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17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
1. Destination Overview of Bikaner:
Bikaner is a city located in the north-western region of Rajasthan, India. It is the fifth-largest city in Rajasthan and known for its rich cultural heritage, fascinating architecture, and delicious cuisine. It is famous for the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Prachina Museum and Camel Safari, among other attractions.
2. Top Activities to do in Bikaner:
• Visit the Junagarh Fort: A 16th-century fort and palace complex that is the main attraction in Bikaner.
• Explore the Lalgarh Palace: A palace of red sandstone and marble, built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh.
• Visit the Karni Mata Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Karni Mata, known as the Rat Temple because of the thousands of rats that live within it.
• Go on a Camel Safari: A guided tour of the desert surrounding Bikaner, on the back of a camel.
• Experience the Prachina Museum: A museum dedicated to the traditional culture and heritage of Bikaner, with a collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
• Enjoy the Bikaner Music and Dance Festival: An annual festival that celebrates the music and dance of Rajasthan.
• Shop at the Bhujaiya Market: A local market selling traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.
• Take a trip to the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary located about 30 km from Bikaner, home to a variety of bird and animal species.
3. Best Places To Stay in Bikaner:
Luxury Places:
• Laxmi Niwas Palace: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a spa, swimming pool, and a range of modern amenities.
• Hotel Bhanwar Niwas: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a spa, outdoor pool, and a range of modern amenities.
• The Gateway Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a spa and a range of modern amenities.
Mid Range:
• Hotel Vesta Bikaner: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
• Hotel Sita Palace: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
• Hotel Lallgarh Palace: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
Budget Friendly:
• Hotel Laxmi Palace: A budget hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
• Hotel Royal Regency: A budget hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
• Hotel Jodhpur Palace: A budget hotel located in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of modern amenities.
4. How to Travel to Bikaner?
The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur Airport (JDH), which is about 250 km away. The nearest railway station is Bikaner Junction (BKN), which is located in the city. Bikaner is well-connected by road and there are several buses that ply between the city and other cities in Rajasthan.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Bikaner:
• Bikaneri Bhujia: A popular snack made with besan, spices, and vegetables.
• Kachori: A deep-fried snack made with besan and stuffed with masala and spices.
• Rabri: A sweet dish made with evaporated milk, sugar, and dry fruits.
• Ghevar: A sweet dish made with flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
• Laal Maas: A spicy Rajasthani curry made with mutton and red chillies.
• Imarti: A sweet dish made with urad dal, sugar, and saffron.
• Pyaaz Kachori: A deep-fried snack made with onion, besan, and spices.
• Mawa Kachori: A sweet dish made with mawa, sugar, and dry fruits.
• Makhan Vade: A deep-fried snack made with curd and spices.
• Mirchi Bada: A deep-fried snack made with chilli and spices.
6. Best Places to Eat in Bikaner:
• Laxmi Niwas Palace: A luxurious restaurant in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of traditional Rajasthani dishes.
• Gajner Palace Restaurant: A popular restaurant in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of traditional Rajasthani dishes.
• Laal Maas Restaurant: A popular restaurant in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of traditional Rajasthani dishes.
• Kasturi Restaurant: A popular restaurant in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of traditional Rajasthani dishes.
• The Afghan Darbar: A popular restaurant in the heart of Bikaner, featuring a range of traditional Afghani dishes.
7. Weather and Climate:
Bikaner has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to March, when the temperatures are pleasant and the skies are clear. April to June is hot and dry, and July to September is the monsoon season. It is best to avoid travelling to Bikaner during the summer months of May and June, when temperatures can reach up to 45°C.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Bikaner:
When travelling to Bikaner, it is important to respect the local customs and etiquette. It is advisable to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. It is also important to remove shoes when entering temples and other religious sites. Tipping is expected in most places, and taxis and rickshaws should be paid in cash.
9. Popular Scams in Bikaner:
When travelling to Bikaner, it is important to be aware of the popular scams. Be wary of people offering free tours or giving you too much information about a certain place. Also, be aware of people offering to change currency at a better rate than the official exchange rate.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
The suggested trip duration for Bikaner is 4 to 5 days. This should give you enough time to explore the city and its attractions.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
The estimated budget per person for a 4-5 day trip to Bikaner is:
• Stay: INR 2,000-5,000
• Food: INR 1,000-2,000
• Activities: INR 500-1,000
• Tickets: INR 500-1,000
12. NearBy Cities:
• Jodhpur: 220 km
• Jaisalmer: 300 km
• Udaipur: 285 km
• Jaipur: 345 km
• Pushkar: 490 km
• Agra: 610 km
13. Local Language and Communication in Bikaner:
The official language of Bikaner is Hindi. English is widely spoken in tourist hubs, but it is advisable to learn some basic Hindi phrases for communication. Some common phrases in Hindi are:
• Namaste: Hello
• Dhanyawad: Thank you
• Aap Kaise Hain: How are you?
• Maaf Kijiye: Excuse me
• Aap Kahan Ja Rahe Hain: Where are you going?
• Yeh Kya Hai: What is this?
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The local currency in Bikaner is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easily available in the city. It is advisable to carry cash for small purchases. Tipping is expected in most places, and it is customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill.
15. Health and Medical Information:
It is advisable to consult a doctor before travelling to Bikaner, and to carry any necessary medicines. It is also important to take precautions against mosquito and insect bites, as well as to drink only bottled water. Medical facilities are available in the city, and there are several hospitals and pharmacies.
16. Packing Tips for Bikaner:
When travelling to Bikaner, it is important to pack appropriately.