Bikaner

Tourist places in Bikaner, Bikaner Travel Info

City Overview

Bikaner is a historic desert city located in the northwestern part of Rajasthan, India. Renowned for its magnificent forts, royal palaces, and vibrant desert culture, Bikaner reflects the grandeur of Rajasthan’s princely past. The city was founded in the 15th century and developed as an important center on ancient caravan trade routes.

Bikaner is nationally and internationally famous for the majestic Junagarh Fort, its well-preserved architecture, traditional sweets like Bikaneri bhujia, and its association with camel breeding and desert life. Despite its arid surroundings, the city flourished through strategic planning, trade, and strong governance.

Situated in the Thar Desert region, Bikaner offers a unique blend of history, culture, and desert landscapes. The city is ideal for heritage travelers, cultural explorers, photographers, leisure tourists, solo travelers, and families seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience away from more crowded destinations.

Best Time to Visit

Bikaner experiences an arid climate with extremely hot summers, minimal rainfall during monsoon, and pleasant winters. Summers from April to June are very hot and generally not suitable for sightseeing.

The best time to visit Bikaner is during winter, from October to February, when temperatures are comfortable for exploring forts, markets, and nearby desert areas. The city comes alive during winter festivals and cultural events.

Visitors should pack light cotton clothing for daytime and warm layers for winter evenings. Summer travel should be avoided unless necessary, while winter months provide the most enjoyable experience.

  • Peak season: October to February with pleasant desert weather
  • Off-season: April to June due to extreme heat
  • Best months: November to January for sightseeing and festivals

Transportation & Getting Around

Bikaner is well-connected by rail and road to major cities in Rajasthan and northern India. Bikaner Junction is an important railway station with direct trains to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and other cities.

The city also has Nal Airport, which offers limited domestic flight connectivity. Road connectivity is strong through national and state highways, making travel by bus or car convenient.

Within the city, local transport includes auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, taxis, and city buses. Most major attractions are located within short distances, making travel affordable and easy.

  • Nearest airport: Nal Airport (approx. 15 km)
  • Rail connectivity: Bikaner Junction with major routes
  • Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, city buses

Nearby Places & Day Trips

Bikaner serves as a good base for exploring desert landscapes, wildlife areas, and historical towns in northern Rajasthan. Short trips from the city offer diverse cultural and natural experiences.

Visitors can combine heritage exploration with desert safaris and wildlife visits, making the region appealing to a wide range of travelers.

Most nearby attractions can be comfortably covered within a day.

  • Deshnoke: Karni Mata Temple (approx. 30 km)
  • Kolayat: Sacred lake and temples (approx. 50 km)
  • Tal Chhapar: Blackbuck sanctuary (approx. 140 km)