Destination guide
Bikaner Travel Guide
Junagarh Fort, camel country and Rajasthani sweets
Junagarh is unusual among Rajasthan forts in that it was never built on a hill and was rarely conquered; the interiors are exceptionally well preserved. Bikaner's old city is dense with painted havelis and famous for bhujia and sweets.
For itineraries heading to Jaisalmer from Jaipur without going via Jodhpur, Bikaner breaks the drive sensibly and adds a genuinely different city.
- Ideal stay
- 1 night
- From Jaipur
- About 335 km, 5.5–6 hours
- Known for
- Junagarh Fort, camel breeding farm, bhujia
- Onward
- Jaisalmer, about 330 km
From Jaipur
About 335 km, roughly 5.5–6 hours by road. Can be combined with a Shekhawati stop at Mandawa.
Things to do in Bikaner
Junagarh Fort
Flat-land fort with intact painted interiors; allow 2 hours.
National Research Centre on Camel
Open in the afternoon; camel milk products on site.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok
The rat temple, 30 km south; entered barefoot.
Rampuria Havelis
Red sandstone merchant mansions in the old city.
Lalgarh Palace
Early 20th-century palace with a museum wing.
Ideal duration
- One night is enough for the fort, the old city and one excursion.
Best time to visit
- October to March; the Camel Festival is usually in January.
How to reach
- By road from Jaipur: about 335 km via Sikar and Ratangarh, 5.5–6 hours.
- By road from Jaisalmer: about 330 km, 5–5.5 hours.
Sample Bikaner itinerary
- Day 1
Bikaner
- Morning
- Junagarh Fort and the Prachina museum.
- Afternoon
- Rampuria havelis and the camel research centre.
- Evening
- Old city food walk.
Transport: Car with driver.
Contact us for the latest quotation based on date, route, duration and vehicle.
Recommended vehicles
Bikaner travel FAQs
- Is Bikaner worth adding to a Rajasthan itinerary?
- It is worth a night if you are travelling to Jaisalmer from Jaipur without going via Jodhpur, or if you want a desert city with far fewer tourists.
Nearby destinations & related pages
Plan your Bikaner journey with a Jaipur-based team
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a Bikaner itinerary with the right vehicle for your route. Contact us for the latest quotation based on date, route, duration and vehicle.