Bikaner
Ancient forts, opulent palaces, a temple of miraculous rats, and the world-famous Bikaneri Bhujia — this desert city rewards the curious traveller with surprises at every turn.
About Bikaner
Founded in 1486 by Rao Bika, a son of the founder of Jodhpur, Bikaner sits in the heart of the Thar Desert in northern Rajasthan. Unlike its more famous neighbours, Bikaner offers an authentic, less-touristed experience — a city where you can still wander ancient bazaars with few other travellers in sight.
The city is famous above all for its magnificent Junagarh Fort — unusually, it was never conquered. Built in 1593 and continuously embellished over centuries, it is one of Rajasthan's most impressive forts. The adjacent Lalgarh Palace, built in red sandstone with European influences, is equally spectacular.
Bikaner is also the home of the Karni Mata temple — the extraordinary "Rat Temple" of Deshnok, 30 km away — and houses India's only National Camel Research Centre. For the traveller willing to go a little further off the beaten trail, Bikaner delivers richly.
Oct – Feb
Best Season
Camel HQ
National Research Centre
Est. 1486
Founded
Unconquered
Junagarh Fort
Places to Visit
Bikaner's off-beaten-path charm comes from its unconquered fort, its opulent palace, and its utterly unique rat temple.
Junagarh Fort
Built in 1593 and never conquered — one of Rajasthan's most impressive forts. Its palaces, temples, and museums chronicle 500 years of Bikaner's royal history in stunning detail.
NEVER CONQUEREDKarni Mata Temple
The legendary "Rat Temple" at Deshnok — where some 25,000 sacred rats roam freely. Spotting a white rat here is considered an extraordinary blessing of rare good fortune.
SACRED & UNIQUELalgarh Palace
A magnificent early 20th-century palace built in red sandstone by Maharaja Ganga Singh, blending Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural influences into one extraordinary ensemble.
HERITAGE PALACENational Camel Research Centre
India's only dedicated camel research facility on the city's outskirts — offering fascinating insight into camel breeding, milk production, and a chance to interact with these desert giants up close.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCEGajner Palace
A former royal hunting lodge on the shores of Gajner Lake, 32 km from Bikaner — now a luxury heritage hotel surrounded by wildlife sanctuary and migratory birds in winter.
HERITAGE LAKE RESORTOld City Bazaars
Bikaner's old city hides a labyrinth of bazaars selling the famous Bikaneri snacks, embroidered textiles, lacquerwork bangles, and silver jewellery — largely unknown to mass tourism.
OFF-BEATEN SHOPPINGFamous Food
Bikaner's snacks are sold across India — but nothing beats eating them fresh, right here in the city that invented them.
Bikaneri Bhujia
The most famous snack in India — ultra-thin, crispy moth lentil noodles seasoned with black pepper and spices. Bikaner's bhujia is exported worldwide but tastes best here, fresh from the vaati.
Rasgulla
Bikaner's distinctive version — cottage cheese dumplings soaked in a light saffron-tinged sugar syrup, softer and smaller than the Bengali version, with a subtle desert sweetness.
Gatte Ki Khichdi
A Bikaner staple — soft gram flour dumplings cooked into a rich khichdi of rice and lentils, flavoured with ghee and desert spices. Comfort food at its most soulful.
Soan Papdi
Bikaner's flaky, gossamer-light gram flour sweet — layered, melt-in-the-mouth confection dusted with cardamom and pistachio. The definitive Indian gift-box sweet.
Discover Bikaner's Hidden Gems
Beyond the tourist trail — Bikaner is Rajasthan's best-kept secret. Let Omni Holidays design your bespoke itinerary with insider access to the city's finest experiences. We call within 48 hours.