1. Pay a Visit to the Magnificent Junagarh Fort: One of the most favourite things to do in Bikaner among architecture enthusiasts, is to enjoy an exploration tour of the awe-inspiring Junagarh Fort.
Known formerly as Chintamani Mahal, this grand structure dates back to the 20th century and manifests a brilliant architectural design, which has been influenced by foreign inspirations and the difference in culture of the various rulers. The alluring Junagarh Fort is home to a number of breathtaking palaces, gardens, and kiosks.
Location: Junagarh Fort Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 10.00 AM to 4.30 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 50 per head for Indian nationals; INR 300 per head for foreign nationals.
2. Marvel at the Architecture of the Lalgarh Palace: Visiting the Lalgarh Palace is one of the unmissable Bikaner things to do if you want to get a sneak peak into the traditional, cultural, and royal beauty of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Constructed using red sandstone derived from the Thar Desert, this majestic structure changes its colour throughout the day. This lavish palace also serves as a renowned heritage hotel at the present day, featuring luxury rooms and imperial hospitality. The Lalgarh Palace flaunts a huge well-maintained garden and a pristine swimming pool.
Location: NH15, Samta Nagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on all the days, except on Sundays.
Price: INR 10 per head for Indian nationals and INR 20 per head for foreign nationals.
3. Attend the World-Famous Bikaner Camel Festival: If you want to explore the true colours of Rajasthan, just like a local, attending the world-famous Camel Festival would definitely be one of the most recommended things to do in Bikaner for you.
This festival is observed with great pomp and show and attracts a huge influx of national as well as international tourists with its fun-filled camel rides, impressive folk dance, exhilarating camel safaris, colourful processions, and other exciting cultural events. During this 2 days festival, one can spot camels dressed beautifully in colourful bridles and ornaments.
Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan.
4. Go Shopping at Kote Gate: Going on a shopping spree to Kote Gate is one of the best Bikaner things to do for families as well as couples. Offering absolutely economic shopping options, this flamboyant open market always remains busy with locals as well as tourists.
Here, you can find colourful shops selling all kinds of unique souvenirs, starting from beautiful local handicrafts to attractive camel hide accessories. Some of the most recommended things the tourists must consider purchasing from Kote Gate include khadi kurtas, open-toed sandals, miniature paintings, utensils, and wood-carved items. While you shop here, remember to relish a hot cup of local tea, prepared specially from camel milk.
Location: Kote Gate, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 9 AM to 9 PM.
5. Relish Camel Milk Products at the National Research Centre On Camel: Pay a visit to the National Research Centre On Camel and get a chance to spot different breeds of camels and learn about their unique behaviour.
You will also find an intriguing camel museum here, which is aimed at performing research on the various species of camels in the Thar desert. Tourists visiting the National Research Centre On Camel can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as camel rides and photography. They can also savour ice-creams and beverages made locally from camel milk.
Location: Jodhpur Bypass, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334022.
Timings: From 2 PM to 6 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 30 per head for Indian nationals; INR 100 per head for foreign nationals.
6. Pay Homage to the Black Rats at Karni Mata Temple: If you are seeking peace and spirituality, visiting Karni Mata Temple would surely be one of the most suggested Bikaner things to do for you.
Known popularly as the ‘Rat Temple’, this 600 years old Hindu shrine shelters more than 25,000 black rats, who are also worshipped here by the devotees. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, Karni Mata Temple flaunts a noteworthy Mughal style architecture, with stunning marble carvings and a beautiful marble facade.
Location: Karni Mata Niji Pranyas, Deshnok, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Timings: From 4.30 AM to 10.00 PM, on all days.
7. Explore the Intriguing Royal Cenotaphs: Every history fanatic will agree that paying a visit to the Royal Cenotaphs is one of the most unique and intriguing things to do in Bikaner. Exhibiting an exemplary architecture, the Royal Cenotaphs serves as the cremation site of Bikaner’s royal families.
This splendid structure features beautiful marble pillars, adorned with intricate carvings of human figures, floral patterns, and peacocks. Perched atop a small hill, the Royal Cenotaphs manifest the perfect amalgamation of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.
Location: Sagar Road, Ridmalsar, Rajasthan, India.
Timings: From 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM, on all days.
Price: INR 70 per head.