Where to stay in Bikaner: the short guide
Bikaner is a characterful Rajasthan desert city, less crowded than Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, built around the magnificent Junagarh Fort and the carved Rampuria havelis. The most atmospheric base is near the fort and the old city around Kote Gate, close to the havelis, bazaars and street food, with heritage and mid-range hotels. Palace and heritage stays, including grand properties like Lalgarh, sit a little out in gardens.
For a desert experience, camps and resorts on the outskirts offer camel rides and cultural evenings, while budget and business hotels cluster near Bikaner Junction, handy for arrivals. Bikaner is also the base for the famous Karni Mata (rat) temple at Deshnok and the camel research centre, and it pairs well with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur on a Rajasthan trip.
Best areas to stay in Bikaner
Near Junagarh Fort and the old city
The atmospheric base near the fort, the Rampuria havelis and the bazaars, with heritage and mid-range hotels.
Kote Gate and the markets
Budget and mid-range stays close to the old-city shopping and food.
Palace and heritage stays
Grand heritage hotels set in gardens, including around Lalgarh, a little out of the centre.
Near Bikaner Junction
Budget and business hotels handy for arrivals.
Desert camps on the outskirts
Tented camps and resorts for camel rides and a cultural evening.
Getting to Bikaner: railway, airport and road routes
Bikaner Junction is central and well connected, with trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and across Rajasthan, including overnight services. From the station, autos and taxis reach the fort area quickly.
Bikaner’s Nal Airport (BKB) has limited flights, mainly to Delhi, so many travellers arrive by train or drive. Jodhpur (JDH), about 250 km away, is a larger airport option.
By road, Bikaner connects with Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur, and it is commonly added to a Rajasthan itinerary, with buses and taxis available.
Find the right kind of hotel in Bikaner
Heritage havelis and palace hotels
Characterful stays near the fort and grand heritage properties in gardens.
Mid-range old-city hotels
Comfortable stays near Junagarh Fort and the bazaars.
Desert camps
Tented camps and resorts on the outskirts with camel rides and shows.
Budget and business hotels
Cheaper rooms near Bikaner Junction, handy for arrivals.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Family hotels
Comfortable central hotels with larger rooms near the fort.
Hotels for every budget in Bikaner
Budget hotels and guesthouses
Near Kote Gate and the station. Simple rooms; cheapest outside festival dates.
Mid-range and heritage hotels
Comfortable havelis and hotels near the fort with better rooms.
Palace stays and desert resorts
Upscale heritage palaces and desert camps with the best experience.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Junagarh Fort: A magnificent, well-preserved fort with ornate palaces and museums.
- Karni Mata Temple (Deshnok): The famous rat temple, about 30 km away.
- Rampuria Havelis: The carved sandstone merchant mansions of the old city.
- National Research Centre on Camel: The camel breeding farm and museum on the outskirts.
- Lalgarh Palace: A grand red-sandstone palace with a museum.
- Laxmi Niwas and old city walks: Heritage architecture and bazaars around the old town.
- Bikaneri bhujia and sweets: The city’s famous snacks and sweet shops.
- Camel Festival: The winter festival of camel events, music and dance.
When to visit Bikaner
| October to March | Peak season with cool, pleasant desert days. Best for the fort and old city; busiest around the Camel Festival. |
|---|---|
| April to June | Extremely hot, with lower prices and few visitors. |
| July to September | Some monsoon relief with occasional rain; quieter and cheaper. |
Good to know before you book
- Bikaner is less crowded than Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, which makes it a relaxed, good-value Rajasthan stop.
- The old city around Kote Gate is walkable and best for havelis and food; the fort is the main sight.
- Summers are extreme, so visit October to March and plan outings for mornings and evenings.
- The Karni Mata rat temple at Deshnok is a unique half-day trip; go respectfully.
See live prices for Bikaner
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in BikanerFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Bikaner?
Near Junagarh Fort and the old city around Kote Gate for heritage havelis and bazaars, a palace hotel for grandeur, or a desert camp on the outskirts for camel rides.
What is the nearest airport to Bikaner?
Bikaner’s Nal Airport (BKB) has limited flights, mainly to Delhi. Jodhpur (JDH), about 250 km away, is a larger option; many arrive by train.
Is Bikaner worth visiting?
Yes. Junagarh Fort, the carved Rampuria havelis and the Karni Mata rat temple make Bikaner a rewarding, less-crowded Rajasthan stop.
How many days do you need in Bikaner?
One to two days covers the fort, the old city, the camel centre and the Karni Mata temple.
Are there good hotels near Bikaner railway station?
Yes. The area around Bikaner Junction has budget and business hotels handy for arrivals, a short ride from the fort.
When is the best time to visit Bikaner?
October to March, for cool desert weather; avoid the extreme summer heat.