Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan, east of the border with Pakistan. It’s surrounded by the Thar Desert. The city is known for the 16th-century Junagarh Fort, a huge complex of ornate buildings and halls. Within the fort, the Prachina Museum displays traditional textiles and royal portraits. Nearby, the Karni Mata Temple is home to many rats considered sacred by Hindu devotees.
When to visit: Bikaner has a dry, desert climate, with high temperatures Apr–Sep. The cooler months of Nov–Feb are a common time to visit. The lively Bikaner Camel Festival (Jan) features camel processions, pageants, dance performances and races.
