Narendra Bhawan and around Bikaner - ChompSlurrpBurp

Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner is a property you are probably aware of if you are a Delhiite and spend a wee bit of time on Instagram. Vintage cars, sprawling courtyard and the perfect mix of tradition and modernity.

Once the palace of Maharaja Narendra Singh, Narendra Bhawan now boasts of contemporary royalty. The spaces are designed beautifully, and yet make you feel warm and welcome. From the vintage car to the facade, the restaurants to the perfect sunset on the pool overlooking the city!

Reaching Bikaner

: The closest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur airport. You can fly into Jodhpur and reach Bikaner by road, approximately 250 kmBy Road: You can, of course, drive to Bikaner.By Train: This is the most convenient if you are traveling from Delhi. The time taken by road and by train is almost equivalent - 8 hours. And the train journey is far more comfortable.

Reaching narendra bhawan

The palace is located in the heart of the city. Only 5 km to the railway station and close by to the local markets and the Junagarh Fort.

Exploring Narendra Bhawan

The palace is gorgeous on its own. Check in, and take a tour of the grounds. The gorgeous symmetry, old school charpais in Diwali Chowk, sip a drink at Gaushala - the outdoor restaurant and watch the sun go down by the pool!

Sip on some gin and tonics and craft cocktails by the pool and basically anywhere on the grounds!

Indulge in a traditional Rajasthani Thali experience curated by the Chefs. Not your regular Laal maas - but truly unique offerings like aloe vera ki sabzi, hari mirch ka maas, kadhi, and bajra rotis. The chefs make use of ingredients that are available locally and ensure that the food overall adds to the environmental conditions of Bikaner. The much hotter Laal Maas is substituted with a mellower but equally punch Hari mirch ka maas.

Out and About in Bikaner

Unlike Jaipur, or Udaipur, Bikaner is not a tourist destination but has its share of art and culture nestled in the city! Bikaner is known for its beautiful palaces, bhujias, camel festivals. You can also travel a bit further and visit the very famous Karni Mata Temple which is known to have over 25000 rats. Here are a few things you can get up to during your stay -

Junagarh fort

Junagarh Fort is in the heart of the city and is a plethora of historical artifacts and pieces. The blend of Mughal and Rajasthani cultures, the patterns, marble, and red sandstone - it houses an actual airplane from the World war - fort has a lot of history and stories. They have mandated guided tours, you can opt for a private one or join in a group. Climb high up for some glorious views of the city, and soak in the magnanimity of the fort itself. Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM, choose mornings unless you are traveling in winter

Lalgarh Palace and museum

Lallgarh Palace was the home to the Royal family after Junagarh. Now a luxury hotel, they offer heritage walks and tours to the spectacular architecture and details.

Laxmi Niwas Palace

Narendra Bhawan's sister palace - this palace served as the Royal household in the 19th Century. From peacocks flouting the palace to some gorgeous architecture, this palace too is now a luxury hotel and boasts of old school hospitality.

rampuria havelis

Rampuria Havelis are these series of gorgeous Havelis with Rajput, Mughal and British influences. All of them are built in red sandstone, once homes to wealthy merchants, all of them are now empty and shut. But walk through these beautiful architectural wonders or choose of the walking tours.

Camel Research Institute

Bikaner has the country's largest Camel Research Institute where they have the only camel breeding farm in India. From camel rides to tasting camel milk, you can indulge in a whole bunch of activitites.

Royal Cenotaphs

A crematorium is a weird place to have on the list - but this Royal Crematorium makes the cut owing to the unique design and architecture. There are various cenotaphs honoring previous kings and queens.

Bikaneri Bhujia

Coming to the good stuff, you cannot leave the city without packing atleast 20 kilos of all the different kinds of bhujias there are! Brands like Bikanerwala and Bicaji found their humble beginnings in this city. Take a stroll in the old market and you will find many shops - Chotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop is one of the most famous ones. Visit them for sweets - jalebis and ghewars. But Bishanlal Babulal has one of the most exquisite bhujias you can find. It's a small shop just ahead of the railway crossing - you will be able to spot it owing to the crowd. And of course you can taste everything before choosing. I highly recommend the hing bhujia.

Evenings in Narendra Bhawan

You can't do much at night in the city - but drinks overlooking the sunset do sound dreamy! Stay talking after a meal at Gau shala or lounge under the stars in Diwali Chowk!