The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.

Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime helpers.

Junagarh : Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of country yards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure.

The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate : It is the main entrance to the fort. Among the notable of these palaces are the exquisitely beautiful Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace with marvelous paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels, and the Phool Mahal or Flower Palace ornate with glass and mirror work. Other palaces worth visiting are the Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, Gaj Mandir and Rang Mahal, Gigantic columns, arches and graceful screens adorn the palaces from within.

Lal Garh Palace : The architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : It is the best Rajasthan museum, having one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.

Gardens and Parks : Ganga Public Park with a Zoo, Ratan Bihari Temple park and Tessitory Park are some of the lovely parks in the city. Surely worth a visit.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple (30 km) : The famous 600 year old temple on the jodhpur road dedicated to karni mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Bhandasar Jain Temple (5 km) : Beautiful 16th century A.D. Jain temple dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parsavanathji.

Camel Research Farm (8 km) : Spend a day with the indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre - one of its kind in Asia.

Devi Kund (8 km) : A royal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or 'chhatris' built in memory of the Bika dynasty rulers.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (32 km) : The lush foliage of woods on the Jaisalmer road are a haven to nilgai, chinkara, black buck, wild boar and flocks of imperial sand  grouse.

Shiv Bari Temple (6 km) : Built by Doongar Singhji in the late 19th century. The temple in surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has beautiful paintings and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam.

Kolayatji (50 km) : A famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni (saint). The temple is the venue for an annual fairs held in the month of Kartik (Oct. - Nov.) when thousands of devotees gather in large number to take a sacred dip in the holy water of the Kolayat lake on the full moon day.

Kalibangan (205 km) : The extensive remains of the pre-Harappan and Harappan civilizations, found at this place in the Hanumangarh district, are of immense interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

The Camel Festival (January) : A spectacular event of camel performances, camel races, camel acrobatics, camel dances and camel milking competition are a part of the festivals.

Kolayat Fair (November) : Coincides with Pushkar fair when pilgrims take a holy dip in the kolayat lake on the full moon day in the month of Kartik.

Gangaur Festival (April) : Dedicated to Goddess Parvati - the consort of Lord Shiva, Grand processions of the deity accompanied by dancing women are a part of the eighteen day long celebrations.

Holi (March) : Exuberant festivities beginning several days before the actual day of Holi, make it a special and spectacular occasion.