Bikaner: Temples, Camels and Handicrafts

Bikaner combines temple architecture and handicrafts with its own camel-related attractions: nearby is a research and breeding centre, and the Bikaner Camel Festival is held in the city every year. The materials and goods Bikaner is known for also give the destination a distinctive character. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first consider whether you want to focus mainly on culture and crafts or also include attractions across the wider Bikaner destination in your plans.

Temples and Handicrafts as Cultural Highlights

The Shri Laxminath Temple in Bikaner is made of marble and red stone. The contrast between the materials makes its architecture a tangible starting point if you are interested in religious buildings and their design. In the wider Bikaner destination, the Bhandasar Jain Temple offers another perspective: the temple dates from the 15th century, is dedicated to Sumatinathji, the fifth Tirthankar, and features mirror work, murals and gold-leaf paintings.

The Rampuria Group of Havelis in Bikaner also represents a distinctive architectural style across the wider destination. The havelis are made of red Dulmera sandstone and feature jharokhas, latticed windows and elaborate goldwork; their design also shows a clear Victorian influence. The Prachina Museum in Junagarh Fort offers another way to explore regional culture, with royal clothing, textiles and accessories belonging to Rajasthan’s royal families.

Goods available in Bikaner include Bikaner-style mojaris, Kundan work, wooden antiques, lacquer bangles and carpets. The city is also known for handicrafts made from camel hide. These goods and the temple architecture offer different points of interest: one focuses on materials, design and craftsmanship, the other on architecture and religious tradition.

Camel Research and an Annual Festival

Around eight kilometres from the city is the National Research Centre on Camel, a camel research and breeding centre. The centre represents the scientific and breeding aspects of the camel theme. The Bikaner Camel Festival is different: it is an annual celebration in honour of the camel. Research and celebration are therefore two distinct themes that connect Bikaner with camels in their own ways.

If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

The Wider Bikaner Destination

Beyond the city, the wider Bikaner destination also offers landscapes and nature. Sand dunes are widespread in the district, particularly from the northeast to the southern area. Bikaner is located in the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. Taking in the landscape alongside the city’s cultural attractions gives you a broader perspective on Bikaner.

At the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner district, visitors can go on wildlife safaris and spot blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai and various bird species. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Another regional highlight is the Kapil Muni Fair: it takes place every year on Kartik Purnima near Kolayat Lake and includes cultural performances and displays of local arts and crafts. The date follows the religious calendar.

The architecture of the wider destination adds another dimension: Gajner Palace is a lakeside palace complex in Bikaner district, built by HH Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Its design brings together architectural elements from Rajasthan, the Jain tradition, the Mughal period and Europe. Landscapes, religious traditions, handicrafts and architecture offer different areas of focus when planning a trip.

Choose the Type of Trip for Your Accommodation Search

To begin your holiday rental search, decide what you would like to focus on: should your trip centre mainly on temple architecture, goods and handicrafts, and the annual camel festival, or would you also like to explore the landscapes and nature of the wider Bikaner destination? This distinction can help you tailor your search to the kind of stay you have in mind. City-focused cultural interests and a broader view of the district offer different ways to shape your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Norangdesar, Chaukunti Mohalla, Lunkaransar, Khodala, Udasar.

Go to the main travel overview: Bikaner.