Ashok India Travels  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bikaner
HRH Gajner Palace Hotel
Sprawling over an incredible 6000 acre, Gajner Palace holds the world record of being the largest hotel in the world. An architectural marvel in red sandstone, the luxurious palace is rightly termed as the 'Jewel of Thar Desert'. An erstwhile hunting resort for the royal family, Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner on the banks of picturesque Lake Gajner. The grand palace has now been carefully refurbished into a heritage hotel, retaining the glory of the bygone Maharaja days. A 30-minute drive from Bikaner, Gajner Palace lies at a distance of 260 km from the airport and 32 km from the railway station. The palace also houses an intriguing wildlife sanctuary within its complex, home to several endangered species and migratory birds.
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Karni Bhawan Palace
Karni Bhawan Palace was the royal residence of Maharaja Karni Singh, a modern-day maharaja of Bikaner. It was built in a luxurious art deco style, popular by the 1950s in the US and Europe. Its Doric pillars, ornamental staircases and large windows are a testimony to an aesthetic brilliance of the past. Today, Karni Bhawan Palace is a Royal Retreat of the HRH Group of Hotels. The original character of the royal residence has been preserved and retained for modern-day guests. Old Paintings, photograhphs, period furniture, and curios add a distinctive dimension to the ambience of Karni Bhawan Palace, a cozy retreat for travel-weary guests. Situated in the heart of the residential area, the hotel is near to the major tourist attractions of the city like the Junagarh fort, Lalgarh Palace, the camel breeding farm, the temples and the bazaars.
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Lallgarh Palace
The Lallgarh palace is an imposing red- sand stone palace and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lall Singhj in 1902 A.D. This oriental fantasy designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely a hybrid architecture and mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles and can be categorized as Indo- Saracenic style. The Rajput exterior of Lallgarh Palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental décor within. The intricately dexterous carving on red stone is hall mark of great local craftsman. It is unmatched jewel in the Thar Desert and has played host to a number of dignitaries from all over the world. The lush green sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and beautiful bougainvilleas adorn the palace.Open corridors run the length of the halls and rooms and are lined with a rare collection of old prints and vintage copies of etchings. The covered corridors that link rooms are mounted with hunting Trophies.
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Laxmi Niwas Palace
The royal palace of Laxmi Niwas has a gigantic principal entrance - The clock tower (Though the hands do not move today but the palpitation of another age can be sensed at a glance) which is secured by guards and evokes memories of old grandeur and splendor. Welcome to Bikaner the Heritage City, nenowned for fort and palaces that are rated the best in the state of Rajasthan and India. The Laxmi Niwas Palace, Named after the goddess of wealth and prosperity "LAXMI" consort of the creator Vishnu was the Principal residence of late His Highness Ganga Singh. It was built in the year 1902 was design by the renowned architect Sir. Swinton Jacob in the Indo Saracen style. The exquisitely and delicate filigree and lattice works makes it a cynosure of all eyes and connoisseurs of art hailed it as one of the most picturesque palaces of the sub-continent is the crowning glory of the Princely Rajputana State. In the center a grand courtyard, surrounded by rooms and commons on all sides, has been witness to celebrations of the men folk and the woman folk, ensconced behind stone Jharokhas that over looked the courtyard, partook discreetly in the cultural extravaganzas which were regularly held in honor of various dignitaries who visited The Laxmi Niwas Palace. This palace was a favorite destination of Lord Mountbatton, Queen Mary. King George V. King Edward VIII, The King of Greece, M. Clemenceau Prime Minister of France. Viceroy Lord Harding, Viceroyu Lord Linithgow, Lord Irwin. Dr. Rajendra Prasad First President of republic of India. PT. Madan Mohan Malviyaji, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarojini Naidu, Sir Tejbahadur Sapru. Sir. Akbar Haidri, Thakur Bhaktavar Singhjl, Maharaja Kumar Vijay Singhji and many distinct dignitaries.
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Sagar Hotel
Sagar Hotel is situated deep in the Thar Desert, This desert town in the north of the state was founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a descendant of Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. In this great Bikaner town of red stone, the Hotel Sagar is a charming blend of Indian and European style of architecture. Apart from it's comfortable rooms with all modern amenities, it also provides excellent cuisine and local delicacies.
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