Laxmi Nath Temple: Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical monument has special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . It was later developed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries.

Junagarh Fort: The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. Rai Singh had conquered part of Marwar and had been granted territory in Gujurat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. This, as well as funding from Jodhpur, enabled him to build the fort. Rai Singh held high rank in the imperial courts of both Akbar and his successor, Jehangir. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace: The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 - 1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The building features magnificent pillars, elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still lives in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the WelcomHeritage Group.

Excursions

Camel Research Centre: The National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner is located in the Jorbeer area at a distance of about 10 km from Bikaner city. It was established on 5th July 1984. Prior to that the Centre was known as camel breeding farm under the aegis of college of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. The Centre has the responsibility to conduct basic and applied research for the improvement of camel. The Centre has been identified as one of the important tourist place of Bikaner and is included in the tourist map of Rajasthan. The Centre has developed a camel museum which attracts the attention of researchers and tourist. Every year thousands of Foreign and Indian tourists visit the Centre.

Kolyatji: Kolyat is located 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple complex of Kolyat and a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The legend has it that Kapil Muni the advocate of Shankya yoga of the Hindu philosophy while journeying towards northwest was struck by the tranquility and peace of this place and chose to perform tapasya (penance) here for the redemption of the world. This place has since acquired great sanctity. The complex has several temples, pavilions and bathing ghats. A dip in the holy waters of the lake especially on Kartik Poornima (November) is considered very auspicious.

Katariasar Village: It is located 50 kilometres from Bikaner. It is a temple complex of Kolyat and a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The legend has it that Kapil Muni the advocate of Shankya yoga of the Hindu philosophy while journeying towards northwest was struck by the tranquility and peace of this place and chose to perform tapasya (penance) here for the redemption of the world. This place has since acquired great sanctity. The complex has several temples, pavilions and bathing ghats. A dip in the holy waters of the lake especially on Kartik Poornima (November) is considered very auspicious.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: It is situated 32kms from Bikaner on Jaisalmer road. It is considered as the prettiest place in the region, with a lake, a palace, wooded hills and gardens. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds in thousands.

Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar Jain Temples: Located on the outskirts of Bikaner, these 14th century temples are major tourist attraction in Bikaner. Dedicated to 23rd Jain tirthankar, Parsvanath, these temples are famous for their mirror work and the gold leaf paintings.

Ganga Government Museum: Explore royal treasures at the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner with Indian Horizons. Also known as the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner enraptures you with regal charm that takes you back in time.

Initially the museum was established in a red sandstone building near the Lalgarh Palace by Maharaja Ganga Singhji to celebrate his golden jubilee reign in Bikaner. Later Maharaja Karni Singhji constructed a larger building and the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum was shifted to it in the year 1954.

Dignitaries from England attended the inaugural function that marked the establishment of the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. In fact the then Governor General of India, Lord Linlithgow did the honors.

See hunting trophies, archaeological evidences of civilization having flourished in Bikaner in between 320 A.D. to 1200 A.D. and other interesting exhibits.

The first floor of the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner is adorned with life size portraits of the Maharajas of Bikaner and several English personages of significance. See artifacts and crafts made of wood, metal and glass on display on the second floor of the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

See attractive gilded golf leaf paintings on camel hides, crafts made by Usta craftsmen, enchanting glasswork and more, as you enjoy a fascinating rendezvous with royal Bikaner on your tours to the Ganga Government Museum.

Karni Mata Temple: is also one of the major tourist attractions of Bikaner. The unique thing about the temple is the thousand of rats that come here. The rats are considered holy and are worshipped by the devotees. You are considered lucky if you spot a white rat.

Famous for its Bikaneri Bhujia, Bikaner offers some of the best spicy snacks and namkeens in India for you to relish.

Besides, Bikaner is also famous for its craftwork and leather items which you must purchase on your Bikaner travel. You can also visit the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, which has a fine collection of pottery, paintings and weapons.

The Rajputana Getaway offers to give you online information on other tourist attractions in Bikaner in Rajasthan, India. For more information, please fill up the form below.

Prachina Museum: Situated in the Junagarh For, the Prachina Museum houses a rich collection of royal costumes, textiles and accessories. There are also Poshaks (the traditional ladies ensemble) in the museum. Also on display are family portraits of the former rulers of Bikaner.

Shiv Bari Temple: It is 6 kms. From Bikaner and was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Doongar Singhji. Beautiful paintings and a Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple. Popularly known as Laleswar Mahadeo, the temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. An embattlement wall surrounds the temple. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue. There are two large reservoirs of water known as Bawaris. This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (February) especially on Mondays.