Bikaner is famous for leather products made from camel hide, including delicately embroidered ‘mojris' (slip-on shoes), lacquer work, camel and sheep wool carpets and other handicrafts. Given its long history of trade, its markets brim with bargains! The city is well known through India for its spicy savouries and ‘rasgullas' - spongy cottage cheese balls soaked in syrup.

The rulers of Bikaner follow a policy of not allowing their heritage to be used for commercial activity, and so no shops are allowed in the Fort. However, they have relaxed this policy for 'Abhivyakti', an interesting shop at the entrance of the Junagarh Fort run by the Urmul Trust, which has done sterling work for the empowerment and uplift of rural communities. It sells high quality ethnic furniture (stools, chairs etc), cotton and woollen handlooms - cushion covers, durries, shawls, carpets, clothes, and knick-knacks made by the people from 70 neighbouring villages. The commendable thing is that no middlemen lap up any profits and the proceeds go directly to the villagers for funding education and health programmes. Its the perfect place to shop with a clear conscience!

Bicycle Polo
For those who like the fast pace of horse polo, bicycle polo provides an option that is at least as exciting. During the sixties and seventies, a lot of impetus was provided to the sport, particularly in Bikaner , though in recent years it has become somewhat dissipated.

Billiards or pool
is a popular indoor pastime and most hotels cater to this activity as well as a few billiards centres dotted around town, which are a good choice as you get to meet the locals while you play.

Bird Watching
Don't forget to bring your binoculars when visiting India as the birdlife here can prove very interesting. Not only does the area have its own indigenous species but Bikaner is on the migratory route for birds from other lands and who knows, you may even spot a bird that frequents your homeland here too.

Tip
Pick up a pocket sized Indian bird book for reference before you set out on this bird spotting adventure.

Boating
Boats are available for hire at the Gajner Palace . Book a cruise or just row the boat yourself. If visiting with kids this is a ‘must do' activity.

Walking
There are a number of good places to go for long strolls or energetic hikes. At Gajner Palace one can stroll out into the adjoining woods during the day, (avoid walking in the woods after sunset because of the surrounding wildlife sanctuary), or trek to Shabnam Mahal, the highest point at Gajner.