City of Bikaner

Rising from the sands of the northern Thar, Bikaner is a proud desert city that sees fewer visitors than its famous neighbours, and is all the more rewarding for it. Founded in the late fifteenth century, it grew rich on the camel caravans that crossed these arid lands, and that heritage still shapes its character today.

The magnificent Junagarh Fort dominates the city. Unusually, it was never conquered, and within its sturdy walls lies a sequence of beautifully preserved palaces, courtyards and halls adorned with mirror work, gold leaf and delicate paintings. Equally distinctive are Bikaner's carved red sandstone havelis and the ornate Jain temples that speak to centuries of mercantile prosperity.

Bikaner is camel country through and through. The city is renowned for its camel-breeding traditions, and the surrounding desert offers atmospheric encounters with these gentle animals. The local cuisine is a highlight too, from the famous spicy Bikaneri bhujia snack to rich Rajasthani thalis and an abundance of sweets that reflect the city's love of good food.

A visit here feels refreshingly unhurried and authentic. The pace is gentle, the welcome warm, and there is a real sense of stepping into a working desert city rather than a polished tourist showpiece. It pairs naturally with the rat temple at nearby Deshnoke.

We include Bikaner because it delivers grand Rajput grandeur without the crowds, alongside a genuine taste of desert life. For travellers seeking depth, character and a road less travelled, it is one of Rajasthan's most satisfying discoveries.