The national camel research centre
The camel shaped life in the Thar for centuries, as transport, plough animal, source of milk and wealth. The research centre outside Bikaner was set up in the 1980s to study the animal, improve breeds and find new uses as motor vehicles replaced it. It keeps herds of the main Indian breeds, including the Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri and Kachchhi.
On a visit, you see the breeding pens, the calves and the small museum that explains camel biology and history. The best time is the late afternoon, when the herds return from grazing in long lines across the scrub, raising dust in the low light.
The centre's café sells camel milk products, including ice cream and flavoured milk, which most guests try at least once. Camel numbers in Rajasthan have fallen sharply in recent decades, and the centre's work is part of the effort to keep them relevant. Opening hours change, so check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can you drink camel milk in Bikaner
Yes. The research centre's café sells camel milk, flavoured milk, ice cream and other products. Camel milk is lighter and slightly salty compared with cow's milk. It is pasteurised for sale. Most guests try the ice cream at least once. We time the visit for the late afternoon, when the herds return from grazing, and the café is a good stop before the drive back.
When is the best time to visit the camel research centre
Late afternoon, when the herds return from grazing and the light is good for photography. The centre keeps herds of the main Indian breeds, including the Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri and Kachchhi, and a small museum explains camel biology and history. We usually pair it with a morning at Junagarh Fort. Opening hours are limited and change, so check current status before you travel.
Is the camel research centre good for children
Yes. Children enjoy seeing the camels and calves up close and trying camel milk ice cream. The visit is short, usually about an hour to 90 minutes, which suits younger travellers. The breeding pens, the calves and the small museum hold their attention, and the herds returning across the scrub in the late afternoon are a good sight for all ages.
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