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Bikaner,
the desert city of Rajasthan (India's north-western
province) is an eye-catching site of well-fed camels
and citadels. Being near to Delhi, it had to
withstand the worst of Mughal invasions during
earlier times. The exotic camel safaris, its
gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy
rats at Mata Kali temple are some of the most
interesting aspects of Bikaner. The camel festival
held in the month of January is also an event worth
witnessing if one wants to get the actual color of
the place.
Heritage Hotels of Bikaner
Heritage hotels of Bikaner give
perfect royal treatment to their clients with all
the modern facilities in tandem. Homes of the
erstwhile gentry of this region, the buildings have
been built keeping in mind the geographical
necessities of the area.
Hotel Basant Vihar Palace
Basant Vihar Palace was built
because of a "fanciful desire" of Maharaj Sri Ganga
Singh Ji, a connoisseur of architecture and one
blessed with an artistic sense. It was designed by
him to be a separate pleasure garden adjoining the
Zanana Bagh (Royal Ladies' Garden) of Lalgarh
Palace. The palace was converted into a heritage
hotel in the year 1993 by the House of Bikaji, a
famous industrial group.
Bhanwar Niwas
Rising high over the bustling
streets of Bikaner stands Bhanwar Niwas, the most
magnificent haveli of the city. The haveli belongs
to Rampuria family and was commissioned by late Seth
Bhanwarlalji Rampuria in the year 1927. The
interiors and exteriors of the haveli is a
harmonious blend of Indian and European
architectural styles. Now converted into a heritage
hotel, the Bhanwar Niwas offer its guests an
experience of the lost grandeur and flamboyance of
Rajputana.
Hotel Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace was one of the
most magnificent palaces built during the second
half of 19th century in India. One of the most
impressive palaces constructed during the last half
of the nineteenth century, the building defies the
bleak and rugged reality of the harsh Thar Desert
around Bikaner. Sir Swinton Jacob, a renowned
architect was commissioned to build this palace and
no cost was cut in completing the dream of Maharaja
Ganga Singh. Construction of the palace started in
the year 1896 and completed in the first decade of
20th century.
Karni Bhawan Palace
Built by Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh Ji of Bikaner
as his private residence, this opulent palace
located in the Bikaner city is a major heritage
hotel today. It is a royal retreat surrounded by
sprawling lawns and near to major tourist
attractions like the Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace,
the temples and bazaars, and the camel-breeding
farm. Authentic Marwari cuisine and continental
meals are served in the restaurant attached to the
hotel.
Mann Bilas
Maan Bilas is a well decorated and comfortable
hotel situated within the prestigious and historic
Lalgarh Palace. Nine double rooms designed for
comfort and equipped for convenience, await guests.
Replete with modern facilities including cable TV,
personal refrigerators and direct dialing telephone
facilities, Maan Bilas is a preferred overnight
stopover for vacationers headed for Gajner. One can
even relax in tranquility on the lawns overlooking
Lalgarh Palace or explore the bustling city of
Bikaner.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Sir Ganga
Singh Ji of Bikaner to be used as a hunting resort
for the royal family and guests. Built over an area
of 6000 acres, the palace complex houses its own
sanctuary housing endangered species. More than 100
species of the migratory birds flock the lake by the
palace during the winter months. The palace has been
redone meticulously to revive the Raj days and
capture the grandeur of kingly Rajasthan.
During the stay at Gajner Palace, one should try
a camel, horse or a jeep safari into the wildlife
sanctuary. The wildlife is plentiful and the best
time for the safari is the early morning or the
evenings when the wildlife flocks to the lake to
drink water. |