Places to Visit Near Bikaner

The Karni Mata Temple, also popularly known as the Nari Mata Temple or 'Rat Temple', is a 600-year-old temple located around 30 km from Bikaner in a small town of Deshnoke in Rajasthan. What is unique about this temple is the fact that 25,000 black rats live, and are worshipped, in the temple. Infact, the food that is eaten by them is considered to be holy and is later served as 'prasad'.

Distance from Bikaner: 30 km

If you're looking for a place that is the perfect combination of culture and tradition, Gajner Palace is the place for you. It is located in the city of Bikaner on the banks of Gajner Lake. This regal palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge for him and his family but was converted to a hotel in 1976. Gajner Palace offers you a variety of leisure activities from boat rides to desert safaris. Built as a traditional Rajasthani Palace, it is an architectural beauty which now is modernised to host guests.

Distance from Bikaner: 32 km

Known For : Sikar Churu Nawalgarh

Shekhawati is a semi-arid getaway full of open air galleries, enchanting havelis & palaces and legendary forts. This region has been recognised as the open art gallery of Rajasthan"" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world." Shekhawati has a history similar to that of Nawalgarh where in the Marwari men went to cities like Bombay and Calcutta in search of work and the time they found success and their businesses flourished, that is exactly when these plush havelis emanated.

Distance from Bikaner: 214 km

Best Time: November to March

11 Shekhawati Attractions

Known For : Sachiya Mata Temple Surya Temple Kali Temple

Osian (Osiyan), also known as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan', has earned this name due to its many temples, some of which are very erotic. It is an ancient temple city located 65 kms north of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan in western India. This place is of utmost significance to the Jains and the Hindus as some of their most important shrines lie in this beautiful city. Amongst the many temples that this town is host to, the ones that stand out in their beauty and grandeur are the Surya or Sun Temple, the Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Distance from Bikaner: 178 km

Best Time: November to March

5 Osian Attractions

Phalodi is a town located about 140 kilometres away from Jodhpur. It was established in the 1400s and has a heritage value that makes it a tourist destination. Its proximity from other tourist destinations like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur etc. also make it a tourism hub in Rajasthan. The town is famous for its salt industries and its extreme temperature. Therefore, is also known as Salt City. Here, salt is still traded like it used to ages ago, on Camels. In 2016, the temperature of Phalodi reached a staggering 51ᵒC and was the only place in the country to have the highest confirmed temperature.

Distance from Bikaner: 164 km

Known For : Rani Sati Temple Haveli and forts Khetri Mahal

An ancient town in the state of Rajasthan, Jhunjhunu is known for its fresco art and carefully engraved architecture of vacant havelis and authentic Rajasthani experience in an offbeat destination. Located at a distance of 190km from Jaipur, Jhunjunu is home to Rani Sati Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. Made of marble, Khetri Palace or Wind Palace is another piece of beautiful palace architecture that attracts tourists.

Distance from Bikaner: 240 km

Best Time: October to March

5 Jhunjhunu Attractions

Known For : Sethani ka Johara Salasar Balaji Tal Chappar Sanctuary

At the edge of the Thar desert and situated amidst the shifting golden sand dunes, lies a small city called Churu, resplendent with havelis, fresco paintings and unique architecture. Known as the 'Gateway to the Thar desert', Churu lies in the historic Shekhawati region in northern Rajasthan. Churu is a popular attraction for tourists due to its architecture - the grand palaces of havelis of Kanhaiya Lal Bagla and Surana, and its 400-year-old fort, among other things. The city is a perfect weekend getaway spot from New Delhi.

Distance from Bikaner: 177 km

Best Time: November to March

3 Churu Attractions

During the Nagaur Festival, people from far and near come and trade cattle in bulk. Various activities like tug-of-war, camel racing, etc. are also organized. The red chili markets set up during this time are also famous all over Asia. Tourists mainly flock to this town during the Nagaur festival. Also, the Khimsar Fort and the Sand Dune villages are prominent tourist attractions here.