Best Photo Spots in Bikaner
Bikaner gives you desert colour at every turn. Red and pink sandstone, gold-painted palace rooms, carved haveli fronts and herds of camels walking home at sunset all sit within a short drive of each other.
Whether you like palace interiors, old-city street scenes, architecture or animals, these are some of the best photo spots in Bikaner.
Entry ₹50
Camel Research Centre
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the herd walks back from grazing and the low sun turns the dust golden.
- ColorsRustMustardWhite
Medium crowdEntry ₹50 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign)
Junagarh Fort
- Best timeMorning, soon after opening, for soft light in the courtyards and quieter palace rooms.
- ColorsRedGoldEmerald
High crowdEntry Free (camera fee)
Karni Mata Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the marble front is in soft light and there are fewer pilgrims at the gate.
- ColorsSaffronRedWhite
Medium crowdEntry ₹100 (museum)
Lalgarh Palace
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the low sun turns the sandstone deep red and lights up the carved screens.
- ColorsIvoryRustDeep red
Entry Free (exterior)
Rampuria Havelis
- Best timeMorning, when soft side light brings out the depth of the carvings and the lanes are quiet.
- ColorsMustardWhiteTeal
Why Bikaner Is Great for Photography
Bikaner has two very different looks. Inside Junagarh Fort, the palace rooms are full of gold leaf, mirror-work and painted walls, which suit close-up detail shots. Outside, the Rampuria havelis and Lalgarh Palace give you whole walls of carved red sandstone that fill a wide frame.
The desert light is strong and clear. Early morning and late afternoon bring out the red and pink in the stone, while the middle of the day flattens colours and throws hard shadows.
Photography Tips for Bikaner
- Plan around the light: Shoot the havelis and fort courtyards in the morning, and save Lalgarh Palace and the camel farm for late afternoon.
- Use a wide lens in the old city: The lanes around the Rampuria havelis are narrow, so you need a wide angle to fit a full haveli front.
- Go slow in the fort rooms: Palace interiors are dim, so hold your phone steady or lean on a wall rather than using flash.
- Watch your feet at Deshnoke: Rats move around your feet inside the Karni Mata Temple, so look down before you step back for a shot.
- Ask before photographing people: Camel handlers, shopkeepers and worshippers are usually happy to pose if you ask first.
- Protect your gear from dust: Carry a cloth or small bag, as desert wind carries fine sand, especially in the hot months.
Best Time for Photography in Bikaner
October to March gives clear skies, soft winter light and comfortable temperatures for walking around the old city. January is busy with the Camel Festival, which is the best time for decorated camels and folk performers. From April to June the heat is intense, so shoot only at dawn and dusk.
Check photography rules and camera fees at Junagarh Fort and the Karni Mata Temple before you go, as they can change.
Questions
Bikaner — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Bikaner?
The best photo spots in Bikaner are Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, the Rampuria havelis, the National Research Centre on Camel and the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke. They cover palace interiors, carved sandstone, camels and one of India's most unusual temples.
Where can I photograph camels in Bikaner?
The National Research Centre on Camel, about 8 km from the city, is the easiest place. Go in the late afternoon, when the herd comes back from grazing. During the January Camel Festival you can also photograph decorated camels in parades and competitions.
Is Bikaner good for Instagram photos?
Yes. The gold-painted rooms of Junagarh Fort, the red jali screens of Lalgarh Palace and the carved haveli fronts of the old city all make strong backdrops for photos and reels.
What time of day is best for photos in the Bikaner old city?
Early morning is best. The lanes around the Rampuria havelis are quiet, the light is soft on the carvings, and there is less traffic and fewer parked bikes in your frame.
Can I take photos at the Karni Mata Temple?
Photography is usually allowed with a camera fee paid at the temple. Be respectful of people praying, and keep your phone secure while you watch your step among the rats.