Gateway to the Thar Desert, Bikaner centres around the palaces and temples of the 16th-century Junagarh Fort. It boasts a rich history of royal rule showcased at its museums and offers easy access to one of India’s most unique Hindu temples.

Things to do

Visit the immense Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh during his late-16th-century rule. Wander through its ornate palaces, temples and pavilions built from red sandstone and marble while gaining insight into the lavish lifestyle of Rajasthan’s past Maharanas.

Also within the complex is the Prachina Museum where antique weaponry, costumes, silverware and instruments are exhibited. Admire the Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts, royal jewellery and portraits of the Bikaner royal family.

In the early-20th century, the ruling family of Bikaner moved to the Lalgarh Palace, which was designed in an Indo-Saracenic style. Admire the architecture of its red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert, then explore the Shri Sadul Museum where Georgian paintings, hunting trophies and royal artefacts are displayed.

Make a day trip to the town of Deshnoke to visit the quirky Temple of Rats. Designed in a late-Mughal style and featuring a beautiful marble facade, the Karni Mata Temple is home to around 25,000 holy rats who are worshipped through prayer and offerings. The devotees believe the male children of Hindu warrior, Karni Mata, were reincarnated as rats.

Getting around

Bikaner is around nine hours by train from Delhi and six hours from Jaipur International Airport. Trishaws and tongas (horse carts) offer transport around Bikaner’s narrow streets, while bicycles can be rented near the railway station.