The Junagarh Fort is the most significant sight in the city. It dates back to the 1500's and serves as a fort for the Bikaner royal family. The fort was built by the sixth ruler of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singh. Within the fort is a museum that houses historical weapons, cars, and other artifacts.
Another fort that belongs to the royal family (the Rajputana family) is the Lalgarh. Here you can discover the story of the royal family and see some historic artifacts of the past kings that have lived there. For information about the government in Bikaner, the Ganga Museum is that place you'll want to see.
If you are an animal lover, be sure to check out the Bikaner Camel Research Center. You can learn about camels, view the camels, and then head to the museum. You can also try camel's milk and ice cream while at the center.
There are a few temples in the city worth seeing. The Shivbari Temple is centuries old and has two large water reservoirs (called "Baoris"). Another temple that many tourists visit is the Jain Temple Bhandasar.
The Laxmi Niwas Palace was once the residence of the King of the former Bikaner state. The palace was completed in 1926 and was constructed in an Indo-Saracenic style. Today it serves as a luxury hotel. Lastly, Devi Kund Sagar is a royal crematorium that holds many tombs (chattris) that are something worth seeing. This place is located about ten minutes from the Junagarh Fort.
The main tourist attraction in Bikaner is embarking on a desert or a camel safari. On these safaris, you can see wildlife, impressive vegetation, and beautiful desert scenery. Several companies that operate these tours: Rao Bikaji Groups, Camel Man, Vino Desert Safari, and Vinayak Desert Safari. These tours usually cost around twelve hundred Rupees, but prices can vary depending on the services offered.
Also, visit the Bhujia Bazaar in Bikaner, which is a market located near the city center offering great cultural and people-watching opportunities (in addition to the items on sale, of course).
A nice way to explore destinations in Bikaner is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Bhandeshwari Jain Temple and Lunch for $118 details
- Royal Trails of Bikaner (Guided Half Day City Tour) for $72 details
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) for $13 details