Bikaner is a city in north-west Rajasthan, India.

Get in

Bikaner can be reached by train from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Agra, Punjab and other major Indian towns. It can also be reached by road from Delhi Via Shekawati or Jaipur. The Highways are very good however the country roads in the shekawati region can be a bit of a dampner. The road from Jaipur Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are the best roads. The nearest Airport is Jodhpur (around 4.5 hours journey) and is well connected by road and rail. However, travelling via Jaipur (6.5 hours distance) gives you more option in terms of flight frequency and choice of Airlines. Overall it comes out to be cheaper (due to availablility of low-cost airlines) if you travel via Jaipur.

Get around

Getting around in Bikaner is best done using Trishaws and Tongas ( horse carts) due to the fact that streets are too narrow and busy for cars. These are very cheap and a day's hire shouldn't cost more that 250 rupees. Bicycles can be hired near the Railway Station.

See

  • '''Junagarh fort''': The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. It is a fort of the Bikaner royal family. You will get a chance to know about the history of the Bikaner royal family. Also has a museum which displays weapons, ornaments of the previous era. This is one of the oldest forts in India.
  • '''Laxmi Niwas palace''': The Laxmi Niwas Palace is a former residential palace of the king of the former Bikaner state, Maharajah Ganga Singh in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was designed by the British architect, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob in the year 1902. The style of architecture is Indo-Saracenic. It is now a luxury hotel owned by Golden Triangle Fort & Palace P. Ltd.
  • '''Lalgarh''': Lalgarh is another fort of the Rajputana family. Some of the the Rajputana kings used to stay here. You will see the royal story of the Rajputana family.
  • '''Deshnok temple''': This is a temple of a local deity, "Karni Mata". It is believed that the "Karni Mata" used to take care of the Rajputana family. This temple has a rat infestation but the locals believe them to be holy. you will likely be told that seeing a certain white rat is very auspicious, but if you press further most locals will tell you there is always one or two visible around the temple. Be careful while walking inside the temple, you might accidentally step on a rat.
  • '''Karni Mata temple''': is 32 kilometres from bikaner.
  • Shivbari Temple. hivbari choraha. This is a centuries old shiva temple. It has two huge "Bawris" (water reservoirs), Thousands of people visit this place every year. HAR HAR MAHADEV</see>

    Do

  • bhim. ime. ikan. gajner palace Gajner Palace, Gajner near Bikaner (Rajasthan, India) is an incomparable jewel in the Thar Desert is built on the embankment of a lake. Built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, this Grand Heritage property is spread over 6000 acres. Gajner Palace was used as a hunting resort by the former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj.

    Buy

    Althogh Bikaner is famous for all type of namkeens and sweets. But '''Namkeen''' and '''Rasgullas''' Best savory snacks in Rajasthan. Do try the famous 'Bikaneri Bhujia'. Bikaner have saparate market for Bhujia Named 'Bhujia Bazaar'. Some good places to buy from are: Hazarimal Ramlal, Bishanlal Babulal, Bhikaram Chandmal, Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar and many more.

    Eat

    Must try Authentic Rajasthani (Marwari food). Dal Batti, Bajre ki Roti, Panch Bhel ki sabji, Saangri ka aachar and so on. Trying Bikaneri bhujia and other namkeens is also a must. The most popular areas to have good food are around Kote Gate - Staion Road area. Lots of good quality sweet and namkeen (snacks) shops are around this area.

    For a foodie a visit to Bhujia Bazaar (yes Bikaner does have a market named on famous Bikaneri Bhujia) and Chai Patti is a must. You will just fall in love with the Kachoris and Samosas at Chai Patti.

  • Chhappan bhog. tation Road, Bikaner. ear Silver Square. One of the oldest fast food joints of Bikaner. The Rajkachori of this place is a show stealer, and a must for all those who are in for a chaat-treat. Other Good items on the menu include the Rava Dosa, with amazing fresh coconut chutney. The typical Indian-Chinese Chowmein is also lip-smacking.
  • Sankhla kulfi. If you have a sweet tooth, particularly a penchant for Indian Sweets and are looking for some relief in the rising temperatures of Bikaner, then you need to drop by at Sankhla kulfi. The place promises to sell the best Kesar kulfi, and most of the consumers vouch for it; refreshingly cool.

    Drink

    Sleep

  • The Laxmi Niwas Palace. r. Karni Singhji Road, Bikaner, Rajasthan (India) 334001. 91 151 2202777" url="http://www.laxminiwaspalace.com. eservation(AT)laxminiwaspalace(DOT)com. . Delhi Office: B-3, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Phone: +919717377577, Email: rahul(AT)laxminiwaspalace(DOT)com. The Laxmi Niwas Palace is a former residential palace of the king of the former Bikaner state, Mah?r?ja Ganga Singh in Bikaner. It is a 106 year old palace with 45 standard rooms and 15 royal suites, all are air-conditioned and many of them have direct access to an open terrace. No more than 2 rooms are alike. It is a well-maintained palace with really huge suites with big bathrooms. They have indoor games like billiards and ping pong. They have restaurants, conference rooms, a bar and a swimming pool in the WiFi enabled palace. There's a 6 acre lawn in front of the palace where parties can be organized. Rajasthani folk singers/dancers perform at the palace every evening. They have pictures of the royal family with the relevant historical factoids on the hallway walls which can be very informative for those interested. They also arrange "Sand dune dinners" with cultural programs at a desert site nearby. You can check the hotel website but don't try online-booking there because it's currently not working.

    Get out