Junagarh Fort: A formidable fort, its credit lies in the fact that it was never conquered. The fort, encircled by a moat has two gates- the Karan Pol on the east and the Suraj Pol. While the Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal are some of the palaces that are located inside the fort, the Har Mandir is a beautiful temple where the members of the royal family use to come for worship. The carvings in the palaces are so beautiful that one is led to wonder as how the artists in those days achieved such precision in their works in the absence of today’s modern marvel viz.,the computer. The Dungar Niwas, Ganga Nivas, Gaj Mandir, Rang Mahal, Bijai Mahal are the other attractions. These palaces are made of red sandstone as was the norm then and have gigantic columns, imposing arches and graceful minarets and pavilions etc.
The fort premises also have a museum which showcases an array of rich collection of the days of the yore. Notable displays include an old World War II biplane that was presented to Maharaj Ganga Singh by the British and a huge Rajput weapon collection
- Timings 10 AM - 4.30 PM except Sunday
- Fee for full Museum Rs 50 per head
- Fee for part Museum Rs 10 per head
- Fee for camera/video camera: Rs 30 /Rs 100
Lal Garh Palace: This red sandstone Palace is a beautiful amalgamation of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. It was built in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga SinghJi in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal SinghJi and is famous for its craftsmanship which is best represented in its beautiful lattice and filigree work. Like all other palaces, there is also a museum and a library. And while one portion of the palace is now a luxary hotel, the royal family resides in the other half. Is Palace is opened from10:00A.M to 5:00P.M on all weekdays except on Sunday
Bhandeswari Jain Temple: This temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner and is famous for its rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings. It is of red sandstone and is dedicated to Parshvanathji , who was the 23rd Tirthankar of the Jains. According to local lore 40,000kgs of ghee was used instead of water in the mortar, which locals insist seeps through the floor on hot days even today!!
Shiv Bari Temple: Located some 6 km from Bikaner is the Shiv Bari temple which, as the name suggests is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a beautiful wall painting of Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam.
Devi Kund: 8 kms from Bikaner is Devi Kund – the royal crematorium that has several exquisite cenotaphs known as Chhatris. These cenotaphs are famous for their paintings and architecture, notable among which is the Chhatri of Maharaj Surat Singh.
In addition to forts, palaces and temples, Bikaner also has a few museums notable among which are the:
Prachina Museum: Located within the precincts of the Junagarh Fort is the Prachina museum. This museum is perhaps the only one of its kind in Rajasthan which houses a rich array of costumes, textiles and accessories that belonged to the erstwhile royals of Bikaner. The museum is opened on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Entry Fee Indian: Rs. 10 for adults; Rs 5 for child / student & Rs 25 for Foreigners
- Fee for camera / video camera: Rs 20/ Rs 75
Sadul Museum: This museum is located within the precincts of the Lallgarh Palace. The first floor has been turned to a museum and houses well preserved old photographs and trophies of wildlife. Opened from Monday - Saturday from 10 Am - 5 PM. Entry Fee Indian / Foreigners: Rs 10 per head /Rs 20 per head
Ganga Singh Museum: has a rich array of archaeological discoveries dating from prehistoric Harrapan and early Gupta period in addition to paintings, arts and craft, terracotta, pottery, carpets, coins and ancient Rajput weaponry. Entré Fee is around 3 bucks and is opened from 10.30 Am - 4.30 PM except Fridays and govt. holidays.
Havelis: Like the rest of Rajasthan, Bikaner too has some beautiful havelis with intricate carvings and craftsmanship- probably the result of the rich caravan trade. One can go along the Gogagate, Daddhon Ka Chowk, Rangari Chowk, Assanion Ka Chowk, Mohta Chowk, Binnanion Ka Chowk Daga Chowk, BK School and Jassuar Gate route to get a glimpse of the opulent lifestyles of the rich merchants of the yore.