Bikaner - The City of Old Havelis

Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, Famous for its 'bhunjia' (salted, crispy and spicy edibles), Bikaner is also 'salty' in its appeal and appearance - nice, crisp and alluring. The beautiful 'Havelis' (semi-royal mansions) are just imposing. And if the camel is the 'ship of the desert', Bikaner is the anchorage of these 'ships' as there is a National Camel Farm in Bikaner dedicated to study this unique creature of God which can live without food and water for several days.

Lalgarh Palace - The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 AD-1942 AD) in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh between 1902 -1926.This magnificent palace is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this jewel of the desert. Walls of palaces are reminiscent of the past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The treasure trove where the guests can spend hours 'walking in the past'. The palace has it's own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world), clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting traps facilities at adjoining ranges. Palace has wild peacocks spreading their feathers at almost every step flowering rows of bougainvillea. Bikaner royal family still lives in part of the palace. A portion of palace is now a hotel.

Junagarh Fort - The fascinating piece of architecture was built between 1588 -1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571 - 1611 AD), a general in army of Mughal emperor, Akbar. The imposing fort has 986 long walls with 37 bastions and two entrances. The Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) is main entrance to the fort. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows. A measure feature of Junagarh fort is the superb quality of the stone carving-it rivals the best anywhere in the world. Among the places of interest are the Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace, with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels. The Phool Mahal or Flower Palace is decorated with glass and mirrors. The Karan Mahal was built to commemorate a notable victory over the Mughal Aurangzeb. The Anoop Mahal is famous for it's gold leaf painting. Other palaces worth visiting are the Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir, Rang Mahal, Bijai Mahal. Gigantic columns, imposing arches and graceful scenes, minarets and pavilions, in fact, make it worth a repeat visit.

Prachina Museum -   The princely state of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika Ji in the year 1488 A.D. Since the foundation of Bikaner, the rulers of Bikaner had a prominent and glorious role in the history of India. Keeping with the rich and glorious past of Bikaner, daughter of present Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji recently (Oct, 2000) opened a museum "PRACHINA". It is an endeavor to recreate the past and highlight the pace of modernization activated with times and a representation of regional museum as there was a lacuna of courtly tradition and craft Museum in Bikaner. PRACHINA" is an effort to highlight the aristocratic patronage, which thrived and survived in Bikaner. This museum hopes to build and develop a cultural center to revive the dying craft of Bikaner and amalgamate it to present life.

Bhandeswari Jain Temple - It is the oldest temple of Bikaner, it has wonderful rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.

Camel Research Farm - The farm is just 8 kms away from Bikaner. It covers an area of 2000 acres & is the world's largest Camel research & Breeding center.

Gajner Palace - Gajner Palace -a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens, the craftsmanship here is amazing. Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to Chinkaras, blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel. 

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary - The sanctuary is just 32 kms away from Bikaner. Its the perfect place for adventure lovers to spot the Nilgai, Chinkara, Black buck, Wild boar, flocks of imperial sand grouse and many more migratory birds. Jeep Safari with a guide is the best option to visit this wonderful sanctuary.

Shri Kolayat Temple
A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint) is situated 50 kms from Bikaner on highway leading to Jaisalmer. Kapil Muni sat in meditation near lake. Muni was profounder of Sankhya Philosophy The temple is the venue for an annual fair held in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) when the thousands of devotees gather in a large number to take a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Kolayat lake (Kapil Sarovar) on the full moon day. Lake is considered to have the effect of washing off the sins of devotees. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of he festivities.

Katariasar Village
It is just 45 kms away from Bikaner. This village is a must visit place if you want to experience the ethnic rural and cultural life of Rajasthan. Herds of chinkaras, desert fox, rabbits, peacocks, parrots and partridges are found in large quantity in this area.

Karnimata Temple (Deshnoke)
33 kms situated enroute to Jodhpur, the temple is dedicated to Karni Mata- an incarnation of goddess Durga This 600 years old temple offers a haven to rats who scamper freely within the temple. Devotes feed the rates, owing to the belief that rodents will reincarnate as holy men. It goes to Maharaja Ganga Singh's credit for generously donating massive silver gates to the temple. The gates are elegant in design and intricate in carvings.

At local Market
Mojari (Bikaneri style), rangi dupatta, Kundan work, wooden antiques, Haldirams (Rasgulas, bhujia), Lacquer Bangles, carpet making. The exquisite works of art made out of camel hides is famous of Bikaner.