Before you go
Bikaner with elderly parents: what to know
- Hire a car and driver for the whole day. Bikaner spreads over many kilometres, and the midday heat is intense. A car gives you a cool place to rest between sights.
- Do Junagarh Fort in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst heat. The fort has many stairs and uneven stone, but they are not extreme. Take breaks in the palace rooms, which are cooler than outside.
- Plan a long midday break, at least two hours, at your hotel or a shaded café. Even in winter, the midday sun is tiring when you are walking.
- The old city is best explored slowly on foot in the early morning or late afternoon. Hire a guide if you want stories about the havelis; they make the walk more interesting and give you places to rest.
- Carry water, a hat, sunscreen and socks for temple floors and fort courtyards. Stone can be hot underfoot. Sunglasses are essential—the desert glare is intense.
- Stay in a hotel with a good restaurant or close to sit-down eateries. The old city has wonderful food stalls, but eating while standing in the heat is tiring.
- Check with your hotel about the nearest hospital or clinic. Bikaner's medical facilities are reliable but concentrated in the cantonment area. Most hotels have contacts for doctors.
Easiest first
Places in Bikaner sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (12)
- Badri Niwas Haveli (Places to visit · 20–30 minutes for the exterior and surroundings) — The haveli is on a lane with uneven paving and no inclines. Viewing the exterior and any accessible courtyards is manageable; internal stairs may limit further exploration.
- Bhandan Sagar Lake (Places to visit · 1–1.5 hours, including travel and a shoreline walk) — The shoreline has accessible paths with minimal climbing. Rest areas and seating exist. A car can stay close to viewing points.
- Camel Research Institute (Places to visit · 1.5–2 hours) — The facility involves walking through open areas and past enclosures, mostly on level ground. Camel rides can be arranged, though comfort depends on the individual. Rest areas are available.
- Gajner Lake (Places to visit · 2–3 hours, including travel and a nature walk or boat ride) — The lake shore has paths suitable for slow walks, and seating areas overlook the water. A car can stay close to viewing points. The palace hotel offers a more comfortable way to experience the lake.
- Junagarh Fort (Places to visit · 2–3 hours) — The ground-floor galleries and courtyards are flat and navigable. There are some stairs between levels, but you can see much without climbing. Shaded colonnades provide rest points. A car can drop you close to the entrance gate.
- Karni Mata Temple (Places of worship · 30–45 minutes) — The main shrine is at ground level with a few low steps. The outer facade can be seen from the street without entering. Benches and resting areas exist, though the temple is often busy.
- Laxmi Narayan Temple (Places of worship · 30–45 minutes) — Access and interiors are usually level. There may be a few steps at the entrance, but the main prayer halls are flat. It is a place of prayer, so a slow, quiet pace is natural and expected.
- Laxmi Niwas Palace (Places to visit · 1–1.5 hours) — The palace is compact and mostly on one level, with gentle transitions between courtyards. There are a few steps, but none are steep. A guided tour can be arranged to match your pace.
- Mukam Bishnoi Temple (Places of worship · 30–45 minutes) — The temple is small and compact, with minimal climbing. It is accessible for most ages, though it may be crowded during worship hours.
- Rampuria Haveli (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes) — The haveli sits on a narrow lane and has no steep approaches. Inside, there are ground-level courtyards and some steps between levels, but most areas are accessible without climbing.
- Ratanada Hanuman Temple (Places of worship · 20–30 minutes) — Access is usually level or with a few steps. The temple is often crowded on worship days, so go during quieter times if possible.
- Sadul Singh Museum (Places to visit · 30–45 minutes) — The haveli is typically arranged on a few levels with stairs between them. Check current access when you arrive.
Some walking — plan a break (8)
- Dalmia Haveli (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1 hour) — The haveli involves some stairs between levels and narrow corridors typical of old Bikaner architecture. It is manageable at a steady pace, though tight spaces may challenge those with mobility issues.
- Devi Kund Cenotaphs (Places to visit · 45–60 minutes) — The site is spread over uneven ground with some steps between levels. Slow movement and a local guide help. There are a few shaded spots near the lake.
- Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary (Places to visit · 2–3 hours including drive) — The area is accessible by vehicle from the lake shore, but wildlife spotting may require a short walk or a guided jeep safari. Bring water, a hat and sun protection.
- Hanuman Garh Fort (Places to visit · 2–3 hours including drive) — The site is mostly uneven stone and earth, and some parts require climbing or careful footing. A local guide and a slower pace help.
- Kote Gate Bazaar (Shopping · 1–2 hours) — The bazaar is crowded and the paving is uneven. Movement requires patience and attention. Taller travellers may find low awnings. There is nowhere to sit and rest easily.
- Lalgarh Palace (Places to visit · 1.5–2 hours for a guided tour) — The palace involves some walking across courtyards and through long corridors, with occasional steps between levels. Most of the palace is accessible, though upper floors may be limited. A guided tour keeps the pace manageable.
- Prachina Museum (Places to visit · 45–60 minutes) — The haveli may have stairs between levels and uneven floors. Check accessibility at the entrance.
- Rao Bikaji Fort (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1 hour) — The fort involves some uneven ground and stairs, and there is minimal shade. It is manageable for fit older travellers but may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Bikaner with parents
Old city edge (near Kote Gate, close to Junagarh Fort)Best for: Those who want atmosphere, havelis and immediate access to the fort
Junagarh Fort vicinity (Surajpol area)Best for: Families and those who want easy fort access with some calm
Bikaner Cantonment (civil lines area)Best for: Travellers who want quieter, more orderly surroundings and railway station access
North of the city (Gajner Road)Best for: Those who want resort-style accommodation and a break from the city
Plan the rest of your Bikaner trip
Want help?
Have Bikaner planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.