05/08/2022
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BIKANER- A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDEWhat is the first thing that pops in your mind when you think of Bikaner? Is it Bikaneri Namkeen – Bhujia or the majestic Rampuria Haveli? The mouth- watering snack is irresistible, and pictures of the Haveli are splashed across every social media platform. But Bikaner is much more than just a famous snack or a photogenic building. Unlike the other cities of Rajasthan, it does not flaunt its forts and palaces; instead it has something unorthodox to offer.Bikaner is one of the largest cities of Rajasthan but has been overlooked by many travellers in favour of its more illustrious neighbors Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer.Less popularity translates to fewer people visiting which is good if you want to enjoy Bikaner to its fullest.
HOW TO REACH BIKANER:Bikaner is easily accessible from most of the major cities. Regular buses ply from Agra, Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur to Bikaner. The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur at 250 kms, a 5-hour drive. Alternatively, you can also drive down or board a bus from Jaipur to Bikaner. The roads are pretty good and pleasant for a road trip. We opted for a sleeper bus from Jaipur to Bikaner costing us 500 per head, an approx. 6-hour journey.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BIKANER:The ideal time to visit Bikaner would be from mid-October to Feb end. Just like any desert region, Bikaner gets hot during the summers with temperatures rising to a scorching 45 degrees during the day. We were in Bikaner back in Feb when the temperatures were much pleasant during the day and the mercury dropping to a chilly 8-10 degrees at night.The city witnesses a tourist influx mainly during weekends, but I would suggest spending a couple more days to experience this beautiful place.
TOURISTY THINGS TO DO IN BIKANER IN 2 DAYS: If you are determined to visit only for the weekend then consider seeing these must visit places first.
JUNAGARH FORT, BIKANER:Unlike most other forts, Junagarh fort does not lie atop a mountain/ hilltop and yet this beautiful structure was never captured by an invading force. The city of Bikaner seemed to grow right around it.Junagarh fort was constructed around the 16th century during the reign of Raja Rai Singh and was initially named “Chintamani”. In the years to follow, when the royal family moved to the magnificent Lalgarh Palace, Chintamani Fort was renamed Junagarh meaning Old Fort.The fort is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained forts of India. It houses numerous palaces, courtyards, two museums and many ancient artefacts and memorabilia.Junagarh fort is adorned with beautiful mirror artwork, detailed archways, ornate corridors, jharokhas & impressive carved lattice screens. Every room in the fort exudes beauty and royalty.Junagarh has some of the most Instagram worthy rooms; Badal Mahal, blue walls laced with hand painted clouds to resemble a cloudy sky & Anup Mahal, a red and gold highlighted hall meant for a private audience with the King.Pick up an audio guide from the ticket counter to walk you through the history of this fort while you admire and gaze at this architectural beauty.
RAMPURIA HAVELI:Also known as the pride of Bikaner, Rampuria haveli is a marvel to admire when in Bikaner. These are a group of havelis built by the wealthy merchant clans of Bikaner over a period of a few hundred years. The Havelis are made using red sandstone, one of the reasons it is known as the Red City. The beauty of the Havelis is simply stunning and elegant. Also, the corner of this building jutting out onto the street is one of the most popular pictures online today.I suggest wandering by foot in the narrow lanes during the morning hours to avoid honking vehicles, and to capture the beauty around sunrise when the sun is peeking over from behind the tall structures of the haveli. The colourful houses and spice market in the adjoining area tell tales of the old Bikaner.
TEMPLES OF BIKANER: Bikaner is undoubtedly a city of worshippers with opulent temples scattered all around the city. If you feel religious or merely wish to be an admirer of spell bounding architecture or you are a history buff, then here are some of the temples to visit:
SETH BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE:Built in the 15th century, Seth Bhandasar Jain temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner.It is believed that the foundation of the temple was built using ghee mixed with mortar. The popular belief is that the dark patches along the floor and the walls of the temple is the ghee oozing out during the hot summers due to extreme temperatures. The temple is a wondrous amalgamation of white marble and red sandstone, ornate with intricate gold and mirror work. The wall arts, colourful paintings, carved windows, ornamented ceilings and archways spell opulent beauty. Take a parikrama (round) of the temple & chat with the Local Pandit (Priest) who is willing to share a piece of history.
KARNI MATA RAT TEMPLE:A 30 km drive from the city, Karni Mata Temple is home to over 20,000 rats that are fed and worshipped. It is believed that if a rat eats the food you offer, it is considered auspicious. And if you spot a white rat amongst the thousands of other scurrying rats, consider yourself extremely lucky. This temple is not for the faint hearted.Shiv Bari temple, Shri Laxminath temple, Laxminath temple are some of the other temples to visit in Bikaner.
LALGARH PALACE:Built by the then Maharaja of Bikaner, Sri Ganga Singh, the palace was named in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh. The palace is a blend of Indian & British influences evident in the intricate artwork of this marvellous architectural building that has withstood time. The palace houses the Charitable Trust Shri Sadul Museum, the fourth largest private library in the world. The two other wings of this grand structure are converted into heritage hotels, Lalgarh Palace Hotel and Laxmi Niwas Palace Hotel.
LAXMI NIWAS PALACE:A part of Lalgarh Palace, Laxmi Niwas palace is the ultimate luxury and heritage hotel to stay whilst in Bikaner. Carved with red sandstone, the palace is well maintained and usually hosts royal weddings and corporate events. The hospitality, the symmetry, the food and the feeling of royalty is beyond imagination. The tariffs of the rooms here are in excess of a whopping INR 30000. But you can always drop by for a drink or two or indulge in a royal thali at their inhouse restaurant without having to splurge on the room tariff. And do not forget to wander around the corridors and hotel grounds and enjoy the serenity of this lavish property.
GAJNER PALACE:Around 32 kms away from the city, Gajner Palace is a breath-taking place to spend your day. It is one of the most sought-after heritage hotels due its proximity to the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and the shores of Gajner Lake. Explore the flora and fauna and soak in the musical chirping of colourful birds. You can also take the safari tour and go wildlife spotting at the Sanctuary, unwinding at their gorgeous restaurant afterwards.
PLACES TO EAT IN BIKANER:RELISH THE ROYAL THALI AT SWARNA MAHAL:Step back in time and experience royalty like no other at Swarna Mahal (housed inside Laxmi Niwas Heritage Hotel). Admire the Utsa art all around and the high teak panelled roof while the ambiance sweeps you off your feet. The food here is amazing and complements the stunning surroundings.While we were here, the husband tried the delicious Lal Mass cooked in gulmohar flower; so succulent that the meat would just fall off the bones & flavoursome to say the least.I indulged in the Royal Maharajas Thali that consisted of some creamy Kebabs, Ker Sangri, Lal Maas, Malai Murgh, Gatte ki Sabzi, Papad ki Sabzi, Daal-baati-Churma, Bajre ki Roti doused in Ghee and much more. And for dessert, I was served the Bikaner Rasgulla and Kheer – uber delicious.This was the most memorable meal of our trip
THE IMPERIAL TERRACE: An extension to The Mirage, the inhouse restaurant at Gajner Palace, overlooks the beautiful lake and sanctuary. Enjoy the sunset over the lake while sipping on a fancy drink. They also host folk and tribal dance performances for their guests throughout the evening.
HOMEMADE RAJASTHANI MEAL AT RAO BIKAJI SAFARI CAMP:Meals at Rao Bikaji are homely and plain delicious. A perfect Rajasthani meal including Dal Baati, Gatte Ki Sabji, Ker Sangri & Gulab Jamun to end the meal on a sweet note. The food is prepared in house by the humble & ever courteous staff.
GALLOPS:A multi cuisine restaurant right opposite Junagarh fort, Gallops is a popular place to eat in Bikaner. The restaurant is bustling with tourists; however, the food is quite average. I suggest opting for Indian food and trying the coffee.
PRACHINA CAFE:Situated inside the grounds of Junagarh Fort, the place is peaceful and does not have too many guests. The menu is limited and mostly offers quick bites and Indian cuisine. Though the food is ordinary, the Puri Bhaji was flavorful.
BIKANERI SWEETS AND NAMKEEN:Do not miss out on sampling the world famous Bikaneri Bhujia, Ghevar and Rasgulla at Bikaneri Sweets. A trip to Bikaner is incomplete without picking a few snack packs while returning home.
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