Fairs & Festivals of Bikaner
Camel Festival: Bikaner’s Camel Festival is one of the most unique and famous festivals in Rajasthan, held annually in January. The festival celebrates the camel, the ship of the desert, with camel races, camel dances, and various competitions. The event also includes cultural performances, folk music, and dance, making it a vibrant celebration of desert life. Karni Mata Fair: Held at the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, just outside Bikaner, this fair honors the Hindu goddess Karni Mata. The temple is famous for housing thousands of rats that are worshipped as sacred animals. The fair, held in March/April, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Bikaner, with homes and temples decorated with lights, rangoli, and oil lamps. The city is known for its traditional sweets and snacks, which are an integral part of the Diwali celebration. Makar Sankranti: A major festival in Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and traditional dances. Bikaner’s rooftops become filled with kites during this festival, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere. Teej Festival: A festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Teej celebrates the bond between husbands and wives. The women of Bikaner dress in vibrant traditional attire, and processions with drums and traditional songs mark the occasion.
Read more +Best Time to Visit Bikaner
The best time to visit Bikaner is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. The Camel Festival, which takes place in January, is also an attractive event during this period. The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, while the monsoon season (July to September) brings moderate rainfall.
Read more +How to Reach Bikaner
Bikaner is well-connected by road
to major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi. National Highways and state highways connect the
city to neighboring regions. Visitors can opt for private taxis, buses, or hire vehicles to travel
within Rajasthan.
Bikaner Junction is an
important railway station in Rajasthan, with excellent connectivity to cities like Delhi, Jaipur,
Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Several trains pass through Bikaner, making it easy for travelers to
access the city by rail.
The nearest airport to Bikaner
is the Nal Airport, located about 13 km from the city. However, commercial flights are limited, so
the nearest major airport is in Jaipur (about 330 km away). From Jaipur, one can take a taxi or
train to reach Bikaner.
Tourist Attractions in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort: One of the most well-preserved forts in Rajasthan, the Junagarh Fort is an imposing structure built in the 16th century. The fort complex consists of beautiful palaces, temples, and gates, and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The Anup Mahal and Chand Mahal inside the fort are famous for their intricate architecture and historical significance. Karni Mata Temple (Deshnoke): Located about 30 km from Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple is famous for its rats, which are considered sacred and are allowed to roam freely inside the temple. This unique temple is one of Rajasthan's most important religious sites and is also a pilgrimage center for devotees of Karni Mata. Lalgarh Palace: Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century, the Lalgarh Palace is a beautiful blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. The palace is now converted into a heritage hotel and offers a glimpse into the royal life of Rajasthan. Gajner Palace: Situated 32 km from Bikaner, the Gajner Palace is another beautiful royal palace located on the edge of a serene lake. The palace is known for its magnificent architecture and is now a heritage hotel. The surrounding grounds are perfect for nature walks and bird watching. Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm: One of the largest camel breeding farms in Asia, the Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the breeding and training of camels. Visitors can take camel rides and see the camels in action. Bikaner State Museum: The Bikaner State Museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, coins, and weapons that highlight the rich history of the region. The museum is housed in a former palace and is an excellent place to learn about Bikaner's royal past. Kote Gate: One of the oldest gates in Bikaner, the Kote Gate is an architectural marvel and an entry point into the old city. The gate is surrounded by traditional markets selling spices, sweets, and handicrafts. Rampuria Havelis: The Rampuria Havelis are a group of beautiful old havelis in the heart of Bikaner. Known for their intricate carvings, balconies, and stunning architecture, these havelis showcase the wealth and craftsmanship of Bikaner’s merchants. Bhandasar Jain Temple: The Bhandasar Jain Temple is a beautiful 16th-century temple dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, wooden ceilings, and the use of golden leaf paintings in its design. Shiv Bari Temple: This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its peaceful surroundings and beautiful architecture. The temple is located on the outskirts of Bikaner and is a great place for reflection and meditation.
Read more +Location
Bikaner is situated in the northern part of Rajasthan, approximately 330 km northwest of Jaipur and about 450 km from Delhi. The city is located in the Thar Desert, providing it with a unique desert landscape and a rich cultural history. Bikaner’s central location in Rajasthan makes it an important part of the state’s desert circuit and an essential stop for travelers seeking to experience the heritage and traditions of Rajasthan.
Read more +
