About Bikaner

Almost every city in Rajasthan must be on your travel list. Bikaner is another top-rated tourist destination in the state that you must visit. It is located in the midst of Thar Desert and is a paradise for every traveller who wants to blend in with the culture. The sand dunes, palaces, forts, camel rides will leave you mesmerized. Desert safari is quite popular in Bikaner since it's in the desert. Bikaner is also quite popular for hosting the International Camel Festival that has tourists buzzing in from all around the world.

Junagarh Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in Bikaner. The fort is built in the Thar Desert instead of a hill. You will be mesmerized by the intricate carvings and designs on the walls of the fort. Lallgarh palace yet another attraction you must not miss. Built in 1902 and 1926 for the Maharaja of Bikaner, the architecture showcases a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. It was built during the British era.

Rampuriya Haveli is highly recommended, and you won't regret visiting it. Rajasthan is known for their lavish havelis, palaces and the intricate work that comes with it. Gajner Palace is a lakeside palace, which is also in the middle of Thar Desert and is adjacent to a sanctuary. Not only is there free Wi-Fi at the property but you'll also find beautiful gardens in the palace. You can even book a hotel room here for a royal stay experience.

The Laxminath Temple, built in 1488, is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Laxmi come from all over the country to offer their prayers. You can also opt for a desert safari to go sightseeing. Kote Gate is the place for you to go if you feel like going on a shopping spree. There are also a lot of temples in the city where you can either offer your prayers or find solitude in the aura and ambience of the temples. You can also visit the Bikaner Camel Festival, which goes on for two days. While you're at it, ensure to take in all the rich culture of the city and try traditional, authentic Rajasthani food. The night sky in Bikaner will leave you overwhelmed, especially if you are literally sleeping under the stars. See if you can find any camps or tents to stay in for a wonderful experience.

Best Time to Visit Bikaner

November to February is considered as the best time to visit Bikaner or any other city in Rajasthan for that matter. This is when the city experiences winter, and it is quite pleasant. Evenings, nights and mornings can be quite chilly but the afternoons will be pleasant. It's the best time to go sightseeing or plan any outdoor activity that you have added to your itinerary. July to September is when it rains in Bikaner. Though the city does not experience heavy rainfall, the weather becomes hot and humid during monsoon. Summers are challenging to cope with but booking a hotel in Bikaner is cheap. The weather gets really hot, so much that you will not be able to step out of your rooms. The city also experiences dust storms.

Places to Visit in Bikaner

Bikaner, like every other city in Rajasthan, has a lot of palaces, forts and temples. The Junagarh Fort, which is built in the desert instead of a hill, is one of the major attractions of the city. It is the architecture and intricate designs of the fort that makes it so special. The Karni Mata temple is also very popular, and the devotees here share a very special bond with rats. The temple is built with white marble and looks beautiful.

Book a hotel room at Bikaner’s Laxmi Vilas Palace to experience utmost royalty. Staying here for just one night will also add a lot of glamour to your holiday. The 5-star hotel also offers a lot of extra-curricular activities that you can opt for. Visit the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary to satiate the wildlife photographer in yourself. You can also visit the Lallgarh palace and Rampuriya Haveli to be amazed by the sheer architecture. You will also have a sense of deep appreciation for everyone who has put in their best efforts to construct such a marvel.

You'll grow more curious about the camel, their behaviour, species and a lot more while you are in Rajasthan. The Nation Research Centre on Camel is one place that will welcome all of your doubts and clear them. You will know more about the different breeds of camels and their behaviour. If you are in the city in January, make sure you attend the Camel Festival in the city. You'll even get to see camels performing, and it is a treat to the eyes.

Kote Gate, Station Road market and the streets of Bikaner, in general, are great to stop and shop. You'll find several handcrafted clothes, footwear, accessories and much more to take back home. Sursagar Lake has gained a lot of tourist attraction and instructions to dig it out were given during Maharaja Sur Singh's reign. It's the perfect picnic spot and has been maintained well ever since it was dug out. It was made to curb water shortage.

Things to do in Bikaner

A desert safari is a must when you visit Bikaner since it is right in the middle of the Thar desert. You can even walk on the sand if you are wearing the proper footwear and if that's what you wish to do. Make sure your tour guide or whoever is in control of your camel approves of it. Find camping trips and sleep under the stars for a night. The sky will look so surreal, you'll feel overwhelmed. Not to mention, the air that you breathe will so clean you will feel slightly lucky.

Visit most of the palaces and forts. Bikaner is a treat for all you photographers out there. You can capture nature at its best along with the forts and palaces. Attend the Camel Festival, learn more about camels and make sure you also try the traditional food that the city has to offer. Rajasthani food is a delight and a gastronomic experience that will stay with you for a very long time. You will experience a royal feast if you are staying at a luxurious hotel. You can also try cuisines at local restaurants, and it won't disappoint you. Go shopping at the streets of Bikaner or the Kote Gate. You will find a lot of handcrafted clothes and jewellery. You can also buy souvenirs that you will take back home.

Food and Restaurants in Bikaner

Feast on pyaaz kachoris near the Karni Mata temple or daal-pyaaz kachoris. You can also try the Sev-tamatar sabzi or mangodi. You can enjoy these delicious dishes with different types of chutneys. If you are looking for a lavish dining experience, do stop at Gallops or Laxmi Niwas Palace. You will love the ambience, the hospitality and the food. If you think rasgullas from Bengal and Orissa are the best ones you've had, you have to try the Bikaneri Rasgulla at Chappan Bhog in Bikaner. It's one of the oldest places in the Rani Bazaar area, and you must also try their special raaj kachori. Bikaner is also famous for Bikaner Bhujia; you can pack some of these and take it back home, too.

Ghevar is a very popular Rajasthani sweet, and you must try it at least once. Gatte Ki Sabzi is a popular Rajasthani dish that you must try in Bikaner. You can't experience the whole of Rajasthan without the Rajasthani thali. For all you non-vegetarians out there, you can try the Laal Maas at Heeralal Restaurant. Spend your evening binging on chai and pakoras from local stalls. It is one of the best ways to spend your evening, whether you are with your family or alone or with your friends, for that matter. You'll even find healthy options in the city if you are concerned about maintaining your diet, but we suggest you cheat on your diet for a few days, till you are here.

How to reach Bikaner (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport, which is approximately 5 hours away by road. Jodhpur airport is well-connected with other cities, and the flight connectivity to all domestic routes is convenient. You will, however, have to take a bus or taxi from the airport to reach Bikaner. You'll get cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur depending on whether it is peak season or not.

By Rail

Bikaner Junction and Lalgarh Railway junction is only 6 km away from the city, and both of these stations are connected well with other major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and a couple of others. The train is the most convenient and comfortable option to travel to Bikaner.

By Road

The bus services to and from Bikaner are frequent and as per your convenience, too. The roads are quite smooth, and you won't have to worry about a bumpy ride all the way back home or to Bikaner.

  About Srinagar

Called as the Paradise on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, near the banks of river Jhelum. It is a significant tourist attraction along with Ladakh. The city is known for its enchanting lakes, colourful boats, Kashmiri handicrafts and their culture, of course. Since it is one of the most popular tourist locations, it is well-connected with all the major cities in the country. The town also plays muse to several poets and lyricist who use the river Jhelum a lot in their poems or songs. The markets in the city will also ensure you take a piece of the town with you back home through a souvenir of sorts.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

No matter what season it is, Srinagar is a sight to behold throughout the year. Different seasons come with different kinds of activities for you to do. Summer, which is from March to June) is the apt season to visit the city if you are on your honeymoon. The tulip garden that blooms during the summer adds to the beauty of the town. Booking a hotel in Srinagar if you are on your honeymoon comes with a lot of offers. You can choose from a lot of options. The summer is not too harsh here. The maximum temperature touches 30 degree Celsius, and the lowest is 14 degree Celsius. You will also come across excellent flight deals for Srinagar during this time.

It does not rain a lot in Srinagar, but the monsoon is from July through September. Autumn sets in from September to October, and this is the most beautiful season, too. The weather is pleasant, and the entire city turns into a spectacular garden. Though it will be a tad bit cold, so do pack your winter clothes. Visiting the Dal lake during this season on a Shikara ride is an experience you won't forget.

October to February is winter and the temperature ranges between 0 to 15 degree Celsius. Winter is a peak season and ideal for multitudes of tourists to fly to Srinagar. The locals of Srinagar celebrate Shivratri and Nuroz (an Armenian festival) by the end of winter. You will have to book flight tickets to Srinagar during this season since most roads are blocked, thanks to heavy snowfall. Travelling by road is also not a very popular route to reach Srinagar during winters. This is also one of the best times to go trekking in Srinagar. You can either find a group within the city itself and join them, or you can book one online, in advance.

Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake is one of the major attractions of Srinagar and for all the right reasons. Be amazed at the reflection of the mountains that fall on the lake. Take a gondola ride and lots of pictures, too. You cannot go to Srinagar and not visit the Tulip Garden. The Shalimar Bagh, a garden built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor, is another major tourist attraction. While you are visiting Dal Lake, make sure you also pay a visit to Char Chinar, an island that is in the middle of the lake. It is one of the most visited places in the city.

The Shankaracharya temple, built to honour Lord Shiva, is on the top of a hill in Srinagar. It is recognised as one of the most sacred shrines in the city. For all, you adventure lovers out there, do go for the Tarsar Marsar trek in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. You will find quite a few tour guides and packages to go trekking in the valley.

Things to do in Srinagar

You can take a Shikara ride across the Dal lake and be mesmerised by the beauty of the city. The city also has floating markets, which is a kind of experience you will only get in this part of the country. Paragliding is one of the activities that the city offers to its tourists. It is one of the adventurous activities that you must try here. If you are not too keen on booking a hotel in Srinagar, you can also choose to stay in a houseboat. It is one of the most sought options in the city and who wouldn't want to wake up to the view of the mighty mountains and the scenic Dal Lake. Srinagar is a city with a lot of gardens and greenery.

Visit the enchanting Mughal gardens and the Tulip garden, too. You can take a heritage walking tour of the city or go paragliding if you are a fan of adventure sports. You can also opt to go on a shopping spree in the local markets or for a street food crawl. Try the local cuisines and explore the culture further. With the rising political tension, make sure you also study the current scenario of the city along with that of its neighbours before you plan a trip to Srinagar. You do not want to get stuck amid a difficult situation.

Along with its spices and food, Srinagar is also famous for its rich culture. If you are in the city during any of the festivals celebrated here, make sure that you attend it and be a part of it. You won't regret it at all. No matter what season it is, the city never fails to cast its spell on you with its beauty.

Food and Restaurants in Srinagar

It's no secret that Kashmiri food is rich in flavour and a lot of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. are used to serve that aromatic food. It's a treat for your taste buds. The Kashmiri Biryani, Kahwa, even Dum Aloo is worth a try when you visit the city. You will come across a lot of Mughlai cuisines with a blend of Kashmiri spices in the food. Mughal Darbar is one of the most popular places to dine in the city.

If it is snacks and coffees that you are in the mood for, you can visit the Cafe De Linz or Coffea Arabica. Both of these cafes are the perfect combination of ambience and good food. Ahdoos is also a popular joint that offers authentic Kashmiri food at affordable prices. If you are in the mood for a luxe dining experience, head over to The Chinar at The Lalit Grand Palace for an exquisite dinner. Not only do they serve mouth-watering delicacy, but the outdoor restaurant adds to the pleasant ambience while dining. Jade Dragon at Vivanta by Taj is yet another restaurant that you must definitely try if it is a five-star treatment that you want to experience. The Kashmiri Kahwa, which is a kind of tea made in Kashmiri style, is also highly recommended when you holiday in Srinagar.

How to reach Srinagar (Transportation)

By Air

The Sheikh ul Alam International Airport or the Srinagar International Airport is about 15 km away from the city. Srinagar airport also serves as a military airbase to the Indian Air Force. While the airport welcomes domestic flights with excellent connectivity, it does have designated airlines or space for international flights despite being recognised as one. There are domestic flights from Srinagar that regularly fly to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. However, international flights from Srinagar are comparatively less to non-existent. The flight connectivity from Srinagar to other cities nationally and internationally is excellent. Some great domestic airlines such as AirAsia India, GoAir, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air India and more have dedicated flights to Srinagar. If booked earlier, you will even get cheap flight tickets to Srinagar and exclusive flight online deals. The airport is about 12 km away from the central city of Srinagar. But thanks to fantastic inter-city transport such as government-run buses and taxi cabs, it is convenient for tourists to reach the central town and check into their hotel rooms.

By Rail

Jammu Tawai is the closest railway station to reach Srinagar. It is about 290 km away from the city. You will have to hire a taxi from the station and enter the beautiful city. Travelling by train will not burn a hole in your pocket at all, and you'll also get to enjoy the stunning scenic views of the lush green valley. The domestic route to Srinagar also connects to Banihal, which is on the other side of Pir Panjal, thanks to the new Banihal tunnel that has been constructed. The tunnel is 11 km long and has found fame for the same. In fact, it is known to be the longest rail tunnel to have been built and takes approximately 9 minutes to cross to the other side.

By Road

The most popular routes to Srinagar by road are connected from Chandigarh, Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Delhi. Though a road trip does sound like a lot of fun and easier way to travel, the roads are closed during late winter because of heavy snowfall. It is advisable to travel by air during winter.