Short excursions to the places of cultural and architectural interest around Bikaner can certainly add more fun to your trip. Some of them Being -

Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke (30 Kms)Offer your prayers to Karni Mata - an incarnation of Goddess Durga, at this 600 years temple. The temple offers a haven to rats. Devoteed feed the rats, owing to the belief that these rodents will be reincarnated as holy men. The entrance archway of the temple is intricately carved in marble.

Devi Kund Sagar (8 Kms)This is a royal crematorium with cenatophs of the house of Bikaji Rathore. Many decorated chatris, built in the memory of the Bika dynasty, offer splendid example of the Rajput architecture.

Gajner wildlife senctuary and PalaceWatch flocks of imperial sand grouse, as you wander through the lush foliage of woods located on the Jaisalmer road. Gajner is also home to neelgai, chinkara, wild boar and black buck. Gajner palace, a summer resort of kings built on the beautiful lake along the sanctuary, is a spot worth visiting.

Kolayat (50 Kms)A sacred spot, dedicated to Kapil muni. The temple here is the venue for a fair in the month of kartik (Oct-Nov), attracting thousands of pilgrims. Kolayat is an idyllic picnic spot as well.

Camel breeding farmAcquaint yourself with the indispensable ship of the desert at this camel research and breeding center, the only one of its king in Asia.

Shiv Bari templeBuilt in the 19th century by Maharaja Dungar Singh ji, the temple is encircled by a high wall. Beautiful paintings and Nandi bull facing the Shiva Lingam are the attractions of the temple.