By Air
Travellers who wish to fly in to Bikaner will have to use the nearest airport at Jodhpur (253 km). Taxis, tourist buses and state roadways buses available outside the airport provide transportation from Jodhpur to Bikaner - approximately 7 hrs driving time. You could rent a car or jeep through a reliable travel agent or tour operator.

By Train
Bikaner is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Bhatinda (Punjab), Kalka (Himachal Pradesh) and Calcutta (West Bengal) by regular train services in both fast and mail train categories after the Western Railway?s conversion to broad gauge rail.

By Road
Bikaner is linked by good, all weather roads that are part of the state and national highways linking the major cities of north India like Delhi (458km), Jaipur (354 km), Jodhpur (249km) and Jaisalmer (312 km). State Roadways and private bus owners operate air-conditioned and ordinary bus services from Bikaner to all parts of Rajasthan as well as to destinations in the neighbouring states of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. Rented cars and jeeps and conducted tours are available from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur for Bikaner.

Area
38.1 sq km

Population
415,000 (approx.)

Language
Hindi, English, Rajasthani

Climate
Maximum temperature in the district is 48 degrees celsius.
Minimum temperature is minus one degree celsius.
The annual rainfall is 24.30 cms.

STD Code
0151

JUNAGARH FORT
Built 1588-1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar, to protect the 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within the premises. The fort remains unconquered till date except once, when Kamran supposedly captured it but could not retain it over 24 hours. Is well preserved with an impressive array of artefacts. An added delight is the museum within with valuable miniature paintings and other rare items that are several centuries old.

LALGARH PALACE AND SHRI SADUL MUSEUM
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a tribute to his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace is perfection in red sandstone, aflame against the placid blue sky. Is a perfect blend of Oriental and European styles of architecture, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. The museum within is interesting with a vast collection of photographs, personal memorabilia and paintings. Though the palace is now a hotel, the museum is open to the public, daily from 10 am-5 pm.

CAMEL RESEARCH AND BREEDING FARM
A remnant of the Camel Corp of the British army, now a full-fledged research and breeding centre. The institute has approximately 250 animals and is worth a visit, if only to see the baby camels!

JAIN TEMPLE
It is believed that 40,000 kg of ghee was used in place of water to knead the mortar for the construction of the two temples! Built between 1468 and 1514 AD, at the southeast end of the walled city is the Bhandasa Jain Temple, enshrining the fifth tirthankara, Sumtinath. The floor is of Italian marble and the interior is festooned with English tiles and bright paintings, totally unlike the usual Jain temples. The altar is gilted and covered with mirrors.

GANGA GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM
On the Jaipur Road, with interesting exhibits of terracotta ware from the Gupta period, range of traditional Rajasthani musical instruments, miniature models of Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace. A separate area displays antique carpets and royal vestments. The array of sculptures and paintings are worth a look.

Gajner
The jewel of the Thar, a dream in red sandstone shaded by luscious flora with an enviable location by the Gajner Lake. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh and used as a venue for royal shoots, the palace is a study of exquisite workmanship. The wildlife sanctuary on the other side of the lake affords thrilling glimpses of wild boar, chinkara, langur and black buck. The property is now a heritage hotel and is the ideal getaway.

Kolayat
Known as the mini-Pushkar, this temple town surrounded by a lake is the ideal picnic spot. The Kapil Muni temple is the main one and the annual fair in November is full of colour but minus the cattle!

Deshnoke
The Karni Mata Temple revered by millions and feared by billions! Legend says that the souls of the dead, which were transmigrated in the body of rats, on their death would revert back into a human body. The marble floor is crawling with rodents of every size and shape. Watch your step here because if you step on one of the furry monsters, there is a penalty.

The famous bandhni sarees are found here in abundance. Traditional mirror work cushion covers, jooties and low pidhis are good buys. Puppets, camel leather goods and handloom shawls are typical souvenirs. The old city has lanes of quaint shops with goodies to be bought.
 Usta St - Camel leather products
 Kote Gate - Clothes, eatables, jooties