Bikaner: Fortresses, Camel Carts, and Sacred Rats in Rajasthan

Once a key stop on ancient caravan routes, the medieval city of Bikaner still retains a sense of desert romance. The city’s old-world charm is best experienced in the shadow of the Junagarh Fort, where camel carts continue to navigate the narrow streets as they have for centuries. Inside the fort, you’ll find opulent interiors adorned with mirror work, intricate carvings, and decorative shell inlays.

Just south of the city lies the Karni Mata Temple, known as the ‘Rat Temple’, a unique pilgrimage site where hundreds of rats are revered as reincarnated saints and roam freely within the temple grounds. Devotees offer food and seek blessings in this truly one-of-a-kind spiritual experience.

Though Bikaner may lack high-end hotels, its rich history and location make it an ideal stop for travelers journeying between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, or anyone looking to explore Rajasthan beyond the usual tourist trail.