Bikaner is a cultural paradise and a traveler’s paradise. This city will keep you captive in its forts, mesmerize you with its natural beauty and bring you back to its glorious past. With extremely attractive places to visit in Bikaner, the city will call you back again and again.
Easily accessible by air, rail, and road, Bikaner has many tourist spots that are of interest to history lovers and culture enthusiasts. Before we proceed to the top tourist places of Bikaner, here are some essential things that will help you in planning a trip to Bikaner.
Bikaner | Places to Visit
Junagarh Fort
An undefeated and undisputed fort, which still stands tall and tells stories of a glorious past, Junagarh Fort is indeed one of the magnificent places to visit in Bikaner. The unique amalgamation of Mughal and Gujarati architecture makes this fort one of its kind. Its wet beauty and picturesque surrounding offer plenty of options to capture photographers.
- Har Mandir a.k.a Royal Chapel: This temple was built exclusively for the royal family.
- Karan Mahal a.k.a Public Hall: Considered to be the most tranquilizing place of this fort, it narrates the victorious tale of Karan Singh over Aurangzeb and highlights the aesthetic side of the royal family.
- Anup Mahal: The erstwhile administrative block, it is beautifully built with Italian tiles, exquisite lattice balconies & windows, and exceptional wooden work.
- Chandra Mahal: A fine example of royal luxuries, the structure boasts of breathtaking luxurious rooms and mesmerizing goldwork.
- Fort Museum: Built-in an attempt to preserve the tales of the past, the museum also exhibits royal jewels and costumes alongside paintings of the royal family. One can also see the arms and ammunition preserved here in the museum. The library boasts its collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts.
Lalgarh Palace
The beautiful red sandstone structure is one of the major tourist attractions of Bikaner. With a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles, this place is the true spirit of Rajasthan. Commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh between 1902 and 1926, the palace was later converted into the Lalgarh Palace Hotel.
- Sadul Museum: Located on the first floor of Lalgarh Fort, this museum exhibits the heads of various animals and a collection of trophies of rulers of Bikaner. One also gets to see photographs and personal artifacts of the mighty rulers of this region.
- Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: Another museum within the fort, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum exhibits a fine collection of historical remains brought together under one roof. It also showcases the German artist Mueller’s large oil paintings, sculptures of various dynasties, coin collection, and an amazing exhibition of remains of Pre-Harappan civilization.
Laxmi Niwas Palace
The Lakshmi Niwas Palace is the former residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, built in the Indo-Saracenic style between 1898 and 1902 by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The beautiful red sandstone structure is one of the most popular places in Bikaner. The palace was converted into a hotel and is now operated by the Golden Triangle Fort & Palace Private Limited.
Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on the banks of Lake Gajner, Gajner Palace is an architectural treat for visitors. The red sandstone structure is situated in a dense forest and flocks of migratory birds can be seen around the area. The most beautiful architectural marvels to visit in Bikaner for a lovely weekend. The property also has the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, which was the famous hunting ground of the royal family.
Rampuria Haveli
Bikaner is famous for its grand Havelis and houses built with intricate carvings and vents reminiscent of palaces. The Rampuria Havelis were built by wealthy Bikaner merchants. A walk in the streets of this mansion will let you know hundreds of years ago. So, remember this place while searching for the top places in Bikaner.
Karni Mata Temple
One of the unique places to visit in Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The temple is believed to be home to over 20,000 rats. Visitors worship these mice and make offerings to them as they are considered to be the sons of Karni Mata. The silver gate of the temple and intricate marble carvings add charm to the temple.
Thar Desert
Explore the forest in the middle of the desert, and see the beauty of the sea of sand in the Thar Desert. Camel Safari is a must-try for every traveler coming to Bikaner. With top-notch facilities provided by the organizers, you get to experience nature in its raw form.
National Research Centre On Camel
The center is a camel breeding nursery that is home to over 230 camels of three different breeds. A visit to this place will give you information about the facilities and techniques used in the center. You can also taste some samples of milk or add lassi to the milk outlet on site. Also, one can go through the small museum and opt for a camel ride to this center which should be visited at least once in life.
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