Bikaner

BIKANER

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Bikaner was the capital of a princely state founded during 1488 AD by Rao Bikaji who was a scion of the Rathore clan and the son of Bhatti Rajput Rao Jodha the founder of Jodhpur. The name of Bikaner derived from the name of its founder. Bikaner forms one of the main parts of the Desert Triangle. Presently Bikaner is the fourth largest city of Rajasthan. Bikaner lies in the Thar Desert region and was considered on the trade route in India between central Asia and Gujrat. Bikaner is nestled at an elevation of 242 meter and is considered a pilgrimage spot for its middle ages handicrafts and artistic excellence. Bikaner is one of the earlier established cities but it still exhibits its ancient opulence through palaces, forts and temples those were built in red sand stone and marble carvings. Rao Bika Ji in order to have his own kingdom, he denied the inherited capital from his father. Rao Bika Ji after several searches decided to form his own capital at Bikaner which was then a barren wilderness named as Jangladesh.

Places of tourist visit around Bikaner

Junagarh Fort: Junagarh Fort is an impregnable fort built in the year 1594 by Raja Rai Singh who was the most distinguished general of Emperor Akbar. The Junagarh Fort is among the few forts in India which was not built on the hilly terrains and has the distinction of never been captured by any other ruler. Junagarh Fort is a major tourist attraction in the city of Rajasthan. Junagarh Fort was originally called Chintamani but was renamed as Junagarh or ‘Old Fort’. Raja Rai Singh ruled Bikaner from 1571 – 1611 AD. The Junagarh Fort spreads over an area of 5.28 hectares with palaces, pavilions and temples. The walls of Junagarh Fort are decorated with wall art of Fresco, gold, silver and lead. The ceiling of the fort is beautifully decorated with excellent artistic works. The Fort measures upto 986 meter (3234.91 ft) in length, 4.4 meter (14.5 ft) wide and 12 meter (40 ft) high and surrounded by a moat which is 30 ft wide and 25 ft deep. The Junagarh Fort lies around 2 km from Bikaner railway station. The Junagarh Fort is well built with 37 bastions and seven gates. Among these the main entry gate is Karan Pol lies on the eastern side, from there after three more gates is the ticket counter. The present entry gate is Suraj Pole (or Sun Gate) built in yellow sand stone, two elephant statues are placed at the entrance as sentinels. Other notable gates are Daulat Pol, Chand Pol, Fateh Pol and Tripolia Gate. Forty one handprints of the queens are seen on the wall of Daulat Pol are seen those who committed self immolation on the funeral of their husbands. Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh the 23rd King of Bikaner built Maharaja Rai Singh Trust and in the year 1963 and presented the Junagarh Fort to the trust authority. From then onwards the Junagarh Fort was opened for general visitors and tourists. The Junagarh Fort remains open from 10.00 am to 04.30 pm. The walls of Junagarh Fort displays the portraits of the rail connectivity started between Jodhpur and Bikaner in 1851. In the year 1920 many of the windows were constructed with blue and white coloured glasses those were brought from Holland. Inside the fort audio guides are available those describes the history in English, French, German and Hindi.

Karan Mahal: Karan Mahal lies within the Junagarh Fort at Bikaner is a public audience hall built by Maharaja Karan Singh during 1680. The Diwan-E-Aam inside the Karan Mahal is the place where the public audience was held. Karan Mahal is one of the most exquisite palaces constructed with a garden which displays the royalty of the state. The stained glass windows and the intricately stone carved balconies and wooden fluted columns are worth admirable. The main throne is kept in the coronation chamber is a shored up alcove. Inside Karan Mahal the sword of Emperor Akbar, the sword of Padam Singh, sword decorated with diamonds, shield, and carpets weaved by the prisoners, cannons and idols in the shape of moon, fish and women’s face are preserved.

Anup Mahal: Anup Mahal is a multi storey structure inside the Junagarh Fort, Bikaner. This palace functioned as an administrative headquarters. The excellent works of the ornate wooden ceilings with inlaid mirrors, Italian tiles and the fine lattice worked windows (Jharokhas) and the stone carved balconies are worth admirable.

Chandra Mahal: Chandra Mahal at Bikaner houses the most luxurious room in the palace which is beautifully decorated with paintings inlaid with precious stones and deities plated in gold. Mirrors are strategically placed in the royal bedroom from where the Maharaja could see any intruder entering this area. The walls of Chandra Mahal are beautifully coloured textures and paintings which are excellent.

Phool Mahal: Phool Mahal inside the Junagarh Fort, Bikaner is the oldest room of the palace and was built by Maharaja Rai Singh. The Phool Mahal is decorated with motifs of trays and flower vases. The room interiors are beautifully decorated with stucco works and glass inlay works.

Badal Mahal: Badal Mahal also reffered as ‘Palace of Clouds’ is a part of the extension of Anup Mahal. The walls of Badal Mahal depict fresco paintings of the epics of Lord Krishna and Radha amidst the blue coloured cloudy textures. The Badal Mahal also displays paintings of the Shekhawati Dundlod chiefs paying respect to the Maharaja of Bikaner.

Ganga Niwas: The Ganga Niwas was built during the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh during 1896. The Durbar Hall also known as the Ganga Singh Hall which houses the museum. It exhibits war weaponry and also a World War I aeroplane (biplane) which is kept well maintained.

Gaj Mandir: Gaj Mandir was the private apartment of Maharaja Gaj Singh who ruled Bikaner during 1745 to 1787. Gaj Mandir is a historical structure and is among the major tourists attractions at Bikaner in Rajasthan. The Gaj Mandir stands as a symbol of luxurious architecture and an elegant ornamental art of the past. Its walls are decorated with elaborate Mughal niches and panels enclosed by a framework of marble plaster slabs.

Durbar Hall: Durbar Hall is a magnificent ball room kind of hall with massive dome shaped pillars and a high ceiling gives the entire structure a royal look. The Durbar Hall was used as a ‘Hall of Private Audience’ also referred as Diwan-E-Khass where the Maharaja meets his important royal dignitaries. The main attraction of the hall is a sandalwood throne used by the Rathore clan. But later it was handed over to the Rao Bika Ji – Founder of Bikaner and ever since then the throne was used by the royal family.

Fort Museum: The Junagarh Fort Museum at Bikaner was established by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singhji in 1961 under the control of Maharaja Rai Singh Trust. Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh converted one part of the Junagarh fort into a museum. The Fort Museum houses vast collections of costumes, ornaments and paintings of the royal family, miniature paintings, stone carvings, replica of the Lal Niwas palace wrapped in gold, the artistic works of Chandra Mahal and numerous panels made from glass and marble. The Fort Museum is also among the major tourist attractions at Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort Museum also houses collections of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and a pair of drums which belongs to Guru Jambeshwar Ji.

Lalgarh Palace and Hotel: Lalgarh Palace is another major attraction at Bikaner. The Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh during 1902 in the memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh. The architecture style of the Lalgarh Palace is in Indo – Saracenic style. The Lal Garh Palace was built in red sand stone and it is a blend of Mughal, Rajputs and European architecture. Presently one part of the Lal Garh Palace is converted into a museum and a large part is a luxurious heritage hotel. The palace lies around 2 km from Bikaner railway station. The palace was built by a British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Inside the Lal Garh Palace there are Billiards room, study room, cards room and smoking zone. Other things inside the Lal Garh Palace those has a touch of western culture are massive chandeliers made of Belgium glass, beautifully decorated fire place, many showpieces of cut glass, oil paintings, light stand and other rare things those have added to the beautification of the palace.

Sadul Museum: Sadul Museum is a famous tourist attraction at Bikaner which is located on the first floor of Lalgarh Palace. The Shri Sadul Museum was constructed with 22 rooms of Lalgarh Palace. The museum displays chandeliers made of Belgium glass, stone carved architectures, carvings, picture gallery, stuffed animals and many more. The Sadul Museun remains open from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm six days a week except Sundays. Inside the Sadul Museum there are many artifacts made from ivory and in the right hand side room there is an idol of Verma. In the next room there are cloths and costumes worn by the royal family members, crockery, different types of cameras, costumes worn by the king and queen and numerous coins.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum also known as Ganga Government Museum is known to be the best museum at Bikaner in Rajasthan. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum was established in 1937 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh. There are sections in the museum which has wide collection of paintings, different crockery items, coins, costumes, dresses, arms and ammunitions, different carpets and statues. It remains open for visitors from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm. The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum lies opposite to the Junagarh Fort at a walking distance of 06 to 07 minutes on NH 8. Other section houses artifacts those dates back to the Harappan civilization, terracotta sculptures of the Gupta era, Rajasthani musical instruments and paintings are kept here. The Bikaner’s miniature paintings of the local artisans, Silk Robe of Shehjada Salim and Anup Library that has extremely rare and valuable collection of Sanskrit manuscripts which were brought back from the Deccan by Raja Anup Singh in the 17th century are also among the most visited places in the museum.

Laxmi Niwas Palace: The Laxmi Niwas Palace at Bikaner was built during 1898 to 1902 on a huge area. The construction of the palace was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh as his royal residence. The Laxmi Niwas Palace was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob in Indo – Saracenic style. The Laxmi Niwas Palace was built in pink sandstone, boasting a brilliant palate to complement the intricate symmetrical structural design. The colonnaded corridors, canopied balconies adorned with intricate filigree and wooden and stone lattice work. The craftsmanship of the exterior was completed with marble courtyards, whimsical fountains and immaculate gardens. The name of the palace derived from a Hindu Goddess Laxmi. Laxmi Niwas Palace dates back to 106 years old and presently it is converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. Tourists visiting the palace hotel will get to learn about the rich culture, history and lifestyles of the Rajputana Kings of India.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Palace: Gajner Palace lies around 32 km from Bikaner on the Jaisalmer road and is a jewel in the Thar Desert. The Gajner Palace was built within a wildlife sanctuary guarded by hills and lakes from all sides and full of dense greenery all over. The wildlife sanctuary is inhabited by Nilgai, Indian Gazelle, Black Buck, wild hog and common duck. The total area spreads on 6000 acres including the palace, lake and forest reserves. The palace was a hunting resort of the Maharajas where numerous migratory birds flock near the lake from mid November to end of February. The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976. Tourists visiting the palace can opt for a boat ride on the lake. The Gajner Palace is a 30 minutes drive from Bikaner.

Rampuria Haveli: The Rampuria Haveli located in Old Bikaner is considered as the ‘Pride of Bikaner’. The Haveli lies within 2 km from Bikaner railway station. The Rampuria Haveli was built to befit the rich merchants of Bikaner the ‘Rampurias’. The Haveli was built in Dulmera red sandstone with flowers and peacocks inscribed on the walls and the windows are decorated with coloured glasses. The history of the Haveli goes back to around 1400 AD. The structure is delicately designed with stone carved meshes, latticed works and decorated with golden work of the highest quality. The architectural splendor of the Rampuria Haveli of Bikaner is a blend of antiquity, grandeur and exquisiteness.

Bikaji Ki Tekri: Bikaji Ki Tekri was the first humble fort built by Rao Bika Ji after the foundation of Bikaner. Though at present only the fort and a part of the wall that surrounds the city of Bikaner only remains. The Tekri was built around 1478 which was hundred years back before the construction of the Junagarh Fort. The Tekri houses to the royal umbrellas of cremation (chhatris) of Rao Bikaji, Rao Nara, Rao Lunakaran and Rao Jetsi, all rulers of Bikaner during the 15th and 16th century AD.

Prachina (Bikaner Cultural Center and Museum): Prachina Cultural center and Museum at Bikaner was established in 2000 by Siddhi Kumari – the princess of Bikaner and daughter of Maharaja Narendra Singhji. The museum was opened to forecast the variation of culture and its impact on the people and place through generations. The Parchina Museum at Bikaner exhibits traditions and changing western influence of Bikaner, contemporary arts, ritual crafts, Bikaner’s periodic influence, aristocratic textiles and costumes, royal photographs and miniature portraits, glass and cut glass objects, decorative wall paintings, aristocratic transportation and demonstrations of master craftsmen along with cultural manuscripts and idols of god and goddess. The museum provides a close look on the artifacts of the region. The museum remains open for tourists visit from 09 am to 06 pm.

Bhandasar Jain Temple: The Bhandasar Jain Temple is also among the major tourists attraction at Bikaner. The Bhandasar Jain Temple is also known as Banda Shah Jain Temple is a famous Jain temple known for its leaf paintings, fresco and ornamented mirror works. Bhandasar Jain Temple is a three storey temple built by Bhandasa Oswal during 15th century dedicated to the fifth Tirthankar Sumatinatha. The temple was built in red sand stone with yellow stone carvings on the walls. It remains open for tourists visit from 05.00 am to 01.00 pm and 05.30 pm to 11.30 pm.

Shri Laxminath Temple: Shri Laxminath Temple is one of the major tourist attractions at Bikaner and is also the oldest temple in the city. The Shri Laxminath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. The shrine inside the temple was built by Maharaja Rao Lunakaran of Bikaner during 14th century. The temple is located around 04 km from the Junagarh Fort and is beautifully decorated with paintings, sculptures, exquisite handiwork of silver done on the doorway.

Shiv Bari Temple: Shiv Bari Temple at Bikaner also known as Laleshwar Mahadeo temple was built by Maharaja Doongar Singhji around 19th century. The Shiv Bari Temple lies 6 km from Bikaner. The architectural significance of the Shiv Bari Temple is of much importance as the temple features pavilions, domes and columns those impart a great look. The idol inside the temple is made of black stone. The Shiv Bari temple at Bikaner is among the must visit spot in Rajasthan tour.

Karni Mata Temple: Karni Mata temple at Bikaner is the most famous among those Karni Mata temples situated at other locations of Rajasthan. This a Hindu temple dedicated to the Karni Mata an incarnation of Durga. The Karni Mata Temple lies 32 km from Bikaner at Deshnok village and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The Karni Mata temple is also known as the temple of Rats. These rats are believed to be sacred and are locally called Kabba or Kawa. Tourists and visitors are strictly prohibited from harming these rats. The temple dates back to around 600 years old. At the front of the temple there is beautiful marble facade that has silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway there are silver doors with panels depicting legends of the Goddess. The images of the Goddess are enshrined with oil paintings in the inner sanctum. The Karni Mata temple is a two storey temple with an umbrella at the top made of gold. The Karni Mata temple remains open from 08.00 am to 09.30 pm. Karni Mata Fair is held twice every year at Deshnok, one is during March – April and the other is during September – October. Karni Mata festival is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Bikaner, Rajasthan. During the time of the festival several tourists gathers at this temple. The gates of the temple are thrown open for devotees, tourists and visitors during the fair.

Kodamdesar Temple: The Kodamdesar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bhaironath an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Kodamdesar Temple is located 26 km from Bikaner at Kodamdesar village which is a 40 minutes drive away from the city. The temple was built by Rao Bika Ji the founder of Bikaner. This is an open temple with no pillars, roof or walls but the floor is made of marble. This temple is one of the sacred or holy spot near Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Raj Ratan Bihari Ji and Rasik Siromani Temple: Raj Ratan Bihari Ji and Rasaik Siromani temple is a religious spot that attracts almost every tourist visiting Bikaner. The temple displays some of the best architectural wonders built in red sand stone in a mansion style. The temple was built on 3rd day of the bright half Falgun Samvat 1907 (1851 AD). Maharaja Ratan Singh Ji started the construction of the temple and the remaining part was accomplished by his successor Maharaja Surat Singh. The idols inside the temple are enshrined of Lord Krishna, Rukumani Ji and Radha Ji. The idols are made in black and brown coloured stones. The temple remains open from 07.15 am to 07.20 pm.

Thar Desert: Bikaner is nestled in the middle of Thar Desert making it an amazing place for desert safari. The desert in Bikaner allows tourists to explore the majestic desert in all forms be it a camel’s back ride or a beautiful evening sunset at the back drop of the sand dunes. Camel safaris at Bikaner is a great way to enjoy and also get an in depth knowledge of the cultures and heritage of the city. After the sunset tourists can enjoy Rajasthani folk songs or dance those are showcased by the local artisans. The villages of Sarunda, Ghatiyali, Dawa and Kakkoo are the popular for desert camping trips from Bikaner.

National Research Center on Camels: National Research Center on Camels is one of the major tourist attractions at Bikaner established in the year 1984 by Indian Government under Indian Council of Agricultural Research for the purpose of camel’s breeding. National Research Center on Camels is located 8 km from Bikaner on Jewari area which is spread over an area of about 2000 acre. The research center works on development of camel’s breeding along with effective use of dairy products made from camel’s milk which is high in vitamin C. There is dairy maintained by the ARCC which is located nearby the research center. The research center also works on producing high breed of camels. Right to the research center there is a museum that showcases many unknown facts about camels and it also exhibits different ornaments and home decorative items those are made from the bones and teeth of camels. A baby camel is also on display which is made from camel’s fur. Beautiful blankets and carpets those are made from camel’s fur are also seen in the museum. The camel’s research centre remains open from 03.00 pm to 05.00 pm for tourists visit. This is the only research center is Asia. Tourists can also enjoy camel’s back ride in this center.

Sursagar Lake: Sursagar Lake is basically a picnic spot at Bikaner that spreads over an approx area of 22,800 sq km is a rectangular shape lake with 184 meter in length, 120 meter wide and 8 meter deep. The Sursagar Lake was dug out during the reign of Maharaja Sur Singh in order to meet up the scarcity of drinking water in the region. Sitting arrangements are made around the lake where tourists can sit and relax. Tourists can also opt for boating on the lake.

Kolayat: Kolayat is an important pilgrimage town for the Hindus located 51 km from Bikaner on NH 15 on the way to Jaisalmer. Kalayat is famously known for a number of marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 52 bathing ghats those are built around Kolayat Lake. There is a temple dedicated to Kapila (Kapil Muni) centering which an annual fair is held every year during the month of October – November. This is one of the largest fair in Bikaner on the desert area. A cattle fair is also held in conjunction with the annual fair. Devotees from all over the region gathers during the fair to take holy dip in the lake which is believed to wash away all the sins.

Devi Kund Sagar: Devi Kund is the crematory ground of the royal family of Bikaner located 8 km to the east of Bikaner near Sagar Talao. Each cenotaph is dedicated to the royal descendants of the ruler of Bikaner. These cenotaphs are flanked by umbrella (chhatri) on the top which is decorated with paintings of the Rajput architectures and a stone slab with engravings about the ruler. The earlier cenotaphs are made of Dulmera red sand stone and the recent ones are made of marble. Among these royal cenotaphs the one of Maharaja Surat Singh is most attractive crafted in white marble and the cenotaph of Maharaja Ratan Singh and Maharaja Anup is a splendid architecture built on sixteen pillars decorated with sculptures of the life of Lord Krishna and bearing floral and animal patterns. These cenotaphs display the influence of both Mughal and Rajput architecture. Cenotaphs of the royal ladies are also seen here. Tourists are advised not to miss the Devi Kund Sagar Lake.

Skybird Water Park: Sky Bird Water Park is the only water park available at Bikaner located on the outskirts of the city. This is a popular amusement park among both the locals and tourists as well. This is also a picnic spot at Bikaner.

Rajasthan State Archives: Rajasthan State Archive at Bikaner is popular museum at Bikaner that has a rich collection of administrative record of Mughal period like Persian Farmans, Nishans, Manshurs, Akbarat, Vakil Report, Arzdasht, Khatoot and records created during administration of the Princely states of Rajasthan such as Bahiat, Pattas, Parwanas, Rukkas, Chithiat etc. The museum is visited both by tourists and researchers. There are many documents on display for visitors. It remains open from 10.00 am to 04.30 pm. There are also many portrays of freedom fighters displayed in the museum.

Kalibangan: Kalibangan is a historical site founded by Dr. A. Ghosh of the Archeological Survey of India in 1958. Kalibangan is located 205 km from Bikaner on the banks of Ghaggar River in Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan. Kalibangan was an Indus Valley Civilization site where many artifacts of the proto- Harappan age and Harappan age are unearthed here.

Katariasar Village: Katariasar Village is popular tourist destination lies 45 km from Bikaner on the Jaipur road. The village is rich in rural, ethnic and cultural life. The local inhabitants of the village are Jasnathjis who are fine dancers and are mainly engaged in dairy farming. Tourists visiting the village can take a walk on the sand dunes or witness the sun setting at the backdrop of the desert. The village abounds in chinkaras, desert fox, rabbits, peacocks and parrots.

Jorbeed: Jorbeed is a spot located 12 km from Bikaner which is ideal to spot some raptors. Raptors like Steppe Eagles, Griffon Vultures and Egyptian Vultures are commonly spotted here. It is a conservation reserve of Rajasthan.

Bikaner Festivals

Bikaner Camel Festival: Bikaner Camel Festival is celebrated annually with a devotion to the camels (also known as ‘Ship of the Deserts’). These camels can travel 100 km in a single day at an average speed of 12 to 15 km per hour. Bikaner Camel Festival was founded in 1488 AD by Rao Bikaji. The festival is organized during the month of January. In this festival best breeds of camels are showcased from all over the region. Many camel games, camel races, camel acrobatics and camel beauty pageants are exhibited here. Apart from camels show the locals also performs Kalbelia, Cahkri, Teratali and Garba folk dances. Some of the best quality dairy products produced from camel’s milk and handicraft products made from camel’s fur, bone and teeth are also displayed in this festival for sale. During this festival thousand of tourists both from India and across the globe visit Bikaner.

Shopping around Bikaner: Bikaner is well known for its wide availability of tasty Bhujia which are produced locally. All over the city of Bikaner numerous vendors with small shops are seen selling these Bhujias. There are few local markets those are proudly known for the Bhujia and tourists can opt to buy some of these.

Rani Bazaar Station Road: Rani Bazaar Station Road at Bikaner is a market place with numerous shops and local vendors those selling embroidered footwear, local fabrics, leather goods, woods, traditional artifacts miniature paintings, gold worked wood and different local food items. The market at station road area is known as Rani Bazaar. The market is located near Bikaner railway station.

MG Road: Bikaner is a shopping paradise and Mahatma Gandhi Road is a no exception located opposite to the Kote Gate Market. The MG Road market at Bikaner is mainly famous for its wide collections of Kundan jewellery along with old articles, ethnic cloths, hand crafted footwear, accessories and tinkles.

Kote Gate: Kote Gate is considered to be the main entrance of Bikaner that separates old and new parts of the city. Standing tall in the middle of the road, one of the popular activities near Kote Gate is to indulge in shopping in the local bazaars. There are numerous shops operating near the Kote Gate those sells varieties of Rajasthani products those reflects the traditions and cultures of the city of Bikaner. Not only from India but tourists from across the globe pay a visit to the Kote Gate area while visiting Bikaner.

How to reach

By train: The nearest rail head is Bikaner railway station and it is well connected with major tourist hubs of Rajasthan and also with other major cities of India. Bikaner is located 332 km from Jaisalmer, 253 km from Jodhpur, 456 km from Delhi, 220 km from Jhunjhun and 52 km from Loharu. Several trains are that connect Bikaner with other major cities of India are 12371 Howrah – Jaisalmer Superfast express leaves Howrah Jnc every Monday at 08.15 am and reaches Bikaner the next day at 06.20 pm. 12496 Pratap Express leaves Kolkata station every Friday at 10.45 pm and reaches Bikaner the third day at 05.50 pm. Other trains available from Loharu are 04736 Haridwar – Bikaner express leaves Loharu at 04.42 am and reach Bikaner at 09.25 am, 54789 Rewari – Bikaner Passenger leaves at 06.55 am and reaches Bikaner at 01.35 pm and 22472 Delhi – Sarai Rohila Superfast leaves at 11.35 am and reaches Bikaner at 04.35 pm. From Howrah railway station 2307 Jodhpur – Bikaner express leaves Howrah at 11.30 pm and reaches Bikaner the third day at 08.50 am. From Delhi trains like Bikaner Mail, Bikaner express and Bikaner Link express also reaches Bikaner. From Jaipur railway station Jaipur – Bikaner express also reaches Bikaner.

By Road: Bikaner bus stand lies to the north of Bikaner and it is located around 3 km from Bikaner railway station. Bikaner is well connected by bus with major tourist destinations of Rajasthan and also with major cities of India as well. Frequent bus services are available those directly connects Bikaner with major places like Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Barmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jhunjhun and Kota. At few routes Rajasthan Broadway buses also ply those directly connects with Bikaner.

By Air: Bikaner Airport is situated in the locality of Nal in Bikaner and is located 15 km to the west of Bikaner. The Airport is a civil enclave on the Bikaner base station of the Indian Air Force. This airport provides better regional connectivity across the country. Tourists can also opt for Jodhpur airport located around 253 km away from Bikaner.

Best time of visit: Bikaner is situated in the middle of Thar Desert and has a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures during summer. October to March is the best time to visit Bikaner, though winters are fairly cold. During winters the temperature drops severely. Monsoon stays from July to September but with very little rainfall.