Bikaner, before the 15th century, was known by the name of Jangaldesh and was under the rule of Rajputs. In 1486, Rao Bika, a Rajput ruler, built this place. The place where Rao Bika wanted to build it belonged to a Nehra Jat who got ready to give the land to the king, only if the name of the place would be linked to his name, to which the king agreed.  Hence, the name of the place was kept Bikaner. Bikaner is one of the favorite destinations to the people who want to enjoy smaller sand dunes and want to enjoy sunset. Bikaner is vibrant, blooming desert town with fabulous fort and palaces.

  1. Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. It was previously known as Chintamani Durg, but was named Junagarh fort in the beginning of the 20th century. It is one of the rare forts which are not built on a hill-top. The city of Bikaner is built around Junagarh Fort. There were repeated attacks on this fort in history but nobody could manage to bring the fort under their rule. The architecture of the fort belongs to the Gujarati and Mughal style. Rajput style of architecture can also be seen in some parts of the fort. Junagarh fort also houses Chandra Mahal, Anup Mahal, Dungar Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Ganga Mahal and Deewan-e-Khaas. The fort is a true example of modernity blends away tradition. The beautiful Phool Mahal, which happens to be the oldest part of the palace complex. The lavishly decorated Anoop Mahal which was the private audience chamber of the King of Bikaner, lastly not to forget the grand Durbar Hall with the ceremonial 1,100-year-old sandalwood throne.

 

  1. Lalgarh Palace

Maharaja Ganga Singh built the Lalgarh palace in 1902 AD in memory of his late father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace was designed by Sir Samuel Jacob and was made using red sandstone. The architecture of the palace includes European, Mughal and Rajput styles. The palace has a vastly spread lawn which has peacocks residing there. There is also a card room, a billiards room and a library housed in the palace. This palace is having 3 separation now one is present home of royal family of Bikaner. There is a museum in the palace where ordinary people can enter with ticket. The museum housed inside the palace grounds has an interesting collection of artefacts and may amuse people of all ages.  A five star heritage hotel is running in the third part of palace.

  1. Gajner Palace

A lakeside palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, Gajner palace was used as a place of retreat after hunting by the royal family. The palace is made of red sandstone and houses a marvelous style of architecture.  It is now converted into a heritage hotel with all modern facilities. It is located in the middle of a dense forest and visitors can enjoy the picturesque view of a lot of migratory birds from this place.

 

  1. Rampuriya Haveli

Bikaner is situated in the north-west of Rajasthan and it can legitimately boast of some unique architectural marvels of India. It has an ancient fort unparallel in its splendour. It can boast of many attractions for anyone interested in culture or art or architecture. Apart from Junagarh fort, Jain temples like Bhandasar temple, Neminath temple, Adeshwar temple are simply adorable. Lallgarh Palace is built in Victorian style but its stone and wood carvings are typical combinations of Mughal and Rajput art developing a typical bikaneri flavor of architecture. Carvings find best expression in Bikaneri havelies. Havelies are marvels in home architecture. Such havelies or residential houses do not exist anywhere in the world. They are the pride of Bikaner, says great author and philosopher, Aldous Huxley. They are situated in narrow lanes in the old city. Splendid abodes can be seen in the midst of streets that look serpent like and peaceful. They are marvelous mansions made of red stone and stand magnificently. If you are in the city and walking into these narrow streets, exploring markets, I suggest you should taste local sweets of the city. Rasgulla (A typical Bengali Sweet) is very famous in town and you can taste all delicious Bikaner sweets and snacks at famous shop called Chotu-Motu Joshi at reasonable price.

  1. Deshnok Temple or Karnimata Temple (famous for rats)

Deshnok temple is also known by the name of Karni Mata Temple. There is a small town called Deshnok which is located at a distance of around 32 km from Bikaner city. The place is a pilgrimage center of Karni Mata, who used to live here in the 14th century and dedicated her life for the upliftment of the poor of all communities. Deshnok temple is housed in this region. This temple is more famous because of rats. Out of all of the thousands of rats in the temple, there are a few white rats, which are considered to be especially holy. Sighting them is a special blessing and visitors put in extensive efforts to bring them forth, offering prasad, a sweet holy food. There is not any case of any disease being spread by the rats to date.

 

  1. Bikaner Camel Fair

One of the most famous festivals of Bikaner is the Camel Festival which is held every year in January and is organized by the Tourism Department of the State. It is dedicated to the camels Since Bikaner is the only camel-breeding region, the festival is celebrated with a lot of zeal. The festival lasts for two days and starts with the parade of decorated camels. A camel race is also organized during the festival.

You will also have a chance to enjoy sweets and tea made from camel milk.

 

  1. Bhandasa Jain Temple

The famous Jain temple of Bikaner was initiated by Bhandasa Oswal in 1468 AD. Based on Rajputana style of architecture, the construction of the temple was completed in 1514 AD. It is a marvelously built temple with sculpted pillars and gold leaf work. It is a three-storied building made of red sandstone and white marble. It is very important pilgrim for Jain community. The entrance to this temple is free, and one is easily prone to give a donation. Inside temple you enjoy beautiful engraving and magnificent work. This temple is situated in the old city.