Gajner Palace - Heritage

Gajner Palace is a jewel in the Thar Desert, built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the edge of a lake. Lose yourself in this sprawling majestic palace, with its distinctive terraces and balconies; revered for its fabulous setting and unhurried way of life. Explore a world of nature-walks, boat-rides, sanctuary dinners and desert safaris. Discover Rajasthan's 'best-kept secret', just 30-minutes' drive away from Bikaner.

Besides its panoramic landscape and architectural beauty, the Palace Complex also has the remnants of a historic railway station. Gajner Palace is divided into four distinctive wings: Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas and Champa Niwas.

The hotel's 13 historic suites are in Dungar Niwas where British dignitaries stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace. Each suite has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur. Every detail, from the furniture to the wallpaper, the four-poster beds and picturesque windows has been carefully recreated exuding an aura of a bygone age. All rooms have been thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences.

The palace-hotel also offers 32 Deluxe rooms in Gulab Niwas (used by glamorous railway officers in former times), Champa Niwas (the recently built section, with a beautiful courtyard surrounded by rooms) and Mandir Chowk (part of the reception area for dignitaries arriving by train and dominated by the presence of an ancient temple and age-old Banyan trees).

The Mirage Restaurant
Once the ballroom for the Maharaja and his guests, today it serves delightful Indian, Mughlai and Continental cuisine to 21st century visitors. The Imperial Terrace, an extension to the Mirage, overlooking the lake and sanctuary, is where folk and tribal dancers regale guests through the evening. It is open for light snacks through the day, lunch and dinner.

Mrigtrishna Bar
Continuing with the theme of the desert, Mrigtrishna bar evokes similar emotions of gentility and elegant opulence as that of Mirage Restaurant. Not surprisingly then, Mrigtrishna translates to 'mirage' in English. Dungar Niwas, where British dignitaries once stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace, houses the Mrigtrishna. Unwind with a glass of sherry as a cool breeze blows across the Gajner Lake.

The various activities at the Palace include

• Regal dining in the Sand Dunes.
• A jeep or camel safari, for 10 to 50 guests, adds to the sense of adventure and the natural beauty of the sand dunes near the Gajner sanctuary.
• Dance and music make it a magical evening on the sand dunes.
• Birdwatch at Gajner Sanctuary
• Sail in the Solar Boat.

Gardens & Resorts

• Sir Ganga Singh Public Park & Zoo
• Ratan Bihari Temple Park
• Tessitory Public Gardens

Ancient temples & sites

• Bhandasar Jain Temple
• Shiv Bari Temple
• Devi Kund
• Karni Mata Temple
• Kolayatji Temple
• Kalibangan

Museums & Other Sites

• Junagarh Fort
• Lallgarh Palace
• Sir Ganga Singh Golden Jubilee Museum
• Prachina - Crafts Museum
• Camel Breeding Farm