The Camel Country
Bikaner
A desert trading city of red sandstone, sweet shops and camels.
Best time to visit
October to March
Drive time
About 6 hours from Jaipur, 5 from Jodhpur
Travel style
Private car with local driver-guide
The story in short
Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a son of Jodhpur's ruler who rode north to build a kingdom of his own, Bikaner rose on the caravan route between Central Asia and Gujarat. Its merchants returned rich and built streets of carved red sandstone havelis. Unlike its neighbours, the city was never sacked — so its fort still stands complete, with its original interiors intact.
Places you shouldn't miss
Junagarh Fort
A rare unconquered fort with lavish painted and mirrored palaces.
Rampuria Havelis
Lanes of red sandstone mansions carved by Bikaneri stonemasons.
Karni Mata Temple
The famous Deshnoke temple of the sacred rats, 30 km south.
Camel Research Farm
India's largest camel breeding centre — best at golden hour.
What makes Bikaner unique
One of the few great Rajput forts never taken in battle, so the interiors survive untouched.
Camel country — camel safaris, camel milk kulfi and the winter Camel Festival.
Bikaneri bhujia and rasgulla, straight from the shops that made them famous.
Continue the circuit
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