Gajner Palace, Gajner, Bikaner

Location
Gajner Palace is a jewel in the Thar Desert. Built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner on the edge of a lake. The property was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976. Approximately 30 kms from the city of Bikaner the hotel's compound stretches over 6000 acres. The Palace was primarily a hunting resort during the days of the Raj and attracted several eminent dignitaries who would visit during the shooting season. The Prince of Wales in 1905, The Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Mountbatten when he was Viceroy of India, and Lord Erwin (1927) were some of the more prominent invitees. Today, the Palace is surrounded by a private wildlife sanctuary, and is home to endangered antelope like the chinkara, black buck, neelgai as well as other unusual animals. The sanctuary and lake attract more than a hundred species of migratory birds during the winter months.

Accommodation
Gajner Palace is divided into four distinctive wings: Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas and Champa Niwas. The hotel's eleven historic suites are in Dungar Niwas where British dignitaries once stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace. In addition, the Palace Hotel offers thirty-one deluxe rooms that form part of Gulab Niwas (used by glamorous railway officers in former times) Champa Niwas (the recently built section has a beautiful courtyard with rooms all around) and Mandir Chowk (was part of the reception area for dignitaries arriving by train and dominated by the presence of an ancient temple and age old Banyan trees). 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.

Fine dining
'Mirage' the lakeside restaurant with high ceilings, gilt mirrors and intricately crafted fireplaces is open throughout the day and serves a la carte meals and snacks. On one side of the Palace a terrace protrudes out onto the lake providing spectacular views migratory birds on the lake, and, the game sanctuary that stretches beyond it. The restaurant at the terrace is named after the rare endangered 'Imperial Sand Grouse' large flocks of which can be seen at Gajner lake. The Bar, also known as 'Mrigthrishna', is designed to call to mind the nostalgia of a time gone by with dazzling chandeliers and hand painted ceilings.
The hotel also offers outdoor dining options on the sand dunes near by and on the shores of the lake located within the sanctuary.

Gajner Palace


Early morning mist rising on the Gajner Lake