Bikaner
The Camel Country Fort City
Overview
Bikaner is a city in the Thar Desert of northern Rajasthan, India, founded in 1488 by Rao Bika. It is known for the unbreached Junagarh Fort, the ornate sandstone Rampuria havelis, the Karni Mata 'rat temple' at Deshnoke, and the National Research Centre on Camel. Less touristed than Jaipur or Jodhpur, it offers a quieter, authentic desert-Rajasthan experience. MyTripMyTravel operates Bikaner as a fort-and-desert leg with heritage-palace stays.
Bikaner is the Rajasthan that the Golden Triangle crowds miss, a desert fort city with one of the few major forts in the state never taken in battle, and a craft and culinary identity all its own.
Junagarh Fort, built on the plain rather than a hill, is exceptionally well preserved, with painted halls and lacquered interiors. The Rampuria havelis, the Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke, and the historic camel research centre round out a distinctive, uncrowded itinerary.
MyTripMyTravel runs Bikaner as a quieter desert leg between Jaisalmer and the Shekhawati or Delhi routes, with heritage-palace stays and escorted fort access.
At a glance
Bikaner in brief
When to visit
October to March
October to March is comfortable for the fort and desert; the Bikaner Camel Festival (January) is the cultural highlight, with decorated camels, races, and folk performance. April to June is severe Thar heat above 42°C, advisable only with an air-conditioned fleet and dawn sightseeing. The winter window is optimal.
Things to do
Experiences in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
A rare never-conquered fort with painted and lacquered palace halls.
Rampuria Havelis
An escorted walk through the ornate red-sandstone merchant mansions.
Karni Mata Temple
The famous Deshnoke 'rat temple', 30 km south, culturally singular.
Camel research centre
The historic National Research Centre on Camel at sunset.
Bikaner Camel Festival
In January, decorated camels, races, and Thar folk performance.
Bikaneri heritage dining
A Bikaneri thali and the city's famed bhujia-and-sweets trail.
Getting there
How to reach Bikaner
Chauffeured legs from Jodhpur (4.5 hrs) and Jaisalmer (5.5 hrs) across the Thar.
Bikaner (BKB) has limited service; Jodhpur (JDH) is the practical hub with a chauffeured leg.
Bikaner Junction connects Delhi and Jaipur overnight; we handle transfers.
Desert-capable, GPS-tracked vehicles for the northern Rajasthan circuit.
Where to stay
The Lallgarh and other royal palace-hotel suites.
Restored haveli hotels near the old city and fort.
Luxury tented camps for a Thar-fringe extension.
Where to eat
A traditional desert thali with the city's signature snacks.
An escorted tasting through Bikaner's celebrated confectioners.
Royal-recipe dining in a Bikaner palace-hotel setting.
Ready to book
Itineraries featuring Bikaner
Private, chauffeured, day-by-day journeys that feature Bikaner or explore the wider Rajasthan Escapes, each fully customisable, or built around your dates.
The Maharaja Circuit
GT + Pushkar Culture
GT + Jodhpur Sun City
Wildlife & Wonders
GT + Udaipur Romance
Desert & Palaces
Good to know
Bikaner, your questions
Is Bikaner worth visiting?
Yes, for a quieter, authentic desert-Rajasthan experience with a rare never-conquered fort, far less crowded than Jaipur or Jodhpur.
What is the Karni Mata temple?
The Deshnoke 'rat temple' near Bikaner, where rats are revered, culturally singular and escorted respectfully on our itineraries.
How many nights in Bikaner?
One to two, one for Junagarh and the havelis, plus Karni Mata and the camel centre.
When is the Camel Festival?
January, decorated camels, races, and Thar folk performance; book ahead as demand spikes.
Plan with us
Design a private journey through Bikaner.
Tell us your dates and what you love. Our travel desk builds a private, chauffeured itinerary around Bikaner and the wider Rajasthan Escapes, with handpicked hotels and a transparent quote, usually within a few hours.
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Plan your Bikaner trip
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