Bikaner is a city that practically wears its history on its sleeve. Unlike some Rajasthan towns that feel like endless maze-like streets, Bikaner offers well-preserved monuments, temples with fascinating legends, and vibrant markets all within easy reach. Its Junagarh Fort stands out as an impressive example of Mughal architecture, and the Karni Mata Temple with its thousands of sacred rats offers a memorable spiritual experience. If you’re curious about local culture, the detailed heritage walking tours provide a deep dive into the city’s stories, making Bikaner a prime destination for those who want to see history come alive without hours of travel or overly complex itineraries.
Some of our favorite experiences include the Full Day Sightseeing with Bhandeshwari Jain Temple and Lunch for a balanced day of temple visits and fort exploration, and the Self Guided Bikaner City Tour with One Way Transfer to Jaipur for those short on time but eager to cover a lot in one go. Both offer a good mix of culture and convenience, with the latter helping you move efficiently to your next stop in Rajasthan. For an authentic taste of local life, the heritage walking tour reveals the stories behind Bikaner’s bustling markets and historic buildings, making it a great choice for history lovers and culture seekers alike.
1. Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Bhandeshwari Jain Temple and Lunch
Starting with a private air-conditioned vehicle, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Bikaner’s most iconic sights. It kicks off with the Karni Mata Temple, the famous Rat Temple, where the legend of Mata Karni and her divine rats will fascinate you. Then, it continues with the Bhandeshwari Jain Temple, built in the 15th century from red sandstone with exquisite wall paintings, gold leaf work, and mirror accents—perfect for architecture and art lovers. The itinerary includes visits to Sri Laxmi Nath, Junagarh Fort, Devi Kund, and the Sadul Singh Museum—a well-rounded experience that covers history, religion, and local culture in about six hours.
What makes this tour exceptional is the focus on heritage monuments that reveal Bikaner’s royal past, along with a chance to enjoy local cuisine during the included lunch. The guides are knowledgeable, making this a good intro for first-time visitors. At $118 per person, the value lies in the personalized experience and the depth of sights covered. It’s ideal for travelers who want a complete day with minimal hassle, especially if limited on time but eager to see the highlights.
Bottom Line: For a thorough introduction that balances history and spirituality, this tour offers a well-paced, insightful day in Bikaner.
2. Self Guided Bikaner City Tour With One Way Transfer To Jaipur
If you prefer to set your own pace, this private transfer and sightseeing combo could be perfect. Starting in Bikaner and ending in Jaipur, it gives you the flexibility to explore major sights like Junagarh Fort, the National Research Centre on Camel, and the Karni Mata Temple at your leisure. The driver is your guide on the road, but the tour itself is self-guided—allowing you to spend as much or as little time as you like at each stop.
This option is great if you’re tight on time and want to maximize your experience without the pressure of a rigid schedule. While food, entry tickets, and guide services cost extra, the convenience makes it a hassle-free way to cover key attractions in about 10 hours. The standout feature is the combination of sightseeing and seamless overland transfer, making travel between two major Rajasthan cities smooth and efficient.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, hassle-free way to see Bikaner’s highlights and continue their journey, with the added bonus of personalized attention.
3. Bikaner Highlights: A Day of Majestic Discovery
For those who want a quick, budget-friendly overview, this day tour offers a concentrated dose of Bikaner’s best. At just $24 per person, it covers Junagarh Fort, the Laxmi Niwas Palace, the Karni Mata Temple, Vibrant Local Markets, and Lalgarh Palace—all within a single day. The tour is perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire to see a mix of historic and local sights.
This experience is valued for its straightforward approach and the opportunity to see some of the most photogenic and culturally significant sites without overextending yourself. While it doesn’t include the in-depth commentary of a guided tour, it offers a solid introduction to Bikaner’s majestic architecture and lively street life.
Bottom Line: A quick, cost-effective way to get a taste of Bikaner’s highlights if your schedule is tight or you want an overview before diving into more detailed exploration.
$24 per person
4. Drop to Bikaner City with Visit Mandawa Town From Jaipur
This tour combines sightseeing with a scenic drive, taking you from Jaipur directly to Bikaner while stopping at Murmuria Haveli, Hanuman Goenka Haveli, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, and Harlalka Well. Known as an “open-air art gallery,” Mandawa is famous for its painted havelis and intricate murals, making this a visual feast. The roughly five-hour journey includes a guided visit to Mandawa’s best mansions, giving insight into Rajasthan’s merchant culture and architectural styles.
The value here is in the blending of travel and culture, allowing you to break up a long drive with meaningful stops. It’s perfect for travelers arriving in Rajasthan via Jaipur and wanting to maximize their sightseeing en route. The $45 price offers a good deal, especially if you’re interested in Rajasthan’s painted havelis and want a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers heading from Jaipur to Bikaner who want to see Mandawa’s painted mansions along the way.
$45 per person
5. Visit Pushkar with Jaipur Drop from Bikaner
While not themed strictly around Bikaner, this tour offers the chance to explore the ancient city of Pushkar after your visit to Bikaner. It’s perfect for those wanting to experience Pushkar’s famous Brahma Temple, the ghats, and the 400 temples around the lake. Starting with a transfer from Bikaner, you’ll have time to soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred city, renowned for its festivals and traditional architecture.
For around $45, this trip is a convenient way to combine two Rajasthan highlights if your schedule allows. It’s especially suited for cultural travelers curious about Hindu pilgrimage sites, or those interested in exploring the spiritual side of Rajasthan.
Bottom Line: A practical option for those wanting a day trip from Bikaner to Pushkar, blending history, religion, and local life.
$45 per person
6. Full-Day Private Bikaner Sightseeing with English Speaking Guide
If personalized attention is your priority, this private tour offers an English-speaking guide and flexible itinerary. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll visit Junagarh Fort, the Gajner Lake, and Camel Museum, plus the temples and royal cenotaphs. The guide’s deep knowledge allows you to customize the day—spend extra time at a favorite spot or skip something that doesn’t appeal.
At $54.03 per person, the value is clear: tailored experiences with the comfort of private transportation. The guide’s insights help unravel Bikaner’s complex history and architecture, making it ideal for travelers who want an in-depth, flexible day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a customized, stress-free visit with an expert guide to enhance the experience.
$54.03 per person
7. From Bikaner: Rat Temple Tour with Drop-off at Jodhpur
This full-day tour focuses on the Karni Mata Temple, where the sacred rats roam freely among worshippers. The guided visit lasts about 1.5 hours, including legends and architecture. Afterward, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Jodhpur, making it a practical way to see the temple and continue your Rajasthan adventure.
The main draw here is the unique spiritual experience of observing thousands of revered rats in their temple environment, alongside the chance to learn about their legend and significance. The $100 price reflects the combination of sightseeing and transfer, ideal for travelers with limited time but a curiosity for Rajasthan’s quirky religious sites.
Bottom Line: A memorable visit for those interested in Rajasthan’s spiritual traditions and on the move to Jodhpur.
$100 per person
8. Visit Pushkar with Bikaner Drop from Jaipur
This is a slightly different take on the Pushkar trip, starting from Jaipur and ending in Bikaner. It’s perfect if you want to experience Pushkar’s temples and lake before heading to Bikaner. The focus remains on Pushkar’s Brahma Temple and its 400 temples, making it a culturally rich day for those interested in Rajasthan’s spiritual sites.
For $51, you get a scenic drive and the chance to explore two iconic Rajasthan destinations in one day. It suits travelers who prefer to optimize their travel route and enjoy culture without rushing.
Bottom Line: A solid option for those connecting Jaipur, Pushkar, and Bikaner, especially for culturally curious travelers.
9. Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
This short but lively walking tour is perfect for history buffs or those who want to see Bikaner’s streets through local stories. Led by passionate storytellers, it covers hidden gems, local markets, and the stories behind historic buildings—including anecdotes that books often overlook.
Priced at just $12.81 per person, it offers great value for a quick, intimate experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy walking and want to soak up authentic local atmosphere while learning the stories that make Bikaner special.
Bottom Line: A compact yet engaging way to understand Bikaner’s culture and history firsthand.
$12.81 per person
10. Visit Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple with Jodhpur Drop from Bikaner
This comprehensive day combines Junagarh Fort with Karni Mata Temple, offering a full portrait of Bikaner’s cultural sights. The tour includes a pickup, guided visits, and ends with a scenic drive to Jodhpur. With approximately 8-9 hours, it balances sightseeing with travel time efficiently.
The highlights include the fort’s palace complex with its royal textiles and artifacts, and the legendary Rat Temple, where the story of Mata Karni comes alive. The tour is suited for travelers who want a detailed day of exploration without missing key icons, and reviews suggest it’s a dependable option.
Bottom Line: A solid, all-in-one day experience covering Bikaner’s top sights before continuing to Jodhpur.
$65.89 per person
11. Bikaner: Karni Mata Temple Half-Day Guided Tour
This half-day tour offers a focused visit to the Karni Mata Temple with a guide, providing fascinating insights into the legend of Mata Karni and her revered rats. The tour includes free time for photos, and hotel pickup and drop-off make it convenient.
It’s a good pick for travelers with limited time or those particularly interested in Rajasthan’s most unusual temple. The cost is $50 per group (up to 2 people), making it an affordable way to experience something truly unique.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want an in-depth, guided experience of the Rat Temple in a short window.
$50 per group up to 2
12. Bikaner to Jaisalmer: Junagarh Fort & Rat Temple Tour
This tour blends sightseeing and scenic travel, taking you from Bikaner to Jaisalmer while exploring Junagarh Fort and Karni Mata Temple. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a mix of history, culture, and impressive desert landscapes.
The highlights include the fort’s 37 palaces and the sacred rats at Karni Mata, alongside a scenic drive through the Thar Desert. It’s suited for those who want a comprehensive travel experience with cultural depth en route to Jaisalmer.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for travelers eager to see Rajasthan’s iconic sights while moving eastward.
$58 per person
13. Visit Mandawa on the Way to Bikaner from Jaipur
Known as Rajasthan’s “open-air art gallery,” Mandawa is famous for its painted havelis. This tour is perfect for breaking up a long journey with visits to Murmuria Haveli, Goenka Haveli, and Harlalka Well. It’s a scenic and cultural stopover that adds a colorful touch to your Rajasthan itinerary.
At about five hours, this trip offers a visual feast of murals and traditional architecture, making it ideal for lovers of art and history. The $57 cost is good value considering the unique sights and the convenience of an organized trip.
Bottom Line: A must-do if you’re traveling from Jaipur to Bikaner and want to see Rajasthan’s celebrated painted mansions.
$57 per person
14. Bikaner: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Karni Mata Temple
This full-day excursion emphasizes Bikaner’s heritage, including Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, alongside the Karni Mata Temple. The itinerary incorporates a traditional Rajasthani lunch and local market visits, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
Priced at $94 for up to two people, this tour balances sightseeing, food, and shopping in about eight hours. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a complete, relaxed introduction to Bikaner’s royal and religious sites.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking an immersive day of history, local cuisine, and culture.
$94 per group up to 2
15. Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Junagarh Fort & Temples
Offering a solid overview, this 7-hour tour focuses on Junagarh Fort, temples, and local culture. It’s a straightforward, value-packed option for travelers who want to see Bikaner’s architectural highlights and vibrant festivals without extra frills.
The tour is priced at $72 per person, and highlights include iconic forts, traditional temples, and insights into Bikaner’s lively festival scene. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a balanced mix of history and culture.
Bottom Line: A reliable, comprehensive tour perfect for first-timers wanting a taste of Bikaner’s grandeur.
$72 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bikaner
Picking the best tour depends on your budget, schedule, and interests. For a detailed, all-in-one experience, Full Day Sightseeing with Bhandeshwari Jain Temple and Lunch (see tour) offers immersive exploration. If you’re short on time, the Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (see tour) provides a quick cultural fix. For travelers with a curiosity about Rajasthan’s quirkiest temples, the Rat Temple Half-Day Guided Tour (see tour) is a good pick.
Those interested in combining travel between cities with sightseeing should consider the Self Guided City Tour with Transfer to Jaipur (see tour). For a private, tailored experience, the Full-Day Private Bikaner Sightseeing (see tour) is perfect.
When booking, consider the season—Rajasthan’s weather can be intense in summer—and reserve early to secure your preferred time slot, especially for popular sites like Karni Mata Temple.
Final Thoughts
Bikaner offers a range of tours suited for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, or those looking for quirky spiritual experiences. For background and heritage, the full-day sightseeing tours stand out, while shorter options like the heritage walking tour give a quick but authentic taste. Travelers interested in spiritual sites should not miss the Karni Mata Temple, and those en route to Jodhpur or Jaisalmer will find scenic drives paired with key landmarks very rewarding.
With such a variety of options, planning ahead will help you maximize your time and wallet. Book early, especially during peak seasons, and enjoy your trip to this fascinating Rajasthan city.