Flights from Bikaner

  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

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

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 the City

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.

Foods and Restaurant

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 the City (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.