Bikaner, Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Discover Bikaner
Bikaner is an atmospheric medieval city in the Thar Desert which was once a major centre in the cross-desert caravan trade.
This ancient city is home to the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, an enormous complex of ornate halls and buildings, and the Bhandasar Temple with its beautiful paintings and yellow stone carvings. Bikaner is also well known for the international camel breeding farm and as being the gateway to the Thar Desert.
Things to do in Bikaner
- Visit in January to see the annual Camel Festival, and (for the less squeamish) visit Karni Mata Temple, home to numerous sacred rats.
- Junagarh Fort and Museum. Built in the 16th century by the sixth ruler of Bikaner, Raja Rai Singh, Junagarh Fort is one of India’s oldest forts and one of the few that was never defeated. Also known as Bikaner Fort, the monument tells the story of the Bikaner royal family and contains a museum displaying historical ornaments and weapons.
- Visit the Camel Breeding Farm. The National Research Centre on Camel promotes research and development on our humped desert friends. Along with breeding camels, the centre uses their milk to make ice cream – certainly something to try during your visit – and offers camel rides.
- Explore the Bhandasar Temple which is known for its beautiful paintings, ornamental mirror work and yellow stone carvings. The temple was built using red sandstone, rumoured to have been fixed together using ghee (Indian clarified butter) instead of mortar.
The best way to see Bikaner
If you would like to visit Bikaner why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
