Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner is now a heritage hotel.
This magnificent palace, commissioned over a century ago by Maharaja Ganga Singhji, is a true testament to the architectural genius of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The Palace is a unique blend of East and West, with classical Mughal and Rajput touches adorning the exterior and British-inspired interiors complete with billiard, smoking, and card rooms. It is said to be Jacob’s finest creation and is considered one of the most remarkable royal residences built in the 19th century.
The exterior of the Lallgarh Palace is a work of art, with intricate stone carvings and the distinctive hue of the red sandstone of the Thar Desert. The cupolas, domes, and balconies were carved with such delicacy that they still have the fragile appearance of lace.
Today, two wings of the Palace have been transformed into a luxurious heritage hotel, with 59 rooms that seamlessly blend modern conveniences with vintage furnishings. The hallways are adorned with charming sepia photographs and hunting trophies, while the lush gardens, often visited by peacocks, offer the perfect oasis in the desert.
Indulge in traditional local delicacies or continental fare as you dine al fresco to the accompaniment of Rajasthani folk music and dance. Take a dip in the indoor pool or relax in the lush gardens, all while experiencing the grandeur of a bygone era. The Lallgarh Palace is a true gem and offers nothing less than a royal experience for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and grandeur.
As one of the grandest and most notable residences of the past, the Lallgarh Palace has hosted numerous notable guests, including Georges Clemenceau, King George V, Queen Mary, Lord Harding, and Lord Irwin, to name a few.
Today, the Palace is owned and operated by Princess Rajyashree Kumari, daughter of the late Maharaja of Bikaner, Karni Singh, and a portion of the Palace is used to support the Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust. So, pack your bags and journey to the heart of the Thar Desert to experience the magic of the Lallgarh Palace for yourself!
Ganga Singh was legendary for his shikaars (hunts) at his hunting preserve at Gajner, in particular, his Imperial Sand Grouse hunts at Christmas. As a result, the palace hosted many guests including Georges Clemenceau in 1920, Queen Mary, King George V, Lord Harding, and Lord Irwin. Lord Curzon was the palace’s first notable guest.
Stanley Reed, the official reporter of the 1905-06 India tour of the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King George V and Queen Mary of Great Britain) noted that “The Laxmi Niwas Palace is the most perfect modern building in the Indo-Saracenic style in India – an entirely graceful pile of carved red sandstone, nobly proportioned and harmonising entirely with its environment. Their Royal Highnesses have not been more splendidly housed since they landed in Bombay”.
In 1972, Karni Singh, M.P., the Maharaja of Bikaner, established the Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust. The Maharaja endowed a part of Lallgarh Palace to be used in service of the trust. Two wings were converted into independent hotels with the income from The Lallgarh Palace Hotel, a heritage hotel used to support the trust. Currently, Lallgarh Palace is owned, and the hotel is run, by his daughter Princess Rajyashree Kumari.
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