The monuments in Bikaner prominently make up the rich cultural heritage for which the city is one of the prime go to destinations for tourists. These monuments include majestic forts, arresting palaces, stunning temples and magnificent havelis (mansions), showcasing the finesse of Rajput architecture to the hilt. The city of Bikaner in Rajasthan, once upon a time, was the capital of an old Rajput state of the same name. The fourth largest city of Rajasthan today, it was established in 1488 AD by Rajput prince Rao Bika Ji, the most enterprising son of Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji, the founder of Jodhpur from one of the leading Rajput families of the Rathore clan. The city is bounded by Jaipur to the southeast, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to the south and south-west respectively. Situated on a risen ground, the city is encircled by a 7 kilometre long crenellated stone wall of rich pink sandstone, with five gates and three sally ports, its height varying from 15 feet to 30 feet.

Junagarh Fort
One of the principal monuments of Bikaner is the Junagarh Fort. Constructed in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, it is surrounded by a deep moat, where is believed crocodiles were bred. There are 37 bastions that defend the fort and two entrance gates, the main being known as the "Suraj Pol" or the Sun Gate. Within the premises of this majestic and impenetrable fortress, one will come across numerous palaces, temples and pavilions. Made of red sandstone and marble, these palaces strikingly feature intricately carved towers, alongside their picturesque amalgamation of courtyards, kiosks, windows and balconies. These palaces include "Karan Mahal", "Phool Mahal", "Ganga Niwas", "Anup Mahal", "Dungar Mahal", "Chandra Mahal" and "Rang Mahal". These display spellbinding paintings, mirrors and glass artefacts. The "Har Mandir" is the majestic chapel where the royal family worships their gods and goddesses. Museums in the fort spectacularly provide a peep into the grandeur of past Maharanas" lifestyle.

Lalgarh Palace
The Lalgarh Palace is one of the most popular and most visited monuments in Bikaner. It was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as his residential palace "Laxmi Niwas" originally, the first and most impressive wing of this exquisite masterwork in red sandstone. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style in 1896, by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, one of the most accomplished British architects ever to work in India; he later enlarged it in the beginning of the 20th century.

With the finest of materials and carved stonework employed in its construction, this gigantic palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum containing the fourth largest private library in the world, the Lallgarh Palace Hotel, a heritage hotel and the Laxmi Niwas Palace, a luxury hotel. The entire three-storey complex is established in a deluxe fashion, featuring drawing rooms, smoking rooms, cards rooms, billiards rooms, guest suites, grand halls, lounges, pavilions, cupolas, Italian colonnades, magnificent pillars and fireplaces. It also has an indoor swimming pool and a dining room with the capacity of accommodating 400 diners to boast of. Notwithstanding his scholarly approach, Jacob`s masterwork is clearly influenced by European ideas of form and composition, particularly the interiors. The entire architecture is a conglomeration of Rajput, Mughal and European styles, with fine latticework and filigree work involved. It stands amidst lush sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and blooming bougainvilleas filling its visual delight. The Lalgarh Palace is an eloquent testimony of the relationship between the princely states and the British Raj.

Gajner Palace
The Gajner Palace constructed on the banks of Gajner Lake by Maharaja Ganga Singh, was the hunting lodge for the royal family. The palace is a heritage hotel today, in the thick of forests of the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. The "jharokhas" and carved pillars of the palace boast of the brilliant craftsmanship of traditional artisans. Migratory birds in huge numbers can be seen flocking around. It is the perfect place to spend a quiet evening beside the silent and stunning lake underneath the skies.

The well-known temples of Bikaner include the world famous shrine of Karni Mata in Deshnoke town and the Bhandeswari Jain Temple intricately decorated with rich mirror work, sculpted pillars, gold leaf works and frescoes. The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has a fine collection of pottery, paintings and weapons used by Rajputs.

Devi Kund, about 8 kilometres from the Bikaner city, is the royal crematorium place of the royal family of Bikaner, with a range of eye-catchy cenotaphs. These are finely domed and intricately carved pavilions in red sandstone and white marble. The chhatri of Maharaja Suraj Singh is the most attractive of all, with striking Rajput paintings beautifying the ceiling.