With a lengthy and fascinating history behind it and a rich contemporary culture, Bikaner has no shortage of eye candy and no deficit of worthy sightseeing destinations. Indeed the city is blessed with an abundance of interesting old palaces, temples and defensive structures, providing visitors with plenty of camera fodder and opportunity to gain some sense of what it was like in days gone by.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
The temples of Bhandeshwar Jain are among the most significant of the city historic places of worship. Dating back to the 15^th century, both structures were built in honour of the 23^rd Jain Tirthankara Parshvanathji.

Bikaner Camel Breeding Farm
This modern dromedary breeding facility is government owned and gives visitors an insight into the processes required to keep the camel population in the region in numbers sufficient for practical working purposes. See how experts known as Raikas or Rebaris have successfully developed Jaisalmeri and Kachchhi breeds by selective breeding techniques.

Devi Kund
Perhaps the city’s greatest tourist attraction, Devi Kund is the site where the royal cenotaphs of the House of Bikaji Rathore are located. Illustrating the finer points of Rajput architecture, the chattris of Devi Kund depict the novel way of thinking typical of the people of this dynasty. The tomb of Maharaja Surat Singh is especially notable, built in pure white marble and featuring some magnificent ceiling artwork.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
Just 32kms outside of the city, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve comprising a large lake and forested areas within which a varied selection of wildlife exists. Among the species to call this reserve their home are wild boar, deer, antelopes, hares and wildfowl; while the lake supports birds numbering in their thousands, including imperial sand grouse during the wintertime. Guided tours of the sanctuary are available in jeeps operated by forest officers.

Junagarh Fort
Rai Singh, ruler of the city from 1571 to 1612, was responsible for building this magnificent structure located northeast of the old city, with its construction taking 5 years till completion. Within the palace are a variety of interesting buildings, including palaces such as Rang Maha, Ganga Niwas and Anup Mahal. The lengthy outer wall of the fort is also among its notable features.

Karni Mata Temple
In the neighbouring town of Deshnoke, the Karni Mata Temple is a religious structure devoted to the person of the same name. The temple, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh, includes a shrine dedicated to this much revered female. These points however, have not gained the temple fame among holidaymakers in the same way that the large rat population living inside the building has. The literally thousands of rats are believed to be reincarnated ancestors of the locals and are consequently considered ‘holy rats’. Visitors enter and hope that the rats run across their feet for good luck.

Lalgarh Palace
This early 19^th century building, which was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh, captures an eclectic mix of Mughal, Rajput and European influences. The palace was erected between 1902 and 1926 from a design by British architect Sir Swinton Jacob. Notable features include the red sandstone exterior and the magnificent grand halls with their equally grand old fireplaces.

Laxmi Nath Temple
Rao Bikaji laid the first stones of the Laxmi Nath Temple in the late 15^th century, making this one of Bikaner’s and Rajasthan’s oldest temples. The bulk of the building’s construction was performed during the reign of Rao Lunkaran, although significant additions were made during the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Prachina Museum
This relatively young facility (opened in 2000) is the product of the efforts of Narendra Singh Ji’s (current Maharaja) daughter. The museum is hailed as a centre for art and culture and features a collection comprising royal clothing, eating utensils, tools and items including a compass, game board, dressing table, cigarette cases, glasses and items of chinaware.

Shiv Bari Temple
Dungar Singh was responsible for building this splendid late 19^th century temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. An impressive outer wall provides fortification to the temple, while the main structure features the traditional red sandstone finish that is so typical of buildings in this region. Inside the temple, the statues of the Shiva Lingham and Nandi, situated facing one another, are among the most notable features.

Attend the Bikaner Camel Festival. Many visitors plan their trips to Bikaner to coincide with January’s Camel Festival, purely because it’s known to be such great fun. The huge selection of events involving these unusual and highly versatile beasts make for great entertainment for all, visitors and locals alike.

Dine on traditional fare. For the experience of being treated like a king and for cuisine worthy of royalty, head for the restaurants of the city’s top hotels. Chefs of national repute man the kitchens of these acclaimed dining establishments, cooking up fine traditional fare as well as excellent international food. Check out the restaurants of the Hotel Bhanwar Niwas, Lalgarh Palace Hotel and Karni Bhawan Palace Hotel for five-star cuisine and service.

Experience the holy rats of Karni Mata Temple. Karni Mata Temple turns up as an entry in a variety of popular travel guides and often in several categories on account of its historic appeal and its twice-yearly religious festivals. For tourists however, especially those inclined to share local beliefs and superstitions, the greatest draw of the temple is the holy rats that inhabit it. Should any rat scurry across your feet, you can expect good luck. Should you see a white, then there’s the possibility of a miracle occurring.

Safari by jeep or camel into the desert. The Thar Desert is the number one choice for day or overnight trips from Bikaner by jeep or camel. Visitors have no greater opportunity to see something of the untamed wilderness and those who dwell in its far regions, than on a safari; whether it’s on the back of a bumpy camel or from the interior of a speeding jeep.