Bikaner Sights

Sights in Bikaner

  1. A

    Junagarh Fort

    Constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh – a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar – this most impressive fort has a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. The Surajpol (Sun Gate) is the main entrance to the fort. Here you will be accosted by private guides, even though your ticket includes either the audio guide or an official fort guide (leaving every 15 minutes or so from the ticket office). The palaces within the fort are on the southern side, and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, towers and windows. The museum here is fascinating and well labelled, with over-the-top costumes, jewellery and a rar…

    reviewed

  2. Jain temples

    The narrow streets of the old city conceal a number of old havelis and a couple of notable Jain temples. The temples date from around the 15th century. Bhandasar Temple is particularly beautiful, with yellow-stone carving and dizzyingly vibrant paintings. It's said the foundations contain 40,000kg of ghee, and the floor still gets greasy in summer. Sandeshwar Temple is smaller, but has some fine carving. Nearby, the unassuming Laxminath Temple comes alive at around 22:30 each night.

    reviewed

  3. National Research Centre on Camels

    The National Research Centre on Camels is about 8km east of the town centre. Here you can visit baby camels, go for a ride and look around the small museum. The on-site Camel Milk Parlour doesn’t look much but can whip up a lassi for Rs5. The round trip, including a half-hour wait at the camel farm, is around Rs150 for an autorickshaw or Rs300 for a taxi.

    reviewed

  4. Camel Research Institute

    Eight kilometres north at Jorbeer, you'll find the Camel Research Institute. Between 16:30 and 17:00 you can watch a cavalcade of camels returning, in biblical fashion, to their enclosure after a day's grazing. A small shop sells the usual knick-knacks, including jootis of camel hide.

    reviewed

  5. B

    Ganga Government Museum

    The Ganga Government Museum houses a small, well-displayed collection of sculptures, handicrafts, musical instruments and gold paintings. Entrance is to the back left of the building.

    reviewed

  6. Prachina Bikaner Cultural Centre & Museum

    The Prachina Bikaner Cultural Centre & Museum is a well-labelled museum featuring over-the-top costumes, jewellery and a rare glimpse of everyday paraphernalia.

    reviewed

  7. C

    Sri Sadul Museum

    The Sri Sadul Museum features lots of fascinating old black-and-white photographs and some evocative maharaja accessories. You can stay in the Lalgarh palace.

    reviewed