The Cost of Living in Bikaner: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to Bikaner, Rajasthan – there’s so much to explore! From the picturesque forts and palaces to the unforgettable food and the colorful street markets, Bikaner is a city that is quickly gaining popularity amongst tourists and expats alike.If you’re considering a move or a visit to Bikaner, you’ll need to know about the cost of living. This guide will walk you through the expenses you can expect to incur on various necessities in the city.

Housing

If you’re planning to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Bikaner, you’ll have to shell out approximately INR 8,000 – INR 15,000 per month, depending on the location and amenities. For a bigger 3-bedroom apartment, expect to pay anywhere between INR 15,000 to INR 35,000 or more, depending on the location and facilities.If you’re looking to buy a property in Bikaner, the cost can range anywhere between INR 10 lakh to INR 5 crore and even more, depending on the location, size, and amenities.

Food Delivery

When it comes to food, Bikaner offers a wide variety of options ranging from street food to upscale restaurants. If you’re looking to order food delivery, services like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats are readily available with a delivery charge of around INR 30-40 and minimum order values of around INR 100-150.For dining in a restaurant, expect to pay around INR 500-600 for a decent meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant. Fine dining restaurants may charge anything between INR 1,500 – INR 5,000 for a similar meal. Street food can cost as little as INR 20-30 per plate.

Transportation

In Bikaner, the most common modes of transportation are buses, autorickshaws, and taxis. Auto-rickshaws are the cheapest and most popular choice, with fares starting at INR 20 for short distances. For longer distances, you can opt for taxis, which charge around INR 8-12 per kilometer. You can also rent a bike or a scooter for approximately INR 350-500 per day, depending on the make and model.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in Bikaner is highly dependent on your consumption. Here is a breakdown of the expected costs based on your usage:- Electricity: For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect to pay anywhere between INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 per month. For a larger 3-bedroom apartment or a bungalow, the cost can go up to INR 7,000 per month or more.- Gas: A standard gas cylinder with a capacity of 14.2 kg costs around INR 707. Refilling a cylinder costs around INR 625.- Water: Water supply is usually included in the rental cost of a property, but if you’re an owner, you can expect to pay around INR 300-500 per month.

Entertainment

Bikaner has a plethora of options when it comes to entertainment. Here are some expected costs:- Movie tickets: A single movie ticket costs around INR 150-200.- Cultural events: Cultural events, such as music or dance shows, can cost upwards of INR 500 per person.- Leisure activities: Leisure activities like swimming or gymming can cost around INR 2,500 to INR 3,000 per month.

Conclusion

Overall, Bikaner is a reasonably affordable city to live in, as long as you’re mindful of your expenses. By keeping an eye on your monthly budget, you can enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer without breaking the bank.

The Cost of Living in Bikaner: A Comprehensive Guide

Bikaner, located in the arid region of Rajasthan, is a colorful historical city that has been inhabited for over 500 years. From its magnificent forts and palaces to its bustling bazaars, Bikaner is a paradise for tourists who want to experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. In this insider’s guide, we will take an in-depth look at the cost of living in Bikaner and explore the various local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions

Bikaner is steeped in history, and there are plenty of places to visit that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit places include:

• Junagarh Fort: Built in the late 16th century, this imposing fort has a unique blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Gujarati architecture. It houses several palaces, temples, and museums that are worth exploring.
• Lalgarh Palace: Constructed in the early 20th century, this magnificent red sandstone palace has beautifully decorated rooms, courtyards, and gardens. It also houses a museum that narrates the history of the Bikaner royal family.
• Gajner Palace: Located on the banks of a lake, this beautiful palace was built in the 19th century and is now a heritage hotel. You can take a jeep safari or go boating to explore the wildlife and birdlife in the nearby sanctuary.
• Karni Mata Temple: This unique temple is home to around 20,000 rats, revered by the locals as sacred. Visiting the temple is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you amazed.

Dining Spots

Bikaner’s cuisine is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughlai styles. The local food is known for its spicy flavors, rich aroma, and unique preparations. Here are some dining spots that you must visit to savor the local cuisine:

• Chotu Motu Joshi Sweets: Famous for its kachoris and sweets, this local eatery is always crowded with locals and tourists alike. Do try their mirchi bada and rabri faluda for a satisfying snack.
• Karni Mata Ka Rasoi: This unique restaurant serves food that is cooked using traditional methods and served on a leaf plate. You can savor lip-smacking dishes like dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and lal maas here.
• Bikaner Sweets Corner: This iconic sweet shop has been around for over 100 years and is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their specialties include rasgullas, ghewar, and pista barfi.
• Lakshmi Niwas Palace: This palace turned hotel has a fine-dining restaurant that serves a blend of Indian and European cuisine. You can enjoy your meal in a regal setting and enjoy the live music that is played here every evening.

Cultural Experiences

Bikaner has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art, music, and dance forms. Some of the cultural experiences that you must not miss when you visit Bikaner include:

• Camel Safari: Bikaner is known as the camel country, and taking a camel safari is a quintessential Bikaner experience. You can take a sunset safari or opt for a longer safari that takes you to the nearby villages.
• Kalbeliya Dance: This lively and colorful dance form is unique to Rajasthan and is performed by the Kalbeliya community. You can watch a live performance or even take a workshop to learn the moves.
• Usta Art: Bikaner is also known for its intricate Usta art, which is a type of painting that is done on wood, metal, or glass surfaces. You can visit a local artist’s workshop and watch them create beautiful artworks.
• Shopping: Bikaner’s bazaars are a shopper’s paradise, and you can find a variety of souvenirs, textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts here. Do pay a visit to the Sadar Bazaar, Kote Gate, and Suraj Pol Bazaar to get a taste of the local shopping scene.

Local History

Bikaner has a fascinating history that dates back to the 15th century when the city was founded by Rao Bika. Over the years, it was ruled by several Rajput kings and witnessed many battles and sieges. Some of the local history that you must explore in Bikaner include:

• Jain Temples: Bikaner has several beautifully decorated Jain temples that date back to the 15th century. Some of the must-visit ones include Bhandasar Jain Temple, Parasvnath Temple, and Rishabhdev Temple.
• Campus of Desert Area: This unique museum is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Thar Desert. It has several displays, models, and exhibits that narrate the ecology and biodiversity of the desert region.
• Havelis: Bikaner has several havelis or old mansions that are a testament to its wealthy past. You can visit some of the well-known havelis like Kote Gate Haveli, Rampuria Haveli, and Dulmera Haveli to witness the grandeur of Rajasthani architecture.
• Jain Temple at Kolayat: This ancient Jain temple is located on the banks of a lake and is believed to be over 2000 years old. It has intricate carvings and murals that recount the history of Jainism.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking to explore Bikaner beyond the tourist spots, here are a few unique experiences that you must try:

• Rampuria Haveli Walk: Take a leisurely walk around the Rampuria Haveli neighborhood and explore the narrow alleys, courtyards, and colorful houses that are a hallmark of Bikaner’s architecture.
• Bikaner Miniature Painting Workshop: Bikaner is also known for its exquisite miniature paintings, and you can take a workshop to learn this art form from a local artist.
• Visit to Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok: This temple is located around 30 kilometers from Bikaner and is a unique experience that you must not miss. It’s known for its population of rats, and many devout Hindus come here to seek blessings.
• Gangashahar Mahal Concert: This regal palace turned hotel hosts a classical music concert every evening that is worth attending. You can sit in the courtyard and enjoy the live music under the stars.

In conclusion, Bikaner is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and experiences. By following this insider’s guide, you can explore the city like a local and make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bikaner!