Lalgarh Palace was created by Maharaja Ganaga Singhji between 1902 and 1926 A.D. The red-sand stone palace is built in the memory of Maharaja’s father, Maharaja Lall Singhji. The picturesque palace located in Bikaner, Rajasthan is considered a jewel of the Thar Desert.

History

Lalgarh stands as a monumental combination of Rajput, European and Mughal architectural styles, which is known as Indo-Saracenic style. Maharaja Ganga Singh was in his minority when the building was commissioned by the British-controlled regency. Ganga Singh named the palace in the memory of Maharaja Lall Singh.

Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust was founded in 1972, by H.H. Karni Singh, the then Maharaja of Bikaner. A part of Lallgarh Palace was allotted to the use of the activities of the trust. Major part of the palace was converted into heritage hotels which support the trust. The present owner of the hotel and the palace is Karni Singhji’s daughter H.H. Princess Rajyashree Kumari.

Architecture

Lalgarh Palace is famous for its complex design created by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. After commencing of the construction in 1896, first and the most beautiful wing, Laxmi Niwas was completed in 1902. The other wings were subsequently completed till 1926. Lord Curzon was the first important guest of the palace.

The three-storey palace is built with red sandstone procured from the Thar Desert. The palace comprises of the necessary features as per the era- such as drawing rooms, smoking rooms, guest suites, many grand halls, lounges apart from a dining room with a seating capacity of 400 diners. The splendid pillars, fireplaces, Italian colonnades and carefully crafted latticework add to the beauty and grandeur of the palace.

The palace hotel consists of 56 superbly maintained historical rooms well-equipped with Mini Bar and CCTV. The luxury palace hotel symbolizes the rich tradition of Rajasthan giving a memorable experience to the visitor.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

In Rajasthan, a visitor has ample places to visit. Junagarh Fort and Laxmi Niwas Palace are the other important destinations tourist should visit when near Lalgarh Palace. Temples like Maru Nayak Ji temple, Laxmi Nath Temple, Bhandasar Jain Temple, Mukam Temple, Karni Mata Temple are the famous pilgrimage spots around Lalgarh Palace.

If you are visiting Bikaner in the month of January, you can witness historical Bikaner Camel Festival which is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of Bikaner, Government of Rajasthan. The festival has a procession of decorated camels, camel dance performances, apart from competitions for camel milking; best decorated camel and the best camel hair cut. The festival is quite interesting and has been attracting numerous tourists from India and abroad.

How To Reach

By Rail

Bikaner has good connectivity with important cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kalka and Bhatinda. Bikaner Express and Bikaner Mail are the most used trains by the tourists.

By Air

Jodhpur – the nearest airport to Bikaner is nearly 250 km away. Jodhpur domestic airport connects the area to the major metros of India. Jodhpur to Bikaner taxi fare is around INR. 2000.

By Bus

Several buses commute from Bikaner to Delhi, Agra, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu and Ahmedabad.

Visitor Information

The palace also has The Shri Sadul Museum located in the west wing of the palace. It houses fourth largest private library in the world. The museum is open between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM on all weekdays except on Sunday.