Still with a faint medieval feel despite the fume-belching motorbikes and autorickshaws, this labyrinth of narrow, winding streets conceals a number of fine havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences), and a couple of notable Jain temples just inside the southern wall, 1.5km southwest of Bikaner Junction train station. It makes for an interesting wander – we guarantee you’ll get lost at least once. It's encircled by a 7km-long, 18th-century wall with five entrance gates, the main entrance being the triple-arched Kothe Gate.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.67 MILES
This most impressive fort was constructed between 1589 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, ruler of Bikaner and a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar…
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0.93 MILES
Of Bikaner’s two Jain temples, Bhandasar is particularly beautiful, with yellow-stone carving and vibrant paintings. The interior of the temple is…
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15.62 MILES
The extraordinary Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, 30km south of Bikaner, is one of India’s weirder attractions. Its resident mass of holy rodents is not for…
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National Research Centre on Camels
4.02 MILES
The National Research Centre on Camels is 8km southeast of central Bikaner, beside the Jodhpur–Jaipur Bypass. While here you can visit baby camels, go for…
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0.94 MILES
The splendid Hindu Lakshminath Temple, behind Bhandasar Temple, was built during the reign of Rao Lunkaran between 1505 and 1526. Lakshminath was the…
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Prachina Cultural Centre & Museum
0.68 MILES
Across the fort’s main courtyard from the palace entrance, this museum is fascinating and well labelled. It focuses on the Western influence on the…
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5.01 MILES
The marble and red-sandstone royal chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Bika dynasty rulers, with some fine frescos, are located 8km east of the centre of Bikaner…
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1.14 MILES
This museum houses well-displayed, interesting exhibits including terracotta ware from the Gupta period, Rajasthani traditional musical instruments, rich…
Nearby Bikaner attractions
0.67 MILES
This most impressive fort was constructed between 1589 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, ruler of Bikaner and a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar…
2. Prachina Cultural Centre & Museum
0.68 MILES
Across the fort’s main courtyard from the palace entrance, this museum is fascinating and well labelled. It focuses on the Western influence on the…
0.93 MILES
Of Bikaner’s two Jain temples, Bhandasar is particularly beautiful, with yellow-stone carving and vibrant paintings. The interior of the temple is…
0.94 MILES
The splendid Hindu Lakshminath Temple, behind Bhandasar Temple, was built during the reign of Rao Lunkaran between 1505 and 1526. Lakshminath was the…
1.14 MILES
This museum houses well-displayed, interesting exhibits including terracotta ware from the Gupta period, Rajasthani traditional musical instruments, rich…
7. National Research Centre on Camels
4.02 MILES
The National Research Centre on Camels is 8km southeast of central Bikaner, beside the Jodhpur–Jaipur Bypass. While here you can visit baby camels, go for…
5.01 MILES
The marble and red-sandstone royal chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Bika dynasty rulers, with some fine frescos, are located 8km east of the centre of Bikaner…