Things to do in  Bikaner

The red sandstone Junagarh Fort seems to rise organically from the Thar Desert around Bikaner. The 16th-century fort is a must-visit attraction in the northern Rajasthani city and is as well-maintained on the inside as it is outside, with beautiful interior details and museum displays. You could spend a long time wandering between the courtyards, palaces, and temples of the large complex.

Camels are a common sight in Rajasthan and are an important part of the desert state’s ecosystem and workforce. Learn more about the hump-backed, long-legged creatures at Bikaner’s National Research Centre on Camel, run by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Tour the museum, ride camels, coo over babies, and even cool off with camel milk ice cream or lassi.

In the heart of Old Bikaner, Rampuria Haveli is a group of nine havelis (city mansions), constructed in pink Dulmera sandstone. Most of the havelis were likely built around the 15th century, and are a great example of Rajasthani architecture.

Built in the early 20th century as a residence for the ruler of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, Lalgarh Palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Today it houses a hotel and the Sadul Singh Museum, though the royal family still lives in a small wing of the palace to this day.

Bikaner's Bhandasar Jain Temple is among the key attractions in the city, drawing in tourists and pilgrims alike. It was built in the 15th century over the course of about 50 years, and features beautifully carved interiors adorned with intricate mirror work and paintings, many in the Rajasthani miniature style.

As one of the oldest and best-known temples in Bikaner, the 16th-century Shri Laxminath Temple gets its fair share of visitors. Pilgrims come to seek the blessing of Lord Visnu and the Goddess Laxmi who preside over the marble complex.

One of Bikaner's most recognizable landmarks, Kote Gate is considered the gateway to the Old City and acts as the de facto border between the old and new parts of town. While many visitors simply pass through, it's worth taking your time to check out the architecture of this massive entryway.