Before leaving for my 8-day Mount Abu, Jaisalmer and Bikaner road trip, I researched about each city.

Several people suggested two or three days in Bikaner. The list of must-visit places was short, so I was confused.

Why do you need three days to explore the city?

After visiting Rajasthan’s “Purple City”, I concluded one day is ample time to explore the city’s Instagrammable and must-see places.

So, here’s my 1-day Bikaner itinerary.

• Breakfast at 8 a.m.
• Bhandasar Jain Temple at 9:30 a.m.
• Rampuria Haveli at 10:10 a.m.
• Junagarh Fort at 10:55 a.m.
• Prachina Museum at 12:35 p.m.
• Lunch at 1:15 p.m.
• Devi Kund Sagar at 2:30 p.m.
• National Research Centre on Camels at 3:15 p.m.
• Shree Karni Mata Temple at 4:15 p.m.
• Go shopping for Kundan jewellery and souvenirs at around 6:15 p.m.
• Dinner at 8 p.m.

My 1-day Bikaner itinerary seems packed (which it is), but it’s not rushed. Most things are a 10-minute drive from each other.

Are you visiting Rajasthan’s “Purple City”? Refer to my Bikaner travel guide.

BREAKFAST AT 8 A.M.

Begin the day with a nutritious and heavy breakfast. You’ll need the calories to explore the beautiful Purple City of Bikaner.

You can opt for breakfast at the hotel or another cafe or restaurant.

If you choose the second option, skip to the next part of the 1-day Bikaner itinerary.

I always go for breakfast at the hotel for obvious reasons – they have an elaborate buffet, and breakfast starts at 8 a.m. (earlier than many restaurants).

If you’ve read my 8-day road trip guide, you’ll know I drove from Jaisalmer and arrived in Bikaner at 1 p.m. So, I didn’t get to check out any breakfast places.

Anyway, have breakfast at your hotel to avoid crowds and cross off most places before the afternoon heat kicks in.

After your delicious breakfast, it’s time to head to the first must-visit place, Bhandasar Jain Temple.

BHANDASAR JAIN TEMPLE AT 9:30 P. M.

Built during the 12th century by Bhandar Shah Oswal, the Bhandasar Temple is a Svetāmbara (branch of Jainism) Jain Temple.

The centuries-old temple worships the 5th Tirthankar (preacher of the dharma), Sumatinatha.

So, what makes this temple a must-visit? There are a couple of reasons.

The temple’s simple exterior is misleading.

When I saw photos of the exterior, I wasn’t impressed. But what amazed me was the interior.

Inside the temple is a masterpiece of pillar carvings, leaf painting, murals of the 24 Tirthankars, and delicate mirror work.

Besides being a stunning and colourful temple, it is an engineering marvel – limestone and 40,000 kg of ghee were used for the mortar when building the temple.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t see this beautiful temple because it was closed due to some festivities in the area. That means I’ll have to come back to see it.

I missed it. You shouldn’t.

My failed visit wasn’t a total fail. I learnt that the temple closes in the afternoon and reopens at 4 p.m.

TRAVEL TIP:- The temple doesn’t follow a strict dress code, but appropriate clothing is appreciated. So, carry a shawl or dupatta if need be.

RAMPURIA HAVELI AT 10:10 A.M.

The next pit stop on the 1-day Bikaner itinerary is Rampuria Haveli.

The Rampuria Haveli was my second favourite place to visit in Bikaner.

Often, tourists mistakenly assume it is one haveli when it is a band of nine havelis.

Each haveli is a unique architectural marvel with delicate frescoes, designs and carvings.

Nestled among the narrow road lined with shops, the rose-coloured sandstone giants are distinguishable.

While most of the nine havelis are closed, one haveli is now a luxury hotel, the Bhanwar Niwas.

Despite the closure of the other havelis, the exterior is just remarkable. I could only imagine what the interiors were like in the olden days.

The best way to get to Rampuria Haveli is by walking or rickshaw because the roads are small for cars. Also, there is no parking space for vehicles.

Rampuria Haveli is one of the free attractions in Bikaner.

TRAVEL TIP:- Ladies!! Dress up before coming here because this Haveli is Insta-worthy.

The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll be able to spend here without crowds, and the street gets busy during the day.

I visited Bikaner during the off-season, so there were hardly any tourists. It was great because I didn’t have to worry about people asking me to move so they could have their turn.

My sister and I spent over half an hour snapping photos from every angle of this rose-coloured landmark.

I recommend spending at least 30 minutes exploring the conglomeration of havelis.

JUNAGARH FORT AT 10:55 A.M.

Another underrated gem of Bikaner is the Junagarh Fort.

Unlike most forts in Rajasthan, the Junagarh Fort is not on a hilltop.

Earlier, the fort was named “Chintamani”, but when the royal family moved to Lalgarh Palace, the fort became the Junagarh Fort or the Old Fort.

Interestingly, despite being attacked by enemies, Junagarh Fort was never captured, except for one day by Kamran Mirza, son of Mughal Emperor Babur.

But, before you visit this stunning place, here’s a brief insight into the entry.

After purchasing your tickets, you’ll have to wait till at least 20 people have gathered so you can follow the guide. No guide, no entry. Fortunately, they provide a free certified guide.

Waiting for people to gather can take 5-15 minutes.

Or, you can hire a private guide, for which you’ll have to pay a fee. So you don’t have to wait.

Once the guide arrives, you’re free to explore the fort.

After following the guide through two halls with unappealing artefacts, I thought coming to the fort was a mistake. However, I was wrong.

I hadn’t dug through many pictures of the fort before my trip. I’m glad I didn’t because seeing all the different pavillions without prejudice was delightful.

As I walked through the halls and mahals, I was mesmerized by the beautiful interiors.

Each pavilion is unique and an art in itself.

I spent almost two hours wandering the halls and marvelling at the rooms, Mahal and temples. And even then, I didn’t have my fill.

So, I highly recommend visiting Junagarh Fort.

PRACHINA MUSEUM AT 12:35 P.M.

The Prachina Museum is a simple, modern building within the Junagarh Fort complex.

As you exit the Junagarh Fort, you’ll see a building to the side of the garden. That’s the Prachina Museum.

In 2000, Princess Siddhi Kumari converted one of the “Karkhanas” (workshops) into a museum to display utensils, apparatus, accessories and more.

Prachina Museum showcases a wide range of royal paraphernalia.

Unfortunately, I didn’t visit the museum because I didn’t know it was there.

When I returned to the hotel, I discovered the museum was in the Junagarh Fort complex. I don’t know why it slipped my mind.

But it would have been interesting to glimpse what royal life was like in the olden days.

Also, I didn’t see tickets for the Prachina Museum at the Junagarh Fort ticket window. So, I’m assuming they have a separate one.

Since I didn’t see the museum, I don’t know if it’s worth stopping by.

However, if you have time, why not take a quick museum tour? Maybe you’ll come across something interesting.

LUNCH AT 1:15 P.M.

We still have a few stops to make before calling it a day. But before continuing, it’s time to refuel.

Here’s a list of popular restaurants in Bikaner.

If you’re famished and don’t want to wait too long, there’s a popular cafe, “Gallops“, outside Junagarh Fort.

It is a bit pricey but offers good food (according to reviews) and a stunning view of the Junagarh Fort.

Another popular restaurant is “Moonmal“. It is a bit further from the Junagarh Fort. But for those craving delicious North Indian food with quick service, Moonmal is the best choice. It is a simple, family-friendly restaurant.

Yet another popular restaurant is “Vardham“. It is a family-friendly restaurant 10 minutes from the Junagarh Fort. Vardham restaurant is slightly pricey but offers good food. Also, their sweets are popular. Don’t forget to sample some.

After a delicious lunch, it’s time to head to the next attraction on the 1-day Bikaner itinerary.

DEVI KUND SAGAR AT 2:30 P.M.

The next attraction is the royal cenotaph, the Devi Kund Sagar.

Don’t know what are cenotaphs? Let me inform you. They are the royal cremation grounds. It’s where the final rites of royal family members take place.

The Devi Kund Sagar cenotaphs are a group of chhatris of different royal members.

Of all the cenotaphs I visited in Rajasthan, the Devi Kund Sagar was my second favourite (after Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer). They were beautiful and well-maintained and clean.

They are a beautiful representation of the artistic skills of the ancient artisans. The chhatris are a blend of Rajput and Muslim styles of architecture.

The Devi Kund Sagar cenotaphs are on the city’s outskirts. That means few people make the journey. I visited there in the afternoon. There was only one other family there besides mine.

Devi Kund Sagar is one of the sites in Bikaner that hardly costs money. Tickets cost Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 20 for foreigners.

The cenotaphs are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. So, the later you visit, the fewer people.

ICAR- NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON CAMELS AT 3:15 P.M.

The second last pit stop on the 1-day Bikaner itinerary is the Camel Research Centre.

On my first visit to Bikaner, I’d been here. It wasn’t remarkable, and I hardly even remember my previous visit. So, I left it out of my Bikaner sightseeing list.

However, if it’s your maiden voyage to the Purple City, do visit. I didn’t enjoy it. You might.

And it’s en route to the Shri Karni Mata Mandir, so you don’t have to detour to visit the research centre.

So, what can one expect at the Research Centre?

Only a handful of areas of the premises are open to the public. You can see the different camel breeds, a museum displaying information on the desert of the ship, camel riding and other rides for an extra fee and a milk parlour where you can purchase beverages made of camel milk.

From what I’ve researched, their camel milk kulfi comes highly recommended. So, try the camel milk kulfi and let me know what you think.

Also, if you want to purchase camel leather products, there’s a souvenir shop.

The National Research Centre on Camels opens briefly for the public from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. So, if you have a different itinerary, plan your visit accordingly.

NOTE:- The entry ticket– Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners – doesn’t include camel riding, beverages and other activities available at the centre. You have to pay for them separately.

SHRI KARNI MATA MANDIR AT 4:15 P.M.

The last stop on the Bikaner sightseeing list is the Shri Karni Mata Mandir outside Bikaner in Deshnok, 30 km away.

Locals believe Karni Mata is an avatar of Goddess Durga who protects the people from harm. People from all over come to the temple to pray to Karni Mata.

Of all the Karni Mata temples, the one in Deshnok is the most sacred.

According to legend, Karni Mata encouraged Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, to establish his kingdom in the Jhangal area.

Another interesting fact that makes the temple unique is the 20,000 rats inside the temple. The rats are considered sacred by devotees, so harming them is punishable.

I’m terrified of rats, so I didn’t go inside the temple. I offered my prayers from the outside.

If you go inside, you’re brave in my books.

While inside, try to find a white rat; they are rare. Devotees believe spotting a white rat brings good fortune.

TRAVEL TIP:- It’s a sacred temple. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple.

Karni Mata temple is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The evening aarti is at 7 p.m. If you wish to attend, you can explore the bazaars after the research centre, and at 6:15 p.m., head towards Deshnok.

The drive to Shri Karni Mata Mandir takes 30-40 minutes, so plan to leave accordingly.

SHOPPING SPREE AT 6:15 P.M.

Any trip is incomplete without souvenirs.

But what is Bikaner famous for? It is Kundan Jewellery. You’re probably wondering what’s so special. It’s available at the jeweller’s back home. But, the range of designs and artistry available in Bikaner bazaars is remarkable.

The bazaars have both original and artificial Kundan. If you don’t want to burn a hole in your pockets, don’t glimpse the original Kundan collection.

It is tempting.

I’m not a jewellery girl, but I wanted a couple of necklaces.

However, you can always opt for artificial Kundan Jewellery; they don’t cost an arm and leg.

Apart from Kundan Jewellery, you can shop for camel leather mojaris, quilts, locally made bhujia, miniature paintings and more.

If you have time for only one market, visit Kote Gate Street Market.

DINNER AT 8 P.M.

All the shopping and bargaining with vendors can tire out a person. So, it’s time to refuel.

Depending on where you’re shopping, find the popular restaurant closest to you.

I’ve already listed a few restaurants in the lunch section. But here’s a recap.

The first popular restaurant is “Moonmal”. For those craving delicious North Indian food with quick service, Moonmal is the best choice. It is a simple, family-friendly restaurant.

Yet another popular restaurant is “Vardham”. It is a family-friendly restaurant, slightly pricey, but offers good food. Also, their sweets are popular. Don’t forget to sample some.

I was tired and didn’t want to dine far from my hotel, Vesta Bikaner Palace, on the city outskirts.

So I dined at Dwarika restaurant.

It was a restaurant, a sweet shop, a bakery and a chaat centre.

The food was good and hygienic. Service was quick, which was a plus because I was starving.

After dinner, it’s time to head back to the hotel for a much-needed rest.

CONCLUSION OF THE 1-DAY BIKANER ITINERARY

That brings us to the end of a busy 1-day Bikaner itinerary.

Many visitors drop Bikaner from their itinerary when travelling to Rajasthan. However, the Purple City is an underrated gem and a must-visit.

So, here’s a summary of my 1-day Bikaner itinerary.

• Breakfast at the hotel at 8 a.m.
• Bhandasar Jain Temple at 9:30 a.m.
• Rampuria Haveli at 10:10 a.m.
• Junagarh Fort at 10:55 a.m.
• Parchina Museum at 12:35 p.m.
• Lunch at 1:15 p.m.
• Devi Kund Sagar at 2:30 p.m.
• National Research Centre on Camels at 3:15 p.m.
• Shree Karni Mata Temple at 4:15 p.m.
• Shopping spree for Kundan jewellery and souvenirs at 6:15 p.m.
• Dinner at 8 p.m.

I hope this itinerary was helpful. If you have any queries or want to share your experiences, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear them.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

If not now, when?

primo levi