Bikaner

Bikaner ancient caravan city of Rajasthan preserves unaltered the medieval atmosphere and is gathered around the high walls at the limits of the Thar desert.

 Camel safari on the dunes of the Thar desert

Bikaner, like other caravan cities of Rajasthan, was destined to see its power and prosperity progressively vanish with the development of railways and ports in the western Indian coastal area.
The old city preserves the medieval atmosphere unaltered and is gathered around the high walls, full of beautiful havelis, the palaces of merchants, temples and bazaars.
Despite all the fairytale wonders offered by the city, curiously in recent decades Bikaner has received international notoriety mainly reflected by another location, located about 30 km and called Deshnoke: this is where the famous Temple of the Mice, Karni Mata, that much interest and horror seems to arouse in foreign visitors.
An interesting fair of cattle that takes place in Bikaner generally in the month of Pausha, between December and January, could in itself be an excellent opportunity to reach this remote caravan city.

What to see in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort, one of the best examples of Indian architectural mediation between military fortress and sumptuous palace, preserves within its mighty walls humble buildings, replaced by the original buildings, added or expanded by the rulers in the following four centuries, but all witnesses of the constant patronage of the arts and high craftsmanship generously proportioned over time by the family, who did not hesitate to summon masters from all over the Hindustan, who left so many traces of artistic styles and schools.

Temple of Karni Mata
Karni Mata Temple is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Bikaner. This temple is known for its considerable population of mice that are permanent residents.
Dating back to the 15th century, this temple is dedicated to Karni Mata who was the incarnation of the Goddess Durga. Legend has it that when Karni Mata's son died, he asked Yama to restore his son's life, but Yama refused.
Thus, Karni Mata, being the incarnation of the Goddess, gives back her son's life and declares that from now on her family would not face death but would be reincarnated in the form of rats.
Today, there are about 20,000 rats living in the temple premises and without doubt attracting the attention of many travelers.

National Research Center on Camel
The National Camel Research Center is more a breeding, which has about 230 camels of 3 different races. The center is located about 8 km from Bikaner and is open for visitors between 14.30 and 17.00.
The small museum and the camel ride make this place particularly special for visitors.

Camel safari on the dunes of the Thar desert
Since Bikaner is in the immediate vicinity of the great Thar desert, going on a desert safari is the most obvious thing to do in Bikaner. There are jeeps and camels available for safari on the sand dunes. You can choose the duration of the safari, even the chance to camp in the desert and attend popular dance and music. Depending on the duration of the safari, you can see different destinations such as Raisar, Khichan, Balakaya Dhora and Phlodi.

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Tours for visit Bikaner

Discover wich tours cover this destinatation:

Golden Triangle with Classic Rajasthan

Tour 20 Days / 19 Nights

With the Golden Triangle and Classic Rajasthan tour you will visit the main attractions of Rajashan and the Golden Triangle in India discover the forts and historic cities of India and include a Jeep Safari in Ranthambore Park and a camel trek throug


Golden Rajasthan Tour

Tour 9 Days / 8 Nights

With Golden Rajasthan tour with private driver you can discover the main attractions in Rajasthan: Jaipur, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Udaipur. You will discover the ancient culture and traditions of India.


Classic Rajasthan tour

Tour 14 Days / 13 Nights

Rajasthan Classic tour to discover the famous indian cities in Rajasthan as Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Mandawa.


Exotic Rajasthan Tour

Tour 13 Days / 12 Nights

Exotic Rajasthan tour with driver for discover the best of Rajasthan: Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Monte Abu, Jodhpur, Jaislamer, Bikaner and Mandawa


Rajasthan Tour with Varanasi

Tour 15 Days / 14 Nights

Tour with driver in Rajasthan and visit of Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkatr, Jaipur, Agra and extension to Varanasi


Perfect Rajasthan with Varanasi

Tour 22 Days / 21 Nights

Perfect Rajasthan tour allows you to visit all the most famous attractions of Rajasthan with extensions of the tour to Varanasi by train from Agra


Rajasthan village tour

Tour 20 Days / 19 Nights

Our Rajasthan Village Tour will give you the chance to discover the most beautiful attractions in Rajasthan and explore the culture of the ancient Indian villages.


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