fairs and festivals. The Camel Festival is celebrated in the month of January with camel races, milking, dancing, et al.
On the occasion of holy festival of Kolayat people take a dip in the holy water of the Kolayat Lake. It falls on the full-moon night of the Hindu month Kartik (November).
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati the Gangaur Festival is an 18-day long spring festival celebrated during the month of April.
Shopping in Bikaner
While holidaying in Bikaner you may shop for traditional handicraft items like metal ware, blue pottery, Rajasthani paintings, puppetry, embroidered fabrics, block-printed fabrics et al.
How to Reach Bikaner
Bikaner is well connected to other major tourist destinations in Rajasthan by air, rail and road.
By Air
The airport nearest to Bikaner is that of Jodhpur which is 240 kms away.
By Rail
The railway network connects Bikaner with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur and other important tourist cities of India.
By Road
Bikaner can be easily reached by road as well. There are well-maintained roads linking it to tourism destinations like Bikaner (949 km), Jaipur (316 km), Jodhpur (240 km) and Jaisalmer (330 km).
Close to Bikaner is the temple of Mata Karni and Goddess Durga where you may see thousands of rats pacing. At wildlife sanctuary you may spot the nilgai, wild boar, chinkara et al. The revered Shiv Bari Temple with a bronze Nandi statue and a Shiva lingam is a must visit.