Bikaner is the least visited of the big Rajasthan cities, which is much of its appeal. Junagarh is one of the few major forts in the state never taken by an invading army, the old-town havelis are largely unrestored, and the National Research Centre on Camel just outside town is genuinely interesting. It fits naturally between Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
Begun in 1589 and never conquered. The Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal have some of the finest gold-leaf and mirror work in Rajasthan.
At Deshnok, 30 km away, home to thousands of protected black rats. Footwear is removed at the entrance.
Open in the afternoon, with breeding herds, a small museum and camel-milk ice cream.
Red sandstone Indo-Saracenic architecture from the early 1900s, partly a hotel and partly a museum.
A cluster of merchant mansions in the old city with elaborately carved sandstone facades.
32 km out, a lakeside hunting lodge with good winter birdlife.
October to March. The Bikaner Camel Festival in January is the highlight of the local calendar. Summer temperatures pass 45°C — the desert here is at its most unforgiving.
Nal Airport (BKB) is 17 km away with limited services; Jaipur (JAI) at 335 km is the main gateway.
Bikaner Junction (BKN) has direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kolkata.
Jaipur is about 5 hours 30 minutes, Jodhpur 4 hours 30 minutes and Jaisalmer 5 hours 30 minutes.
Nal Airport (BKB) is a small civil enclave with a thin schedule. Road transfers from Jaipur or Jodhpur are the usual approach.
Bikaner Junction is centrally located, about 10 minutes from Junagarh Fort.
| Destination | Distance by road | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Deshnok | 30 km | 40 min |
| Gajner | 32 km | 45 min |
| Jodhpur | 250 km | 4 hr 30 min |
| Jaisalmer | 330 km | 5 hr 30 min |
| Jaipur | 335 km | 5 hr 30 min |
Distances and drive times are approximate and depend on traffic, road conditions and the stops you make.
We run local sightseeing cars, airport and station transfers and outstation taxis in Bikaner. A local package covers a set number of hours and kilometres with the driver waiting at each stop, which is far more practical than hailing a new ride at every monument. For longer trips, the same car and driver can stay with you across the whole itinerary.
Seven days across the Thar — Bikaner, the Jaisalmer dunes and a night under canvas, ending in Jodhpur.
Eight days through the great forts, palaces and havelis of Rajasthan, from Jaipur to the desert and down to the lakes.
Twelve days and eight destinations — forts, desert, tigers, hills and lakes, at a pace that lets you enjoy them.
If you have eight days or more, yes. It breaks the long Jaipur–Jaisalmer drive sensibly and Junagarh Fort is a genuine highlight.
One full day covers Junagarh, the camel centre and the old-city havelis. Add half a day for Deshnok and Gajner.
About five and a half hours through open desert on a decent road, with few towns en route — carry water and plan a fuel stop.
Yes. Bikaner features in our week-long desert circuits and can be added to any custom itinerary.
