Bikaner

This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples– magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding. 
The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.

How to reach Bikaner

By Road :: There are so many express buses to/from Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Agra & Delhi. 

By Rail :: There are few express trains to major destinations. The Jaipur-Bikaner Express leaves at 8:30 PM, it takes about 10 hours to reach Jaipur. The Intercity Express departs at 5 AM & reaches Jaipur at 11:55 PM. The Ranakpur Express leaves for Jodhpur at 9:35 AM, it takes about 5 1/2 hours. The Sarai Rohilla Express leaves at 7:45 PM & reaches Delhi at 6:40 AM.

By Air :: Nearest airport :: Jodhpur Airport i.e. 256 Kms. There are daily fights to Delhi & Mumbai from Jodhpur.
Distance from major cities 
Bikaner - New Delhi 470 Kms 
Bikaner - Mumbai 1299 Kms 
Bikaner - Jaipur 321 Kms 
Bikaner - Udaipur 506 Kms 
Bikaner - Jodhpur 243 Kms 
Bikaner - Jaisalmer 333 Kms 

Places to see

Lallgarh Palace :: This palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. It is a beautifully designed & made up of red sandstone and has has a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal and the European style architecture. The palace also houses wonderful paintings & hunting trophies. It has some exquisite latticework and filigree work. it is must visit spot.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum :: This museum house the collection of best teracottaware, weapons, miniature paintings & coins.

Junagarh Fort :: This fort was built by Raja Raj Singh. It have beautiful palaces & temples.

Prachina Museum :: Located in the wonderful Junagarh Fort, the museum houses regal costumes and antiques. Its a must visit spot to vitness the royal lifestyle of the royal family of Bikaner.

Bhandeswari Jain Temple :: It is the most 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.

Around Bikaner

Gajner Palace :: The lovely palace is located in the banks of a beautiful lake. Once it was the hunting lodge for the Royal Family of Bikaner. Now the beautiful palace is converted into a Grand heritage hotel, you can stay there like a king by paying a decent amount.
Click here for more details about Gajner Palace.

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.

Kolyat :: It is just 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple complex of Kolyat and a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The complex has few temples, pavilions and ghats. A bath in the holy lake especially on Kartik Poornima (November) is considered incredibly fortunate.

Katariasar Village :: It is just 45 kms away from Bikaner. This village is a must visit plaace 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.

Karni Mata temple, Deshnok :: The Deshnok village is located 32 kms away in the south of Bikaner. The place is famous for the Karni Mata temple. Karni Mata, considered as living form of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles. You will spot hundreds of rats there.

Useful Information

Climate - Rainfall is between 26-44 cms. 
In summers Bikaner has temperature between 28.0° C to 41.8° C
In Winters Bikaner has temperature between 5.0° C to 23.2° C