Here's how I explored Bikaner in a day making the most of it.
Arriving in Bikaner!
So, I went on a one-day trip to Bikaner with my family this August, right around Janmashtami. Family trips are always a little chaotic, right? This one was no different. We boarded our weekly superfast train to Bikaner and let me tell you, I’ve travelled enough by train to say this confidently: if your train doesn’t run regularly, be prepared for delays or surprises. Ours surely didn’t disappoint in that department. After Ringas Junction, things started to feel… abandoned. Empty coaches, deserted stations, the whole spooky vibe. Somehow, after what felt like forever, we finally reached Bikaner around 1 a.m. Tired, thirsty, and completely drained after two days on the train. The moment we stepped out of the station, we were swarmed by rickshaw drivers offering everything from rooms, hotels, travel packages, food, you name it. And of course, we hadn’t booked a stay in advance (classic move), so we had to start searching right then.
While my dad went with one of the rickshaw guys to check nearby hotels and the area, my brother and I found a water filter nearby with chilled water. Pro tip: the water in Bikaner can taste a bit earthy or mineral-like because of the underground source, but honestly, you’ll never stay thirsty here. Throughout our trip, we found chilled purified water almost everywhere in shops, temples, bus stands, even the most unexpected corners. After a bit of running around, we finally found a decent place to stay. We hopped into the rickshaw, grabbed a hot cup of tea, and called it a night.
Temperature in the month of August
It honestly felt like being trapped inside an air-tight box all day. Even when evening came and I hoped the heat would finally calm down a bit but it didn’t. The air was thick, heavy, and completely still, like it refused to move.
Best breakfast? Absolutely.
We started our day fresh, excited, and super hungry. To keep things easy, we booked the same rickshaw to take us around the city with no more morning hassles. Because honestly, a good breakfast sets the mood for the day, right? We headed to Chotu Motu Restaurant, where we dug into some seriously good food. Aloo and methi sabzi with crispy ghee fried puris, stuffed mirchi bada, and hot jelebi for that sweet finish. A glass of lassi and buttermilk on the side was just perfect to beat the morning heat.
I have to say, the Bikaneri mirchi bada and jelebi were a straight 10/10. If you’re ever there, you have to try them. The place has a simple fixed menu with samosas, kachoris, and a few more options but everything feels freshly made and worth the stop.
Day One: Exploring the Red City
After a hearty meal, we set off on our first adventure to the Karni Mata Temple. It’s located in Deshnok, which you can easily reach by train. Just get down at Deshnok Junction and hop onto a rickshaw to the temple. Now, this isn’t your usual temple visit. What makes Karni Mata Temple truly unique is its hundreds of cute little mice residents freely roaming all around! We left our shoes at the stall outside and joined the darshan queue.
Quick tip: if you don’t want to go barefoot, ask for foot covers as they only hand them out if you request.
Stepping inside felt surreal. Mice were running around, nibbling on prasad, sleeping in corners, and just doing their thing like it was their own cozy home. There’s also a belief that you must avoid stepping on them, so I carefully tiptoed my way to the main shrine. After seeking blessings from Karni Mata, I got to taste the delicious atta halwa prasad which was sweet, warm, and divine.
Next, we headed to the Laxminarayan Temple that we couldn't have skipped on Janmashtami! The moment we got there, the sound of bhajans and kirtans filled the air, all in celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday. Right across the road is the beautiful Seth Bhandashah Jain Temple, which was also on our list for the day. After seeking blessings, we just stood there for a while, soaking in the view of the clear blue sky and the scene below looked straight out of a wallpaper.
We hopped back into our rickshaw, leaving behind the buzzing local markets and narrow lanes. Next stop was the most Instagram-famous spot in Bikaner, the stunning Rampuriya Haveli. It’s easily one of the prettiest places in the city, with its royal, old-world charm straight out of a Raja-Maharaja era. And if you love clicking photos, trust me, this place is a dream.
It was already afternoon and the heat? Oh my god, unbearable. We decided to take a break and sit under those long ceiling fans for a while before heading out for our next stop. The Junagarh Fort, an ancient fortress that also doubles as a museum. They grouped us with a few other visitors and assigned a government guide to take us around and share the stories behind the fort and its history, the rulers, and all the fascinating bits. So, we waited a little until the batch was ready. The moment we stepped inside, it felt like walking straight into another era filled with pure royalty. Massive fort walls towered over us as we climbed our way in. Built in the 16th century by Raja Rai Singh, the fort beautifully blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Every corner had something worth admiring from the intricate carvings to the old-school antiques that still hold so much charm. What’s even more interesting is how each ruler who came later added their own touch to the fort. You can see it in the many mahals like Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal and so on each with its own vibe, from colorful paintings to delicate mirror work that glitters even in dim light. And as soon as we stepped out? I couldn’t resist grabbing a quick plate of pani puri, the perfect chatpata ending to a royal afternoon.
Fun fact: Junagarh Fort was never conquered by any enemy, and it still stands tall and strong to this day. It took us about an hour and a half to soak it all in the architecture, the stories, the regal feel.
By the end of the day, we stopped by my dad’s old kindergarten. Walking around the place brought back a wave of nostalgia for him especially memories of his late elder brother. It was around 3 in the afternoon, the sun blazing over us, when we decided to try the famous Chunnilal Sarbat. They let you sample tiny cup-sized portions of different flavours before you order a full glass which is such a fun idea! I ended up liking the jasmine one the most, though it had quite a strong aftertaste that lingered a bit too long (and could probably give you a headache if you’re not used to it). We also tried rose and paan flavours, both really refreshing. You can choose to have the sarbat made with either water or milk, depending on what you prefer, and they even sell full-sized bottles of the concentrate if you want to take some home. After that, we called it a day and went back to our rooms to rest for a while.
For dinner, we really wanted to try some authentic daal baati. We asked at the reception where we could find a good one, and they suggested a place called Daal Baati Churma. So, we hopped on a rickshaw and headed there. The menu was simple with no confusion, just pure Rajasthani comfort food. We ordered the thali, which came with daal, baati, churma laddoo, pickle, and lehsun chutney. And the taste? Absolute fire. My family and I were so stuffed that we decided to walk back to our room and call it a night.
The next morning, we visited the famous Kote Gate for a quick shopping spree, came back to relax for a bit, and then caught our train home with hearts (and stomachs) full.
Wrapping it all together
All in all, our one-day Bikaner trip was short but packed with experiences, laughter, and a little chaos exactly what a family trip should be. From surviving the train journey and beating the scorching heat to devouring heavenly local food and exploring temples, forts, and hidden corners of the city, every moment felt alive and memorable. Bikaner has a way of surprising you. Whether it’s the adorable mice at Karni Mata Temple, the royal charm of Rampuriya Haveli, or the simple joy of a glass of jasmine sarbat on a hot afternoon.
By the end, we were tired, a little sunburnt, but completely happy, full of stories, flavors, and nostalgia to carry back home. Sometimes, the best trips aren’t about the places themselves, but about the memories you make along the way. And this one? Definitely one for the books.