Weird & Unusual Attractions in Bīkaner, Rājasthān, India

1. Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

Temple dedicated to a revered mystic, featuring thousands of harmless rats roaming freely.

Rat Population: One of the highest rat populations in any religious place worldwide.
Divine Significance: Belief that rats are the reincarnated souls of Karni Mata's devotees.
Visiting Hours: Limited access to visitors during specific times of the day.

Fortress built in the 17th century, now home to a colony of bats.

Bat Colony: One of the largest bat colonies in the region.
Architecture: Well-preserved Rajasthani architecture showcasing medieval splendor.
Visiting Guidelines: Specific visiting hours and guidelines to ensure the safety of bats and visitors.

Research center dedicated to the study and conservation of camels in Rajasthan.

Camel Breeding: Breeds some of the finest camels in India.
Conservation Efforts: Works towards preserving camel population and improving breed quality.
Visiting Hours: Specific visiting hours for tours of the farm facilities.

Ancient stepwell decorated with intricate carvings and a unique hexagonal design.

Hexagonal Design: A rare and distinctive architectural feature among Indian stepwells.
Carvings: Ornate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
Water Scarcity: Serves as a reminder of ancient water conservation efforts during times of drought.

Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare species like the black buck and crocodiles.

Diverse Wildlife: Provides shelter for a wide variety of Indian wildlife.
Waterfront Palace: A beautiful palace located on the sanctuary's edge, now converted into a hotel.
Photography Guidelines: Certain rules for photography to protect the privacy and wellbeing of the wildlife.

Ornate Jain temple decorated with semi-precious stones and mirror work.

Decorative Elements: Features some of the most exquisite decorations among Rajasthani temples.
Jain Iconography: Important place for studying Jain iconography and art.
Accessibility: Limited access to visitors during specific religious ceremonies and festivals.

Jain temple built in the 16th century with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Jain religion.

Carvings: Ornate carvings showcasing detailed depictions of various Jain deities.
Architecture: Represents classic Rajasthani temple architecture with unique features.
Religious Significance: Holds great importance for Jain followers and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Museum located within the Junagarh Fort showcasing royal artifacts and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

Artifacts: Displays a vast collection of royal jewelry, weapons, and textiles.
Miniature Paintings: Famous for its beautiful Rajasthani miniature paintings.
Architecture: Features exquisite architecture showcasing various styles of the region.

A temple built in a unique star shape to honor Lord Shiva.

Shape: One of the few temples built in a star-like shape.
Astronomical Significance: Also known as the Astronomy Temple for its celestial significance.
Star Constellations: Dedicated to specific star constellations and their corresponding deities.

Temple located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.

Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of Bikaner from its hilltop location.
Architecture: Features a blend of Rajasthani and Islamic architectural styles.
Accessibility: Requires climbing stairs to reach the temple, but offers breathtaking vistas at the top.

A museum housing a vast collection of art, textiles, and royal memorabilia.

Art Collection: Showcases various forms of art from across India.
Textiles: Features an extensive collection of royal textiles and embroidery.
Royal Memorabilia: Displays artifacts from the royal court of Bikaner.

Museum dedicated to the life and achievements of Maharaja Sadul Singh, showcasing his artifacts and armory.

Armory Collection: Houses a vast collection of swords, shields, and other royal weapons.
Artifacts: Displays personal artifacts and memorabilia of Maharaja Sadul Singh.
Architecture: Features unique architecture with elements of both Rajput and European styles.

Beautifully carved Jain temple known for its intricate artwork and unique architecture.

Carvings: Showcases elaborate carvings depicting scenes from the Jain religion.
Architecture: Features a unique blend of Rajasthani and Islamic architectural styles.
Peacock Throne: Famous for the intricately designed Peacock Throne within its sanctum sanctorum.

An ancient fort located in Ajmer, nearby Bikaner, known for its history and architectural beauty.

Mausoleum of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a significant place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Religious Significance: Holds great religious significance for Muslim followers.
Architecture: Features a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles.
Cultural Exchange: A place where people from diverse backgrounds gather for peace and mutual understanding.