The beautiful Bikaner has the Mata Karni and Goddess Durga temple, the Bhandasar Jain Temple and the Shiv Bari Temple that attract the most pious tourists to Jaisalmer. For souvenirs and general shopping metal ware, blue pottery, paintings, puppetry, embroidered fabrics and block-printed fabrics are the best bets that are easily available in Bikaner.
The city of Bikaner is the renowned venue for several fascinating festivals. You may enjoy the camel races, camel milking and camel dancing competitions at the annual Camel Festival. The festival is celebrated in January every year and attracts several tourists to Bikaner. During spring Bikaner hosts the famous Gangaur Festival. The 18-day long festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. In case you are planning your tour of Bikaner in November the full-moon night is the most auspicious occasion to be there. Bikaner celebrates the Kolayat Festival with the holy dips in water of the Kolayat Lake then.
Hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner 5 Star Hotel) :
Laxmi Niwas Palace was the personal residence of Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. The residential rooms were designed keeping in mind the fact that they would be used by the royal family itself or by the personal guests of the Maharaja as only guests of equal status to the Maharaja would be invited to spend the night in the Palace. The Laxmi Niwas Palace is a magnificent red sandstone edifice designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in the Anglo-Scenic style. This stately great & grand building is built around a central courtyard and is intricately carved from the skirting upto the highest dome. The stone 'jali' work (lattice) is awesome and stunning.
Hotel Basant Vihar Palace, Bikaner (Heritage Hotel) :
Hotel Basant Vihar Palace is hidden away in a secluded area, surrounded by well laid out gardens, fragrant flowerbeds and soothing lily ponds. It is a garden of eternal spring.
Hotel Gajner Palace, Bikaner (Heritage Hotel) :
Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner. Gajner Palace is a Grand Heritage Palace of the HRH Group of Hotels. Spread over 6000 acres, the palace is a 30-minute drive from Bikaner. The red sandstone palace is distinguished for its architectural grandeur and luxuriously appointed suites and rooms. During winter even now, this palace with its beautiful lake and surrounded wooded areas become the home of different species of migratory birds, most renowned amongst them being the Imperial Sand Grouse. Endangered antelopes like Black Bucks, Nilgais, Chinkaras and other animals like the wild boar roam freely in this area which is now a preserved sanctuary. One can experience the true romance of the desert in the comfort of Gajner Palace.
Hotel Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner (Heritage Hotel) :
The Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner is one of the best at providing splendid services to all guests. It is situated on the outskirts of the Bikaner city and spread over a vast area of land. The imposing red sand stone Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji to commemorate the memory of his Rev. father, Maharaja Sri Lall Singhji. This Palace was designed by Sir Swanton Jacob of international fame. The intricate dexterous carving on the red sand stone is a hallmark of great craftsmanship. The lush green sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and beautiful bougainvilleas adorn the palace.
Hotel Karni Bhawan Palace, Bikaner (Heritage Hotel) :
Hotel Karni Bhawan Palace is situated in the heart of the residential area and is near to the major tourist attractions of the city like the Junagarh fort, Lalgarh Palace, the camel breeding farm, the temples and the market. The palace is surrounded by large sprawling grounds and lots of shady trees which attract different species of birds. the famous Karni temple is just half an hour away from the palace.
Basant Vihar Palace, Bikaner (3 Star Hotel) :
Basant Vihar Palace was built because of a ‘fanciful desire’ of His Highness Maharaj Sri Ganga Singhji, a connoisseur of architecture and one blessed with an artistic sense. It was designed by him to be a separate pleasure garden adjoining the Zanana bagh (Royal Ladies’ Garden) of Lalgarh Palace. In 1993, the House of Bikaji converted this masterpiece of architecture into a heritage hotel - Hotel Basant Vihar Palace Palace. An endeavour to offer tourists a true flavour of history and royal living (as opposed to the usual star-category hotels), Hotel Basant Vihar Palace Palace today, remains a ‘garden of eternal spring.’
Mann Vilas Hotel, Bikaner (3 Star Hotel) :
Maan Vilas Hotel is a red sandstone luxury hotel, which shows off all that is royal and romantic about Bikaner that was established by Rao Bika in 1488 A.D. Maan Bilas is located within the Lalgarh Palace Complex, situated at a distance of 5 kilometers from the Bikaner railway station, Maan Bilas is conveniently located and easily accessible. Run by the HRH Hotel Chain, heritage hotel Maan Bilas gives you royal treatment. Rejuvenate like royalty at the serene heritage Maan Bilas, Bikaner set in the midst of sprawling greens sprinkled with bright blossoms and attractive orchids.
Hotel Meghsar Castle, Bikaner (Budget Hotel) :
Sprawled in vast area Meghsar Castle is magnificent. An architectural splendor, the palace was built by the Maharaja who himself was a great connoisseur of art and architecture. It was converted into a heritage hotel with its traditions and culture in harmony with modernity. Situated in the outskirts of the city, surrounded by the lush green garden and nestling among the flowerbeds and lily pond, it cuts a pretty picture and offers respite to those looking for solitude. It is built of red sandstone edifice built with great craftsmanship. The cultural folk songs and dances performed by the locals create an ambience of gaiety. While traveling to Bikaner you can enjoy your days staying in the Meghsar Castle Hotel.
