Hotels
of Rajasthan Heritage
Hotels in Bikaner
BHANWAR NIWAS,
Bikaner
Bhanwar Niwas was built in the early 20th century by Seth Bhanwarlalji
Rampuria and is one of the most interesting havelis located within the
walled city of Bikaner. The haveli follows no particular style of
architecture, instead it is a potpourri of Indian and Western styles.
Recently converted into a hotel, Bhanwar Niwas has some rather elegant
rooms like the blue drawing room, entrance hall, grand staircase and the
library. The bar is a converted Baori, or underground rainwater tank. Local
musicians perform in the splendid courtyard and invite guests to unwind in
the evenings.
Special features: The haveli is located in
the city making it convenient to take walking tours, savour the sights and
get a feel of the local flavour. Karni Tample and Camel Breeding Farm are
some of the other sites of interest.
Facilities available:
12 double rooms and 2 single. Restaurant serving Indian, Continental and
Chinese.
Accessibility: By road:
Jodhpur - 250 kms. By train: Bikaner - 15 kms. By air: Jodhpur - 250 kms.
GAJNER
PALACE, Gajner
Gajner Palace has often been described as 'an incomparable jewel in the Thar
desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the palace stands on the
embankment of the lake. The palace was used by the Maharaja for grand shoots
and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indians as well as international,
Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. A
beautiful courtyard opens into a garden, scented with Jasmine and lush with
bougainvillea and where 14 rooms provide some of the accommodation. A walk
into the grounds beyond reveals tree gnarland with age, a honeymoon lodge
perched on a hillock amidst breathtaking tranquility. A grass tennis court
and marble swimming pool (now being renovated).
The architecture
of Gajner Palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with
intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens, the craftsmanship here is
amazing.
The palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now
a preserved sanctuary, which provides shelter to chinkara, blackbuck,
neelgai and wild boar. Even today the rooms in the palace retain their touch
of royal comfort.
Special features: Staying in Gajner is
like being a royal guest. Authentic game recipes have been adopted to create
non-vegetarian dishes.
Facilities available: 25 rooms
with attached bathrooms. Sumptuous meals.
LALLGARH PLACE, Bikaner
Builtbetween 1902-1926 by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, Lallgarh Palace
is an imposing red sandstone structure. This magnificent palace is an
example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob,
this palace has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The
exotic palace has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian
colonnades and motif of the lotus in full bloom, adding to the magic of this
jewel of the desert.
Each room here is a suite with period
furniture -four poster beds, chaise-lounges and exquisite carpets. The walls
of the palace are full of reminders of the past-vintage etchings, hunting
trophies and old portraits. The palace is a treasure trove where the guests
can spend hours 'walking in the past'.
Special features:
the Palace has its own museum and library (the fourth largest in the world),
clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting facilities at adjoining ranges.
Excursions to Gajner lake, Deshnoke temple, Kolayat and camel breeding farms
can be arranged.
Facilities available: 38 rooms,
spacious lawns, banquet hall, conference hall, tennis, billiards and
croquet. Multi-cuisine restaurant.
Accessibility:
By road: Jodhpur - 250 kms. By train: Bikaner - 3 kms. By air: Jodhpur
- 250 kms.
KARNI
BHAWAN PALACE, Bikaner
Karni Bhawan was built by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh of Bikaner in the Art
Deco style which was very popular in the 40s. The rooms here are large,
well-decorated, comfortable and provide guests with all amenities. The
palace is surrounded by large sprawling grounds and lots of shady trees
which attract different species of birds.
The Temple of Goddess
Karni, the family deity of the house of Bikaner, is at Deshnok, half an
hour's comfortable drive from Bikaner. This renowned and popular temple is
noted for its "Kabas" (white rats).
Special
features: The palace is also convenient for an overnight stopover on the
way to Gajner and Nagaur.
Facilities available: 15 rooms
with attached bathrooms. Simple Rajasthani meals.
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