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Horse-drawn carriage tour of Bikaner's old city

4.0· 1 reviews2 hoursFrom INR 12179
Horse-drawn carriage tour of Bikaner's old city — Cultural & heritage things to do in Bikaner

One hour ride through Bikaner’s heritage district in a horse-drawn carriage, featuring visits to Havelis and a 15th-century Jain temple.

Explore the historical old city of Bikaner with a ride in a traditional tonga, taking in the sights of ornate havelis that reflect the city’s royal past. This one-hour tour includes views of impressive facades like Rampuria Haveli and a stop at a serene 15th-century Jain temple.

The horse-drawn carriage offers a leisurely pace to admire Bikaner's architectural beauty. The city, once the capital of a princely state, boasts over 400 intricately designed mansions. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a bit to the various sites.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Two bottles of mineral water per person • Donation and entrance fee for the Jain Temple • Local guide who speaks English • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle • Horse-drawn carriage ride • Pickup and drop-off at the hotel
What's NOT included?+
• Meals and beverages, unless indicated • Tips (optional)
What should I know before booking?+
• Infants must remain seated on an adult's lap. • Not suitable for individuals with spinal injuries. • Not advisable for pregnant individuals. • Not recommended for those with significant cardiovascular issues. • A moderate level of physical fitness is required. • Confirmation will be provided upon booking. • A moderate amount of walking is included. • The tour is unavailable during the summer months from April 1 to September 30.
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
How does pickup work?+
Pickup is available from your accommodation in Bikaner.
What's the itinerary?+
• You will be collected from your accommodation and transported to Fort Junagarh, where you will get on a tonga for a journey through the narrow streets of the old city. The excursion will showcase the intricately carved exteriors of historic mansions featuring large courtyards. These residences, made of red sandstone, reflect a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The jutting balconies and the intricate stone lattice work are notable highlights. • Rampuria Haveli is recognized as the most stunning mansion in Bikaner. Referred to as the ‘Pride of Bikaner’ by writer Aldous Huxley, its splendor, antiquity, and elegance are remarkable. Built in the 15th century for a prosperous local merchant, this red sandstone mansion boasts an equally refined and well-decorated interior. The lattice work of the jharokhas (covered balconies) is captivating when viewed from the street below. The interior features a harmonious mix of Mughal period carvings and Victorian artistic forms. • Dholha Haveli (view from the tonga) Pause for a photograph in front of the historic Dholha Haveli. The tour proceeds through vibrant marketplaces where you can observe locals engaged in their daily activities. Jain Temple (30 minutes) The itinerary includes a stop at the 15th-century Jain Temple, which is adorned with intricate mirror work, frescoes, and gold leaf paintings. According to local folklore, 88,000 pounds of clarified butter were used, instead of water, to mix the mortar for the temple's foundation. Residents claim that on warm days, the butter seeps through the temple's walls. This structure, made of red sandstone, features beautiful paintings and yellow stone carvings. Visitors have the opportunity to ascend to the third floor of the temple for panoramic views of Bikaner. After the tour concludes, you will be returned to a designated location or your hotel.

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