Bikaner

From BikeNomads

About

The nearest Rajasthani destination (post Jaipur) is Bikaner, situated some 446km to SE of Delhi.

What to see

Bikaner palace: It opens from 10-4:30 (kindly check), with museum staying open till 6. Best part is that they bunch tourists, and they attach a free guide. However, be prepared to tip atleast 100-150 for your family when he's done with you. Having a guide means you get rushed in places but hear the stories in a very animated proud way. Finishes in two hours flat.

Gajner palace: 32km away, take a vehicle, not buses. Old palace of maharaja, now a luxury hotel (6k a night). 100 bucks entry ticket, they show 2 types of hotel rooms, lake view, bar and another heritage room are shown before you can go claim your free beverage at the lakeside restaurant. As expensive as a good Delhi restaurant, and just as quality. The animal view from there is stupendous. Don't buy their safari - at ~1800 an hour, its too expensive.

Some havelis are around, but avoidable.

Deshnok (30km): World renowned temple, which has rats by the gazillion. Unbelievable experience, but leave your rat phobias at home. Quite a mind blowing experience - very very highly recommended. Quite doable via public bus.

Mukam (75km, 45 ahead of Deshnok): Ahead of Nokha, this nondescript town is home to the few dunes Bikaner can claim its own, but zero tourist traffic means it is not sullied brown unlike the dunes in samm, jaisalmer. Connected with buses, 3km from NH89 Nagaur.

Places to Stay

Ashok Palace, near Sharma travels, close to the only movie theatre. Very good rooms in 450-650 bucks.

Places to Eat

Lalji's in main market near station has mind blowing ghevar and special rajbhog rasagullas. Pyaz kachori is quite common and well recommended too.