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Things to Do in Bikaner

Things to Do in Bikaner

Bikaner Rajasthan, India Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The desert environment provides a backdrop for distinct outdoor pursuits, mainly focused on exploring its vastness.

Desert Exploration

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Traditional hiking in mountainous regions is limited. Desert walks are part of camel safaris, offering easy, low-difficulty exploration of sandy landscapes.

Water Sports and Activities

Not applicable to Bikaner. It is a landlocked desert city without significant natural waterways for such pursuits.

Cycling Routes and Mountain Biking

Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited. Not widely promoted as an adventure due to metropolitan traffic and lack of lanes for specific use.

Adventure and Wildlife

  • Camel Safaris: The main adventure activity, ranging from short rides to overnight excursions into the Thar Desert.
  • Safaris offer a traditional way to explore the desert, witness unique flora and fauna, and experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
  • Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers jeep safaris, spotting chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai, and various bird species around Gajner Lake.
  • Wildlife: Especially good for migrating birds around Gajner Lake during winter.

Desert Walks

  • Part of many camel safaris.
  • Experience sandy landscape on foot.
  • Low difficulty.
  • Suitable for most fitness levels.

Flora & Fauna

  • Unique desert plant life.
  • Spot various animals.
  • Birds around Gajner Lake.
  • Observe desert ecosystem.

Desert Sunsets

  • Spectacular views.
  • Changing colors of the sky.
  • Breathtaking photography opportunities.
  • Memorable desert moment.

Important Note on Camping

Informal camping opportunities are rare for tourists. The desert environment requires specialized knowledge and equipment, making organized desert camps the only practical outdoor accommodation option.

Cultural Immersion

Bikaner has opportunities to explore its cultural traditions through various activities and events.

Workshops & Performances

  • Art, Craft, Music, Dance Workshops: Informal demonstrations or introductory workshops.
  • Learn about Rajasthani folk dance, traditional music, Usta art (camel leather painting), and miniature painting.
  • Cultural Performances: Rajasthani folk dance and music (Kalbelia, Ghoomar) often arranged at heritage hotels for guests.
  • Inquire within your hotel or local tourism offices for schedules and availability.

Community & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

Local tour operators offer visits to rural villages. Opportunities for interacting with communities, understanding the old way of life, and local crafts.

Language Learning

Formal learning limited. Learning basic Hindi or Marwari phrases is appreciated and interactions.

Cultural Festivals

Bikaner Camel Festival (January) showcases camel pageants, races, folk dances, and local handicrafts. Kolayat Fair (November) is an annual cattle fair and spiritual gathering.

Folk Dances

Experience Kalbelia and Ghoomar performances, deeply rooted in Rajasthani traditions.

Traditional Music

Enjoy soulful folk melodies that narrate stories of valor and romance from the desert region.

Usta Art

Witness the intricate Usta art, an unique craft involving camel leather painting and embossing.

Relaxation & Wellness

After exploration, Bikaner offers opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.

Spa and Wellness

  • Luxury places like Narendra Bhawan and Laxmi Niwathe Palace of feature in-house spas.
  • These offer a range of massages and wellness treatments.
  • Hot springs and natural therapy options are absent in Bikaner.
  • Many mid-range to luxury hotels have swimming pools available for guests.

Yoga & Healing

Yoga and Meditation Retreats

Formal retreats are limited. Some guesthouses might offer basic yoga classes for guests.

Traditional Healing Practices

Ayurvedic centers specifically catering to tourists are rare. For traditional healing, research reputable centers in larger Indian cities.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Bikaner is landlocked; beach clubs do not exist. Hotel swimming pools offer a refreshing cool-down.

Local Wellness Insights

Desert Air

The dry, clean desert air can feel refreshing and invigorating.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Bikaner's nightlife is generally quiet, with entertainment options mainly revolving around cultural experiences.

Live Performances

  • Live Music Venues: Limited to cultural performances, mainly Rajasthani folk music and dance.
  • Often held at heritage hotels for their guests.
  • Theater and Performance Spaces: No dedicated tourist-oriented theater scene.
  • Local community performances might occur but are not generally advertised for international visitors.

Nightlife & Leisure

Nightclubs and Dancing

Very limited to non-existent. Bikaner is not known for its nightlife.

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

No dedicated bar districts or pub crawls. Alcohol consumption is for the most part confined to hotel bars.

Late-Night Entertainment

Entertainment generally winds down after dinner. Some hotels may offer late-night cultural shows or lounge areas. A quiet stroll or chai at a local stall might be the extent of it.

Quiet Evenings

Expect tranquil evenings, often spent at hotel premises or tranquil walks. The city offers a calm atmosphere after dark.

Local Chai Stalls

Enjoy a cup of warm masala chai at local stalls, a social activity for many.

Stargazing

Away from city lights, the desert sky offers magnificent stargazing opportunities.

Alcohol Consumption Restrictions

Alcohol availability is confined to licensed premises, mainly hotel bars. Public consumption is not customary and may be restricted.

Shopping & Markets

Bikaner's markets are a treasure trove of traditional crafts, textiles, and local delicacies.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Traditional Markets: Kote Gate Market and Station Road Market are bustling centers for shopping.
  • Fantastic places to soak in the local atmosphere, find clothes, footwear, and general goods.
  • Artisan Workshops: Usta art (camel hide painting/embossing), pottery, carpets, lacquer work.
  • Find workshops where artists demonstrate these crafts, typically on lamps, wall hangings, or decorative pieces.

Souvenir & Luxury Shopping

Edible Souvenirs

Bikaneri Bhujia and other local sweets/namkeen are renowned and make delicious real local keepsakes.

Art & Textiles

Usta art products, miniature paintings, camel leather goods (mojaris, bags), traditional Rajasthani textiles (bandhani, block prints).

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Limited to hotel boutiques for high-end handicrafts, exquisite textiles, and fine jewelry. For more extensive luxury, consider Jaipur or Delhi.

Bikaneri Bhujia

  • Famous savory snack.
  • Unique Bikaneri flavor.
  • Widely available.
  • Great edible gift.

Usta Art

  • Intricate camel hide art.
  • Unique to Bikaner.
  • Lamps, boxes, wall hangings.
  • Authentic handcrafted item.

Camel Leather

  • Mojaris (footwear).
  • Bags, wallets, belts.
  • Durable and unique.
  • Locally made products.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support Local & Ethical
  • Purchase directly from artisans or cooperatives.
  • Shops explicitly support fair wages and sustainable practices.
  • Beware of items made from endangered species (not common in Bikaner).
Bargaining & Logistics
  • Bargaining is customary; do so politely and respectfully.
  • Check quality and authenticity before purchasing.
  • Inquire about shipping for big buys and be aware of customs regulations. Keep receipts.

Affiliate Resources for Experiences

GetYourGuide: A global platform for booking various activities and experiences, including tours and classes.

Activity Planning Summary

Planning Checklist

  • Book camel safaris in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Check dates for Bikaner Camel Festival or Kolayat Fair for cultural immersion.
  • Allocate time for local exploring the market and souvenir shopping.
  • Consider guided tours for cultural and historical context at landmarks.

Things to Note

  • Bikaner's outdoor activities mainly involve desert experiences.
  • Cultural immersion opportunities are rich but may require local guidance.
  • Nightlife is subdued; focus on cultural shows or quiet evenings.
  • Bargaining is customary in markets.