Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature and history? If yes, then Gajner Palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India is the perfect destination for you. Gajner Palace is a former royal hunting lodge that has been converted into a heritage hotel, offering a blend of luxury and heritage. Located on the banks of Gajner Lake, Gajner Palace is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a variety of birds and animals.
Whether you want to relax in the elegant rooms, enjoy the delicious cuisine, indulge in the spa treatments, or explore the wildlife and culture of Bikaner, Gajner Palace has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Gajner Palace, its history, architecture, attractions, activities, and more.
Getting There
There are different ways to get to Gajner Palace from Bikaner, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the options:
By car:
You can drive from Bikaner to Gajner Palace by taking the Jaisalmer Road and NH11. The distance is about 36 km and the travel time is about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also hire a taxi or a cab from Bikaner to Gajner Palace, which may cost around ₹800 - ₹1,200.
By train:
You can take a train from Bikaner Junction to Gajner Railway Station, which is about 4 km away from Gajner Palace. The train journey takes about an hour and the fare is around ₹10 - ₹50. You can then take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from Gajner Railway Station to Gajner Palace, which may cost around ₹100 - ₹200.
By bus:
You can take a bus from Bikaner to Gajner, which is about 10 km away from Gajner Palace. The bus journey takes about an hour and a half and the fare is around ₹50 - ₹100. You can then take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from Gajner to Gajner Palace, which may cost around ₹200 - ₹300.
History and Architecture of Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century as a hunting retreat for himself and his guests, including British dignitaries and royalty. The palace is spread over 6000 acres of land and is divided into four wings: Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas, and Champa Niwas. Each wing has its own distinctive style and charm, reflecting the different eras and tastes of the rulers.
The palace is adorned with intricate carvings, domes, arches, pillars, and jharokhas, creating a stunning visual effect. The palace also boasts of a beautiful garden, a temple, and a museum that showcases the history and culture of Bikaner.
The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976 by the HRH Group of Hotels, which is owned by the royal family of Bikaner. The hotel has 44 rooms and suites, each with its own unique decor and amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a conference hall, catering to the needs and preferences of the guests. The hotel has preserved the original charm and elegance of the palace, while adding modern comforts and conveniences.
Bird Watching at Gajner Palace
One of the main attractions of Gajner Palace is the opportunity to indulge in bird watching, as the palace is situated on the edge of Gajner Lake and Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake and the sanctuary are home to more than 100 species of birds, including migratory and resident ones. Some of the common birds that can be seen here are sand grouse, imperial eagle, black ibis, demoiselle crane, partridge, and waterfowl. The best time to enjoy bird watching at Gajner Palace is from October to March, when the migratory birds arrive from different parts of the world. The hotel provides binoculars, guides, and boats for the guests who want to experience the thrill of bird watching.
Bird watching at Gajner Palace is not only a fun and relaxing activity, but also a learning and enriching one. You can learn about the different types of birds, their habitats, behaviors, and sounds, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature. You can also capture some amazing photographs and videos of the birds and their surroundings, and share them with your friends and family. Bird watching at Gajner Palace is a must-do activity for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Other Attractions and Activities at Gajner Palace
Besides bird watching, Gajner Palace offers a range of other attractions and activities for the guests to enjoy. Some of them are:
Restaurant:
The Mirage Restaurant at Gajner Palace serves a variety of cuisines, including Rajasthani, Indian, Continental, and Chinese. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambiance, with a view of the lake and the garden. The restaurant also organizes theme dinners, such as Rajasthani folk music and dance, barbecue, and bonfire, for the guests to have a memorable dining experience.
Spa:
The Panghat Spa at Gajner Palace offers a range of ayurvedic treatments and wellness packages, such as massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps. The spa uses natural and organic products, and has trained and experienced therapists. The spa also has a steam room, a jacuzzi, and a yoga room, for the guests to relax and rejuvenate.
Boating:
The hotel provides boating facilities for the guests who want to explore the lake and the wildlife sanctuary. The guests can choose from paddle boats, row boats, or motor boats, and enjoy the scenic views and the fresh air. The boating is available from sunrise to sunset, and is subject to weather conditions.
Cycling:
The hotel also provides bicycles for the guests who want to cycle around the palace and the nearby villages. The guests can enjoy the rural charm and the cultural diversity of Bikaner, and interact with the local people. The cycling is available from sunrise to sunset, and is subject to availability of bicycles.
Camel Safari:
The hotel arranges camel safaris for the guests who want to experience the adventure and the romance of the desert. The guests can ride on the camels and visit the sand dunes, the forts, the temples, and the havelis of Bikaner. The camel safari is available from sunrise to sunset, and is subject to availability of camels.
Cultural Shows and Events:
The hotel organizes cultural shows and events for the guests to enjoy the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan. The guests can witness the folk music and dance, the puppet shows, the fire shows, and the magic shows, performed by the local artists. The hotel also hosts weddings, parties, festivals, and other celebrations, for the guests to have a festive and fun time.
Gajner Palace is a heritage hotel that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for the guests. The hotel combines luxury and heritage, and provides a range of attractions and activities, such as bird watching, boating, cycling, spa, and more. The hotel is also a great base to explore the historical and cultural attractions of Bikaner, such as the Junagarh Fort, the Prachina Museum, the Karni Mata Temple, and more. If you are looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and explore, then Gajner Palace is the place for you. Book your stay now and enjoy the hospitality and the beauty of Gajner Palace.
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