About 8km southeast of central Bikaner, the National Research Centre on Camels (0151-2230183; entry ₹200, camel rides ₹100) is devoted to the scientific study of camels, with a camel museum, a stud farm and a camel dairy. You can sample camel-milk treats like chocolate, lassis and kulfi, visit the huge herds, take short camel rides and learn about the long history of camel husbandry in Rajasthan.
There are about 400 camels, of four different breeds. The British Army had a camel corps drawn from Bikaner during WWI. Guides are available from ₹50.
The round trip from Bikaner, including a half-hour wait at the camel farm, is around ₹300/₹600 for an autorickshaw/taxi. Don't rely on the fact that there may be an available autorickshaw waiting outside: always organize a round trip.
If you fancy a longer ride, camel safaris lasting anything from one day to a week will take you to isolated desert villages, with good wildlife-spotting opportunities and a quieter mood than safaris from Jaisalmer or Osian. Expect to pay around ₹4000 for a day-trip, or ₹6000 for an overnight trip sleeping out under the stars.
