Horse Carriage (Tonga) Tour In The Old City Of Bikaner

This horse-drawn carriage tour through Bikaner’s historic lanes offers a charming way to see the city’s impressive architecture and vibrant street life. Priced at $124 per person, it combines the comfort of private transport with insightful commentary from a local guide. While it’s a 2-hour journey, the experience packs in enough sights to make it worth every rupee — especially if you want to avoid tiring walks but still soak up the city’s character.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it makes visiting iconic sites like Rampuria Haveli and the Jain Temple accessible and relaxed. Sitting comfortably in a traditional tonga (horse carriage), you’ll get a glimpse of the intricate facades and colorful bustling bazaars that define Bikaner’s old city. One small caveat is that the tour can sometimes feel a bit chaotic — the streets are lively, with cows, tuk-tuks, and auto-rickshaws weaving around you, which adds authenticity but might be overwhelming for some.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy culture without the physical strain of long walks or intense sightseeing. It’s especially ideal for those on a time-limited visit or anyone who wants a relaxed, guided overview of Bikaner’s architectural gems and street life.

Key Points

• Comfortable Sightseeing: Private horse carriage offers a relaxed way to explore Bikaner’s old city.
• Architectural Highlights: Visit the stunning Rampuria Haveli and a centuries-old Jain temple.
• Authentic Perspective: A local guide provides insights and history you might miss exploring on your own.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with included entry fees, make it hassle-free.
• Cultural Insight: Pass through lively streets filled with locals, markets, and traditional scenes.
• Value for Price: At $124, it’s a comprehensive, guided overview with transportation and admission included.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Fort Junagarh and the Horse Carriage Ride

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, making it straightforward and stress-free. After a short drive, you arrive at Fort Junagarh, an impressive structure that serves as the gateway to your carriage tour. From there, you hop into your private tonga, ready to navigate Bikaner’s winding lanes.

The ride itself is about 35 minutes of gentle cruising through narrow alleys, offering views of the old city’s carved facades and large courtyards of traditional mansions. These buildings are mostly made of red sandstone, showcasing a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, with projecting balconies and delicate stone latticework. The guide enriches the experience by pointing out architectural details and stories behind the mansions, adding layers of context to what you see.

Rampuria Haveli: The Crown Jewel

The highlight of the tour is the stop at Rampuria Haveli, often called the pride of Bikaner. Built in the 15th century for a wealthy merchant, this mansion is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with its red sandstone exterior and intricately carved jharokhas (covered balconies). The guide describes how Aldous Huxley called it the most beautiful mansion in Bikaner, and it’s easy to see why.

Inside, the mansion boasts a well-preserved interior that fuses Mughal carvings with Victorian influences, making it a visual feast. Visitors can admire the stone lattice work, which is mesmerizing from the street and even more impressive up close. The interior architecture and decor give a sense of the opulence of Bikaner’s merchant class centuries ago.

According to reviews, this stop is well worth the 30-minute visit. One reviewer mentions, “This mansion made of red sandstone has an equally tasteful and well-appointed interior,” emphasizing how visually striking it is, especially from the street view.

Passing Dholha Haveli and Bustling Bazaars

As your carriage rolls past Dholha Haveli, you get a glimpse of Bikaner’s vibrant street life. The street itself is lively, filled with locals, animals, and traffic, creating a lively backdrop that feels authentic and immersive. Many travelers appreciate the chaos, noting it’s “a little chaotic sometimes,” but that’s part of the charm. You might find cows, camels, tuk-tuks, and auto-rickshaws all weaving through the narrow lanes, giving you a real taste of everyday life here.

Shri Gangeshwar Parshvnath Jain Shvetamber Temple

The highlight of the religious stops is the Jain Temple, a 15th-century marvel decorated with mirror work, frescoes, and gold leaf paintings. The legend states that 88,000 pounds of clarified butter (ghee) was used as mortar — a testament to the temple’s grandeur. The guide shares stories about the temple’s intricate carvings and how hot days sometimes cause the butter to seep through the walls, adding a quirky aspect to its magic.

Visitors can spend about 30 minutes exploring the temple’s stunning interiors, viewing the detailed paintings and stone carvings. This stop provides a welcome respite from the street scenes and offers a peaceful contrast to the lively markets outside.

Optional Photo Stops and Market Views

Throughout the tour, you’ll have opportunities to stop and take photos of the vibrant streets and historic structures. The guide can help you capture the best angles and provide background stories, enriching your understanding of Bikaner’s architectural and cultural fabric.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making transfers smooth and comfortable. Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure you don’t have to navigate unfamiliar streets, especially in a city as lively as Bikaner.

The horse carriage ride itself is a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the old city that you simply can’t get from walking or car rides. The local English-speaking guide adds value by sharing insights that bring history and culture alive, making the experience educational as well as scenic.

You’ll also receive two bottles of mineral water per person, perfect for staying hydrated and refreshed during your explorations.

What’s Not Included

Food and drinks are not included, so if you’re hungry after the tour, plan to explore local eateries on your own. Gratuities are optional but appreciated for the guide’s efforts.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed way to see Bikaner’s highlights without extensive walking. The guided element ensures you gain more than just a visual impression — you’ll learn stories and details that you’d miss exploring alone. It’s also ideal for those with limited time, as it captures the essence of Bikaner in just a couple of hours.

Summary

In essence, the Horse Carriage (Tonga) Tour in Bikaner offers a charming, authentic glimpse into the city’s historic streets and stunning architecture. It’s a comfortable, guided experience that balances sightseeing with cultural storytelling, making it perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the fatigue of walking.

While the street chaos might be a bit overwhelming for some, it’s genuinely part of the experience — the lively bustle and colorful scenes are what make Bikaner special. The stops at Rampuria Haveli and the Jain temple are true highlights, giving you a taste of the craftsmanship and spiritual heritage that define this desert city.

This tour proves that sometimes, the slow pace and a good guide can turn sightseeing into an unforgettable memory. Whether you’re keen on architecture, culture, or simply want to enjoy Bikaner’s lively street scenes comfortably, it’s a well-rounded option deserving of your consideration.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end without hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering key sights and allowing for a relaxed pace.

What is the cost per person?
The price is $124 per person, which covers transportation, guide, entry fees, and two bottles of mineral water.

Are there any stops at religious sites?
Yes, the tour includes a 30-minute visit to the Jain Temple, known for its detailed decorations and historical significance.

Is the horse carriage ride comfortable?
Yes, the private tonga ride offers a smooth, scenic journey through the narrow lanes of Bikaner’s old city.

Can I expect chaos during the ride?
Yes, the streets are lively with cows, tuk-tuks, and locals, which adds authenticity but might be chaotic at times.

What makes Rampuria Haveli special?
It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful mansions in Bikaner, built in the 15th century, with stunning carvings and interiors.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, some cash for optional tips or souvenirs, and comfortable clothing suited to the weather.

Is this tour available during summer?
No, the tour is not offered between April 1 and September 30, due to the hot climate.

This horse carriage tour offers a wonderful balance of relaxation, culture, and scenic beauty, perfect for those seeking an authentic peek into Bikaner’s historic heart.