Top Places to Visit in Bikaner in 2025

Bikaner is a city situated in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan, India, and it is the administrative headquarters of the Bikaner District and the Bikaner division that is formerly the capital of the princely Bikaner State, the city was founded by Rao Bika, and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. In this blog, we are diving into the top places that we must visit in Bikaner to learn about the Rajasthani culture, old traditions, and modern styles. The historical buildings tell us about the past in an old style that we must know about.

Is Bikaner worth a visit?

Yes, Bikaner is worth visiting, especially for those interested in history, culture, and architecture, which offers a unique blend of old and new, with attractions such as  Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, and the bustling markets. While not as well-known as Rajasthani cities, this place of heritage provides a rich and diverse experience, and it boasts a vibrant cultural heritage with historical landmarks and a blend of past and new architectural styles. 

Top Attractions in Bikaner in 2025

Bikaner, a vibrant city in Rajasthan, offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural experiences. As of 2025, here are some top attractions to explore in and around Bikaner:​

1. Junagarh Fort

This huge fort of Bikaner was originally called Chintamani and was renamed as the Junagarh or “Old Fort” in the early 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits that was established in 1961 by Maharaja Dr Karni Singhji, the Junagarh Fort Museum is situated inside the Junagarh Fort Complex of Bikaner. The beautiful fort and its complex have two main entrances that we can enter through Suraj Pol and Daulat Pol, along with inner gates including the Chand Pol, Karan Pol, and Fateh Pol. This is the top place that we must visit in Bikaner.

• Time to visit: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Distance: 2 km

2. Karni Mata Temple

This beautiful temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Karni Mata at the town of Deshnoke, located 30 km south of Bikaner, in Rajasthan, which has become the top pilgrimage site for devotees of Charani sagatis that are access to Hinglaj was restricted following the partition of India. The temple is a popular destination for tourists and is renowned, both in India and internationally, as the “Temple of Rats” due to the numerous rodents known as kaba, which are considered and treated with utmost care by devotees, where we worship our goddess Karni Mata.

• Time to visit: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Distance: 29 km

3. Lalgarh Palace

This location is a palace and heritage hotel situated in Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, built for Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. The old and historical Laxmi Niwas Palace is a part of Lalgarh Palace, but it has been given on lease and is currently being used as a heritage hotel and marriage garden for weddings and functions. The old building was commissioned by the British-controlled regency for Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881–1942) while he was still in his minority, as they considered the existing Junagarh Fort unsuitable for a modern monarch in the past years.

• Time to visit: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance: 4 km

4. Kodamdeshwar Temple

This beautiful temple is one of the lesser-known yet historically significant temples situated in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Although the precise date of its establishment is not well-documented, local lore suggests that the temple has been a part of Bikaner’s spiritual landscape for several years which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has been a place of worship and spiritual significance for the local Hindu community that was constructed with traditional Rajasthani architectural elements, the temple features intricate carvings that are characteristic of the region’s historical temples, which were typical in structures built during the medieval period in Rajasthan to the old times.

• Time to visit: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Distance: 24 km

5. Rampuria Havelis

The past and historical Rampuria Haveli is “the pride of Bikaner,” according to Aldous Huxley, who is a prominent writer and philosopher and to begin with, Rampuria Haveli was constructed during the 15th century by Balujee Chalva, who was ordered to construct royal and elegant mansions that befit the wealthy merchant family, Rampuria. The affluent and lavish inner halls are decorated with aesthetic objects, including the first-class landscapes and portraits, and artefacts made from fine wood, which are among the major and notable attractions of the Rampuria Haveli.

• Time to visit: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance: 2 km

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6. Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary

This Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 32.0 km from Bikaner. In old and former times, it was a hunting ground for the Maharajah of Bikaner. There is a lake near the sanctuary, and a variety of animals come here to quench their thirst in summer, as this is one of the proposed forests for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India. The residential area includes a variety of species such as wildfowl, deer, antelope, nilgai, chinkara, and wild boar. This place is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bikaner.

• Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Distance: 3 km

7. Shri Laxminath Temple

This temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner that graces the sacred sanctum of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Other than the beautiful idol, this temple is embellished with exquisite artwork in silver and platinum that looks pretty.. There are lots of festivals like Janmashtami, Nirjala Ekadashi, Ramnavami, Diwali, and Geeta Jayanti that are majorly celebrated at the temple, and one must not miss visiting the temple during these festivals. The most famous Shri Laxminath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Laxmi, which was constructed by Maharaja Rao Lunakaran between 1504 and 1526 CE.

• Time to visit: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Distance: 3 km

8. Devi Kund Sagar

This huge kund consists of several royal cenotaphs or chhatris of brave rulers of the Bika dynasty, and it has two groups of cenotaphs built in the memory of kings, queens, and members of the Bikaner royal family. In all these memorials, the cenotaph of Maharaja Anup Singh is a marvelous piece of art and architecture that stands on 16 pillars and bears carvings depicting acts of Lord Krishna, floral patterns. Maharaja Surat Singh’s Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings, where some of the cenotaphs have epigraphic memorial stones that we must explore.

• Time to visit: 9 km
• Distance: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

9. Bhandasar Jain Temple

This old temple is a Śvetāmbara Jain temple which is situated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and it is popular for its wall painting and artwork. This temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is a three-storied temple, known for its beautiful leaf paintings and ornamented mirror work. This temple was constructed and operated using red sandstone with beautiful paintings and yellow-stone carvings, pillars of the architecture. The sanctum is the ancharatha is covered by shikhara, having karna-amalakas that represent the Rajasthani culture.

• Time to visit: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Distance:  2.5 km

10. Laxmi Niwas Palace

This beautiful location is a heritage hotel situated in Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, built for Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926. The complex was designed by the British Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, and after a ritual blessing ceremony, construction commenced in 1896 on empty land 5 miles from the existing Junagarh Fort on what is now Dr. Karni Singhji Road. The historical building was commissioned by the British-controlled regency for Maharaja Ganga Singh while he was still in his minority, as they considered the existing Junagarh Fort for a modern monarch. 

• Time to visit: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance: 5 km

Conclusion

Bikaner is the best place that offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and architecture, making it a must-visit destination. Starting from the majestic Junagarh Fort to the vibrant old markets and the serene Karni Mata Temple, it provides a diverse experience for travelers. Whether we are a history buff or seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience, Bikaner will leave us mesmerized by its old markets offer a sensory overload of colors, with a wide array of local handicrafts and culinary delights that give us some new experiences of this beautiful place.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the must-visit attractions in Bikaner for first-time travelers?
Ans: First-time visitors to Bikaner should explore Junagarh Fort, the unique Karni Mata Temple (famous for its rats), Lalgarh Palace, and the vibrant old city markets. Don’t miss a camel safari in the surrounding Thar Desert.

2. When is the best time to visit Bikaner?
Ans: The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March, when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing and desert excursions. The Camel Festival in January is a highlight.

3. Are there any offbeat or hidden places to explore in Bikaner?
Ans: Yes, places like Gajner Palace and Lake, Devi Kund Sagar cenotaphs, and the hidden havelis in the old city offer a glimpse into Bikaner’s royal and architectural heritage beyond the main tourist trail.

4. What unique experiences should tourists not miss in Bikaner?
Ans: Don’t miss a camel ride through the dunes, attending the Bikaner Camel Festival, tasting local delicacies like Bikaneri bhujia and rasgullas, and exploring the intricately carved jharokhas of the old city.

5. How many days are enough to explore Bikaner fully?
Ans: 2 to 3 days are sufficient to explore Bikaner’s forts, palaces, temples, local cuisine, and nearby desert attractions at a comfortable pace.