Bikaner

Puducherry

From French-inspired lifestyle to surfing venues, explore the many wonders of Puducherry.

1 Hues of heritage

An erstwhile French colony, Puducherry’s architecture includes a mix of stunning colonial structures in places like the French Quarter and traditional Tamil households with the quintessential ‘thalvaram’ or street veranda.

2 Ancient ruins

Only seven kilometres south of Puducherry are located the ruins of an ancient Roman trade centre called Arikamedu, which dates back to the 2nd century B.C. Also, visit the Gingee or Senji Fort (dubbed “Troy of the East”), located about an hour away.

3 Water world

Visit pristine beaches that offer a relaxing holiday with serene vistas and thrilling water sports. Mahe beach, Serenity beach, and the blue-flag Eden Garden beach are must-visit spots.

4 Ode to art

Puducherry is popular for its crafts. Explore the Art and Craft Village at Murungapakkam near Puducherry to see beautiful items created by local artisans using terracotta, ceramics, paper and more.

5 Divine path

From shrines like Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple to churches like the Sacred Heart Church, Puducherry is an important centre of spirituality. Also, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

6 Food hub

Several picturesque cafes and coffee shops dot Puducherry. Sample French delights and authentic Tamil delicacies, from buttery croissants to uttapam, at La Cafe and The Indian Kaffe Express, among many others.

1. Fort tales

Through grand palaces, a stunning fort, and exquisitely decorated havelis, Bikaner invites you to immerse in the rich heritage of a bygone era. Popular attractions include Junagarh Fort with exquisite palaces in sandstone and marble, Rampuria Haveli, and the Lallgarh Palace (now hotel).

2. Camel centre

Often dubbed the ‘camel country’, Bikaner lies in close proximity to one of the world’s leading camel research and breeding centres called the National Research Centre on Camel, where tourists can enjoy a tour.

3. Temple tour

About 30 km from Bikaner is located the Karni Mata Temple, home to over 25,000 rats that roam the temple complex freely and are regarded as harbingers of divine blessings. The popular Karni Mata fair is held twice every year here during the Navratras.

4. Into Antiquity

With museums such as Ganga Government Museum, Prachina Museum and Rajasthan State Archives, Bikaner is a treasure trove of interesting exhibits, some of which date back to the Harappan era.

5. Fire dance

Learn about the heritage and art of the enchanting fire dancers or Jasnathjis in the village of Katariasar, about 45 km from Bikaner. For a thrilling night camping adventure or desert safari, head to the nearby Raisar Dunes.

6. Heritage retreat

Gajner, located very close to Bikaner, boasts rich history. The Gajner Palace, once a hunting retreat for the royal family, has been transformed into a hotel. Visit the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, the region’s popular birding hub.