How to Visit Bikaner on a Budget Under ₹15,000

TL;DR Summary

• Explore Bikaner under ₹15,000 with smart planning.
• Budget travel via trains starting at ₹300.
• Affordable 5-day itinerary with local hacks.
• Cheap stays under ₹1,500 per night.
• Must-see forts and deserts on a shoestring.
• Insider tips for frugal, fun experiences.

Introduction to Budget Travel in Bikaner

I still remember my first backpacking trip to Bikaner over a decade ago, with just ₹5,000 in my pocket. I haggled for a ₹200 camel ride in the desert, savored piping hot kachoris for ₹10, and crashed at a tiny guesthouse for next to nothing. Bikaner, a gem in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, remains one of India’s most underrated and budget-friendly destinations. Its stunning forts, vibrant markets, and unique desert experiences don’t demand deep pockets if you know the local tricks. Unlike pricier Rajasthani cities like Jaipur or Udaipur, Bikaner offers authentic charm at a fraction of the cost. In this guide, you’ll discover how to plan a 5-day trip under ₹15,000, from dirt-cheap transport to hidden eateries, affordable stays, and insider hacks for an unforgettable journey.

Why Visit Bikaner on a Budget?

• Entry to iconic Junagarh Fort is just ₹50 for Indians.
• Local street food like bhujia and rasgulla costs under ₹20 per serving.
• Camel safaris start at ₹500 for half-day trips if you bargain.
• Public transport within the city is as low as ₹10 per ride.
• Budget accommodations near the station start at ₹800 per night.
• Free walking tours around old city lanes reveal hidden history.
• Off-season travel (April-September) slashes stay and activity costs by 30%.

Top Budget Things to Do & See

Junagarh Fort

A 16th-century masterpiece with intricate carvings and royal history.

Budget Tip: Buy the ₹50 ticket and skip the ₹100 camera fee by using your phone.

Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple)

A unique shrine in Deshnok where thousands of rats are worshipped.

Budget Tip: Take a shared auto for ₹30 from Bikaner instead of private taxis.

Laxmi Niwas Palace

An opulent heritage site showcasing Rajput architecture and grandeur.

Budget Tip: View from outside for free; entry is ₹100 if you explore inside.

National Research Centre on Camel

A fascinating spot to learn about camels and desert life.

Budget Tip: Entry is only ₹30, and camel rides start at ₹50 here.

Rampuria Haveli

Stunning old merchant mansions with ornate facades in the old city.

Budget Tip: Walk around for free; local guides charge just ₹50 for stories.

Gajner Palace and Lake

A serene escape near Bikaner with a historic palace and wildlife.

Budget Tip: Skip the palace stay; enjoy the lake view for free.

How to Reach Bikaner on a Budget

Bikaner is well-connected and easy to reach without breaking the bank. The nearest airport is in Jodhpur (250 km away), with flights from Delhi or Mumbai starting at ₹3,000 if booked early. However, flying isn’t the most budget-friendly option. Instead, take a train to Bikaner Junction, a major railway hub. Sleeper class tickets from Delhi cost ₹300-₹400 (7-8 hours), while from Jaipur, it’s ₹150-₹200 (6 hours). Book IRCTC tickets 2-3 months in advance for the lowest fares. For bus travelers, state-run RSRTC buses from Jaipur to Bikaner start at ₹250 (6-7 hours), and private buses are available for ₹300-₹500. A local hack? Board overnight buses or trains to save on a night’s accommodation. From the station, shared autos or cycle rickshaws to the city center cost ₹10-₹20.

Best Time to Visit for Budget Travellers

For the cheapest deals, plan your Bikaner trip between April and September, the off-season. During these months, hotel rates drop by 20-30%, and tourist crowds are thin, letting you negotiate better deals on camel safaris and local tours. The weather is hot (30-40°C), so carry light clothes, sunscreen, and stay hydrated with cheap roadside nimbu pani (₹10). Winter (October to March) is peak season with pleasant weather (10-25°C), but prices for stays and activities spike by 50%. Festivals like the Camel Festival in January are vibrant but crowded and costly. Stick to off-season for savings, or aim for shoulder months like October or March for a balance of weather and cost.

Where to Stay – Cheap Homestays & Hostels

Bikaner has plenty of budget-friendly accommodations under ₹1,500 per night. Near the railway station, guesthouses like Hotel Sagar and Hotel Harasar Haveli offer clean rooms for ₹800-₹1,200 with basic amenities. In the old city, homestays around Kote Gate provide a local vibe for ₹1,000 per night—perfect for solo travelers or couples. Hostels like Zostel Bikaner (near Junagarh Fort) start at ₹400 per bed in dorms, ideal for backpackers. A pro tip: Book directly with owners via phone to avoid online platform fees, and ask for discounts during off-season. Browse budget-friendly stays on Unpaqd: Browse Unpaqd stays in Bikaner

Trip Cost Breakdown (5-Day Trip for 1 Person Under ₹15,000)

Category	Cost (₹)	Details
Transport	1,000	Round-trip train from Jaipur (₹500 x 2)
Stay	5,000	₹1,000/night x 5 nights (budget guesthouse)
Food	2,500	₹500/day (street food + small eateries)
Activities	1,500	Fort entries, camel ride, local tours
Local Transport	500	Shared autos, cycle rickshaws
Miscellaneous	500	Water, snacks, small souvenirs
Total	11,000	Well under ₹15,000 budget!

Note: Costs are approximate and based on solo travel in 2023. Prices may vary slightly.

Suggested Budget Itineraries

3-Day Quick Trip

• Day 1 (Arrival & Forts): Arrive by morning train (₹500). Check into a budget guesthouse near the station (₹1,000). Visit Junagarh Fort (₹50) in the afternoon. Evening at Sadul Singh Museum (₹20). Dinner with street food like kachoris (₹50).
• Day 2 (Desert & Temples): Morning trip to Karni Mata Temple via shared auto (₹30). Afternoon camel safari near Sam Sand Dunes (₹500 if bargained). Evening stroll in Kote Gate market (free). Budget dinner at local dhaba (₹100).
• Day 3 (Havelis & Departure): Explore Rampuria Haveli (free) and nearby lanes in the morning. Lunch at a roadside stall (₹50). Depart by evening train (₹500).

Total Approx Cost: ₹7,000-₹8,000

5-Day Full Experience

• Day 1 (Arrival & Settle In): Arrive via overnight train (₹500). Check into budget stay (₹1,000/night). Relax and explore nearby Kote Gate market (free). Dinner at a local eatery (₹100).
• Day 2 (Forts & Palaces): Visit Junagarh Fort (₹50) and Laxmi Niwas Palace (free outside view) in the morning. Afternoon at Sadul Singh Museum (₹20). Evening street food crawl (₹100).
• Day 3 (Desert Adventure): Half-day camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes (₹500). Afternoon at National Research Centre on Camel (₹30). Budget lunch and snacks (₹150).
• Day 4 (Temples & Lakes): Morning trip to Karni Mata Temple (₹30 shared auto). Afternoon at Gajner Lake (free). Evening back to old city for haveli walks (free). Dinner (₹100).
• Day 5 (Last Sights & Departure): Morning visit to Rampuria Haveli (free). Pick up local bhujia as souvenirs (₹100). Depart by evening train (₹500).

Total Approx Cost: ₹11,000-₹12,000

Ideal For

• Backpackers looking for affordable desert adventures.
• Solo travellers seeking cultural immersion on a budget.
• Budget couples wanting a unique romantic getaway.
• History buffs interested in forts and heritage sites.
• Foodies eager to taste authentic Rajasthani snacks.

Safety, Permits & Local Etiquette on Budget

Bikaner is generally safe for budget travellers, even solo women, but stick to crowded areas at night and avoid isolated desert spots after dark. No special permits are needed for major attractions, though camel safaris may require booking through local operators—always confirm rates upfront (₹500-₹700 is fair). For mobile connectivity, get a prepaid SIM like Airtel or Jio (₹200 for 28 days with data) at the station; free Wi-Fi is rare. Dress modestly, especially at temples like Karni Mata—cover shoulders and knees. Bargain respectfully; locals are friendly but expect negotiation. Don’t litter in desert areas; carry a reusable water bottle to save ₹20 per plastic bottle. Lastly, tip small (₹10-₹20) at dhabas for good service—it goes a long way.

Hidden Budget Tips from 20+ Years of Travel

• Haggle for camel safaris; start at 50% of the quoted price (₹1,000 to ₹500).
• Buy famous Bikaneri bhujia from local shops near Kote Gate, not tourist stalls—half the price.
• Use shared autos over private rickshaws; a ride rarely costs more than ₹30.
• Visit forts early morning to avoid heat and get better photos for free.
• Eat at dhabas away from main attractions—full thali for ₹80 vs. ₹200.
• Carry a scarf or cap; desert sun is harsh, and buying on-spot costs ₹100+.
• Walk the old city lanes instead of hiring guides; locals share stories for free.
• Refill water at guesthouses; save ₹100+ over 5 days on bottled water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Bikaner affordable for budget travellers?

Absolutely, Bikaner is a haven for budget travellers. You can explore its forts, deserts, and markets for under ₹15,000 in 5 days, with food, stay, and transport being incredibly cheap. Street food costs as little as ₹20, and entry fees to major attractions like Junagarh Fort are just ₹50. With local hacks like shared autos and off-season discounts, your money stretches far.

Q: How much does a budget trip to Bikaner cost?

A 5-day budget trip to Bikaner typically costs between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 for one person. This includes round-trip train fare (₹1,000), budget stays (₹5,000), street food (₹2,500), and activities like camel safaris (₹1,500). You can cut costs further by travelling off-season or splitting expenses with a friend. My breakdown above keeps you well under ₹15,000 with room for small splurges.

Q: What's the best time for cheap travel to Bikaner?

The best time for cheap travel to Bikaner is during the off-season, from April to September. Hotel rates and activity costs drop by 20-30%, though the weather is hot (30-40°C). Shoulder months like October or March offer a balance of pleasant weather and moderate prices. Avoid peak winter (November-February) as prices spike during festivals like the Camel Festival.

Q: How to reach Bikaner cheaply?

The cheapest way to reach Bikaner is by train, with sleeper class tickets from Delhi at ₹300-₹400 (7-8 hours) or from Jaipur at ₹150-₹200 (6 hours). State-run RSRTC buses from Jaipur cost ₹250 (6-7 hours). Book tickets early on IRCTC or at counters to avoid dynamic pricing. Overnight travel saves a night’s accommodation cost too.

Q: Are there safe budget stays in Bikaner?

Yes, Bikaner has many safe budget stays under ₹1,500 per night. Options near the railway station or in the old city, like Hotel Sagar or homestays near Kote Gate, cost ₹800-₹1,200 and are secure even for solo travellers. Hostels like Zostel (₹400/dorm bed) are great for backpackers. Always check reviews or book directly for safety and better rates.

Q: Which is better for budget — Bikaner or Jaisalmer?

For budget travellers, Bikaner often edges out Jaisalmer due to lower costs for accommodation and activities. Stays in Bikaner start at ₹800 vs. ₹1,200 in Jaisalmer, and camel safaris are cheaper (₹500 vs. ₹800). While Jaisalmer’s desert dunes are more famous, Bikaner offers similar experiences with added cultural depth at places like Karni Mata Temple. If you’re tight on funds, Bikaner gives more value for money.