Location: Rajasthan

About Bikaner
The desert city of Rajasthan, Bikaner attracts large number of tourist for its architectural legacy, showcasing the vibrant culture of Rajputs. Witness the glorious charms of the region, endorsed with opulent forts, palaces and havelis that are testimony to bygone era. Richly sculptured temples are worth visiting, built in red and yellow sand stone.
Major Tourist Attractions in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in 1593 AD. The formidable fort is constructed on the plains and houses 37 palaces and pavilions including Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. Museum in the fort treasures valuable collection of miniature paintings and other artifacts.

Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace is one of the major attraction in the desert city, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902-1926. The stunning structure displays a fine blend of Rajput and European architectural style. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect, the Palace endorses several spacious halls, lounges, pavilions and cupolas exhibiting the intricate work in form of stunning lattice and filigree work.

Bhandeshwari Temple
Bhandeshwari Temple captivates the tourist attention for its imposing facades and magical effect. The 14th century temple is well known for its excellent mirror work, fresco and gold leaf paintings.

Ganga Golden Museum
Ganga Golden is a small museum displaying unique collection of ancient artifacts. It also exhibits antiques like carpets, Bikaneri miniature paintings, armory, coins and local arts.
Popular Excursions from Bikaner

Deshnoke Temple
A famous 600 years old Deshnoke Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata- an incarnation of Durga. Entrance is adorned with two intricately carved silver gates and an archway.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 32 km from the city. Several animal species such as nilgai, black buck, chinkara, wild boar and many more are inhabitants of the sanctuary. In addition visit the majestic Gajner Palace built on the pristine lake along the sanctuary.

Camel Breeding Farm
Camel Breeding Farm is situated at a distance of 8 km from the main city. The farm is spread in an area of 2000 acres, managed by the Central Government. It is one of the camel research and breeding centres in Asia.

Devi Kund Sagar
Bikaner excursion tour must include Devi Kund Sagar, situated approximately 8 km from the city. It treasures the royal crematorium and several superb cenotaphs belonging to the royal family of Bikaner. Some cenotaphs are made of red sandstone while others are made of marble. Few of them are adorned with Rajput painting on the ceiling.

Katariasar Village
Katariasar Village, located 45 km from Bikaner is a kaleidoscope to the rural lifestyle of Rajasthan. The village is popularly known for its fire dance performers, who perform on the beats of drum on a bed of burning coal. Wildlife lovers can have a glimpse of various animal species like rabbit, chinkara, desert fox, peacock etc. that are found in the surrounding areas.

Popular Shopping Centres in Bikaner
The bustling markets of desert city has lot to offer shopaholics. Kota Gate is popular for its lanes of tiny shops and stalls. M.G road and Station road sell embroidered jootis, junk accessories, tie and die sarees, Bikaner Miniature paintings at a reasonable cost. Urmal Outlet is the best place to search for village handicrafts. Local made blankets, carpets, rugs, wood carvings and lacquer work can purchased from Government Khadi Emporium.

Famous Festivals in Bikaner
Bikaner Camel Festival
At the end of December, the arid deserts of Bikaner turns out to be lively with upcoming grand camel festival. Three days of extravaganza displays exciting events, which includes competition for best camel breed, best decorated camel etc. Other interesting attractions of the festival are camel dance, tug-of-war contest, acrobatics and folk dances.

Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival is dedicated to Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva and is celebrated in the month of July-August. Goddess Gauri is considered to be an epitome of martial love. It is a festival of maidens and married women in which unmarried females pray for a groom of their choice and married pray to be blessed with a happy married life.

Kolayat Fair
Kolayat Fair is organized every year near the Kolayat lake, located at a distance of 8 km from Bikaner. The fair is celebrated in the Kartik month of Hindu calender. On this auspicious day devotees flock near the lake and take a holy dip on full moon day. The Kolayat temple is regarded as one of the major pilgrimage destination.

Bikaner Travel Information
Airport : Jodhpur Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 235 km.

Railway Station : Bikaner Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

Road : Bikaner is well connected by road with major cities of India.

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