Located on the north of the state Rajasthan, the camel country Bikaner is one of the three main destinations of the desert circuit cities of Rajasthan. It was founded by the Rathore prince Rao Bikaji a descendant of founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji. During medieval period the city was an important trading route to the West Asian countries. The city is popular in all over world for its best riding camels and architectural wealth lying in its marvelous forts, palaces and temples.

Climate of Bikaner

Due to its proximity to the desert, the city experiences a hot and humid climate with high temperature difference. During summer the average temperature varies between 48 and 28 degrees C and it winter it is between 22 and 4 degrees C. In monsoon the city receives an average rainfall of about 26-46 cms.

Tourist Attractions of Bikaner

Junagarh Fort :
Built by Raja Rai Singh between 1588 to 1593, the fort complex was bounded by a 986 meter long wall with two entrances. The Suraj Pol is the main entrance to the fort. There are several palaces within the fort complex including Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal and Ganga Mahal. Paintings, mirrors, marble carvings are the major attractions of these palace. The museum inside the complex has a collection of valuable objects. The fort is open daily from 10 AM to 4.30 PM.

Lallgarh Palace :
This architectural beauty of red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902, in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The entire palace complex was built by Sir Swinton Jacob and is a blend of Rajput, Muslim and European style architecture. Its intricate carvings on red sandstone is the prime feature of its craftsmanship. The palace complex also houses a museum named the Shri Sadul museum with a rich collection of armory, paintings, portraits and various other antique objects. A part of the palace has now converted into a heritage hotel runs by the Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation(RTDC). It is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM except Sundays.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum :
Run by the Government of Rajasthan, this museum was established in 1937 on the eve of the golden jubilee celebration of Maharaja Ganga Singh. It has a rich collection of local art & crafts, sculpture, terracotta, armory, miniature paintings and several historical records in terms of Mughal Farmans. It is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM except Friday and all gazetted holidays.

Camel Research Centre :
Established in the year 1984, this research centre conducts applied research for improvement of camel breeding. It remains open daily from 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM for the visitors.

Camel Festival :
Celebrated every year in the month of January, the Camel Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture Government of Rajasthan. Folk dances, music, decorated camel procession, camel races, camel dances and various other interesting cultural performances are the prime features of this festival.

Getting to Bikaner

By Air : The nearest airport service is at Jodhpur at a distance of 240 km. Bikaner

By Rail : Indian Railway connects Bikaner with all the major destinations of Rajasthan & other parts of north India. Also the luxury heritage train Palace on Wheels covers the city in its week long tour.

By Road : Bikaner is well connected by road to some of the major cities of Rajasthan and nearby states.

By Local Transport : Taxis and auto rickshaws are the major modes of local transport.