Things To Do
in Bīkaner
Bikaner is a city located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. Known for its impressive forts and palaces, Bikaner is a popular tourist destination. The city is also famous for its delicious snacks and sweets, particularly its signature bhujia.
Bikaner has a rich cultural heritage and is home to vibrant festivals and traditional Rajasthani art forms.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $0.50 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the famous Junagarh Fort. Marvel at its stunning architecture and learn about the history of the Bikaner royal family.
Head to the Lalgarh Palace, known for its beautiful red sandstone architecture and lush gardens. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant nearby.
Take a walk around the historic alleys of Bikaner. Sample some local street food like bhujia for an authentic experience.
Early morning, take a trip to the nearby Sand Dunes to experience the Thar Desert. Enjoy a camel ride and the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.
Visit the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, famous for its rat inhabitants. Learn about the fascinating legends associated with this unique pilgrimage site.
Return to Bikaner and relax at a local café. Enjoy the views as the sun sets over the city.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with architectural wonders like Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace.
- Famous for its unique cuisine, including Bikaneri Bhujia and other spicy snacks.
- Vibrant festivals such as the Bikaner Camel Festival, showcasing local traditions and customs.
- Strategic location in Rajasthan, making it a gateway to explore the Thar Desert.
- Strong community spirit and hospitality, providing a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Extreme weather conditions, with very hot summers and chilly winters, which may deter some visitors.
- Limited access to modern amenities and healthcare facilities compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure challenges, including issues with transportation and public services.
- Potential for cultural misunderstandings for tourists not familiar with local customs.
- Economic reliance on tourism, which can be volatile and affect local livelihoods.
Best Activities in Bīkaner
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the magnificent Junagarh Fort to experience the rich history and architecture of Bikaner.
Embark on a camel safari to explore the vast and scenic Thar Desert surrounding Bikaner.
Explore the unique Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple, and witness the sacred rat population.
Plan a visit during the annual Camel Festival to witness camel races, folk performances, and cultural activities.
Discover the beautiful Gajner Palace and enjoy activities such as bird watching and boat rides at the Gajner Lake.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bīkaner with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bīkaner
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive fort with stunning architecture and panoramic views
Historic palace known for its ornate design and picturesque surroundings
Scenic palace and wildlife sanctuary offering beautiful natural views
Iconic city gate with opportunities for capturing the essence of Bīkaner
Traditional haveli showcasing intricate craftsmanship and photogenic facades
Food in Bīkaner
Bīkaner Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Rajasthani dish consisting of lentil curry (dal), baked wheat flour bread rolls (bati), and coarsely ground wheat flour sweetened with jaggery (churma). Must-try at Chhotu Motu Joshi Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A flavorful curry made from gram flour (besan) dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt gravy, often garnished with cilantro. Available at Balaji Restaurant.
A traditional Rajasthani preparation featuring dried berries (ker) and beans (sangri), simmered with aromatic spices. Best sampled at Kote Gate or Bīkaner Food Street.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bīkaner better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Wander through this bustling street lined with stalls offering a myriad of local delights such as kachoris, samosas, and kulfi. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic street food flavors here.
Explore the vibrant KEM Market to experience the true essence of Bīkaner's food culture. Indulge in snacks like mirchi bada, pyaaj ki kachori, and ghewar, a local sweet delicacy.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bīkaner, it is customary to greet people with a traditional 'Namaste' by pressing your palms together and bowing slightly. It is a sign of respect and should be used when meeting or departing from someone.
When dining in Bīkaner, it is important to use your right hand for eating as the left hand is considered unclean. Additionally, always accept food or drink with your right hand as a sign of respect.
When visiting temples or other sacred places in Bīkaner, it is important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Additionally, refrain from any behavior that may be seen as disrespectful, such as loud talking or taking photographs without permission.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bīkaner with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bīkaner
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bīkaner, India, tipping is not always expected but is appreciated in certain situations, particularly in high-end restaurants or for exceptional service. A tip of about 10% of the bill amount is considered generous.
Payment in Bīkaner, India is predominantly conducted in cash, although larger establishments may accept credit cards. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller transactions as many places may not have card payment facilities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bīkaner.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Bīkaner is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The days are sunny, and the nights are cool, making it a perfect time to explore the city's attractions and attend the famous camel festival in January.
Summer in Bīkaner is extremely hot with temperatures soaring above 40°C. It is not recommended to visit during this time as the weather can be uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
During the monsoon season, Bīkaner experiences occasional showers which provide relief from the scorching summer heat. The city becomes lush and green, but outdoor activities may be limited due to heavy rains.
Bīkaner at Night
Hiking in Bīkaner
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located near Deshnok, the hills surrounding the Karni Mata Temple offer scenic trails and a unique experience of hiking through arid landscapes.
Gajner, approximately 30 km from Bikaner, provides trails around the palace and sanctuary, perfect for hiking while enjoying wildlife sightings.
The hills located near the small village of Karnikshar, featuring a blend of nature trails and viewpoints for hiking enthusiasts.
A tranquil spot with surrounding hills that allows for leisurely hikes with picturesque views, situated roughly 50 km from Bikaner.
The expansive grounds of Lalgarh Palace provide opportunities for short hikes with architectural marvels and gardens to explore.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bīkaner through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bīkaner by plane.
Located approximately 250 km from Bīkaner, Jodhpur Airport is a domestic airport with some international traffic.
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, around 750 km from Bīkaner, this is one of the major international airports in India.
Located in Delhi, approximately 650 km from Bīkaner, it is one of the busiest international airports in India.
Around 330 km from Bīkaner, this airport serves as a gateway to Rajasthan with both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A prominent warrior caste known for their historical significance and influence in the region.
Merchant community involved in trade and business activities.
A priestly class traditionally associated with education and religious rituals.
A significant religious community with a rich cultural heritage.
Various groups traditionally marginalized, engaged in various occupations.
A religious community known for its path of non-violence and business acumen.
A tribal community with historical roots in the region.
Includes various smaller communities and ethnic groups.
The Soul of Bīkaner
Discover the essence of Bīkaner through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Bīkaner, enjoyed by people of all ages. Local tournaments and matches are frequently held.
Football has a significant following in Bīkaner, with various clubs and schools participating in local matches and leagues.
A traditional sport, Kabbadi is widely played in rural areas around Bīkaner, featuring local tournaments that attract many participants.
Hockey is a popular sport in Bīkaner, with many schools and youth teams competing in various competitions.
Badminton is gaining popularity among the youth in Bīkaner, with many people participating in local tournaments and recreational play.
Athletics events, including running and jumping events, are popular at schools and inter-school competitions in Bīkaner.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bīkaner.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Bīkaner's cuisine is renowned for its vegetarian offerings, with a wide range of delectable dishes such as aloo pyaaz ki sabzi, bharwa bhindi, and more. Vegetarians will find plenty of choices across the city's eateries.
While dairy is prevalent in Rajasthani cuisine, several local eateries offer vegan dishes like papad ki sabzi, kair sangri, and pakodi ki sabzi. Cafe Kothi and Chhotu Motu Joshi Restaurant are excellent choices for vegan food.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can relish dishes like chane ka saag, bharwan karela, and moong dal halwa, which are naturally gluten-free. Many restaurants, including Balaji Restaurant, can accommodate gluten-free requests.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bīkaner with these cultural adventures.
