Lalgarh Palace

Lalgarh Palace is a magnificent palace located in Bikaner, a city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh.

The palace is a perfect blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural styles, and is famous for its stunning red sandstone construction. The palace was designed by British architect Sir Swinton Jacob, who created a unique blend of traditional and modern architectural elements.

Some of the main attractions of the palace include the Shri Sadul Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Bikaner. The palace also has a beautiful garden, known as the Lalgarh Palace Garden, which is spread over 2,000 acres and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Overall, Lalgarh Palace is a must-visit destination in Bikaner for those interested in history, culture, and architecture.

How to reach

Lalgarh Palace is located in Bikaner, a city in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. Here’s how to reach Lalgarh Palace:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur Airport, which is approximately 251 kilometers away from the city. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bikaner.
2. By Train: Bikaner has a well-connected railway network, and there are regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. The Bikaner Junction Railway Station is located about 3 kilometers away from Lalgarh Palace.
3. By Road: Bikaner is well-connected by road, and there are several state-run and private buses that operate between Bikaner and other major cities in Rajasthan. You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach the palace.

Once you reach Bikaner, Lalgarh Palace is easily accessible by road. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for hire. Bikaner is a relatively small city, and Lalgarh Palace is located in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to reach by public transportation.

What are the timings and the entry charges?

The Lalgarh Palace is open for visitors from 10-00 hours to 16-30 hours. The entry charge is Rs 5 per head. The palace remains closed on Wednesdays.

History

Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the early 20th century in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The construction of the palace began in 1902 and was completed in 1926. The palace was designed by British architect Sir Swinton Jacob, who created a unique blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.

The palace was built at a time when Bikaner was facing a severe drought, and the Maharaja used it as an opportunity to provide employment to the local people. The construction of the palace employed thousands of workers, who were paid fair wages and provided with food and water.

Lalgarh Palace served as the residence of the Bikaner royal family until 1970. In 1972, it was converted into a heritage hotel, and a part of it was also converted into a museum, the Shri Sadul Museum. Today, the palace is managed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and is a popular tourist destination in Bikaner.

What goes behind the architecture?

Built-in red sandstone, the Lalgarh Palace is an architectural masterpiece. The palace is a beautiful mix of the Rajput, the Mughal, and European architecture. Wonderful latticework and filigree work can be observed here. The terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes add utmost charm to the palace. The fort museum in the Ganga Niwas was built during the reign of Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh. The museum exhibits an interesting collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry, and even a bi-plane from the First World War. Today the palace has been converted into a beautiful hotel. The Sri Sadul Museum houses a huge collection of books, photographs, manuscripts, and albums.

What are the nearby attractions?

Junagarh Fort

The Junagarh Fort is a major attraction at Bikaner. It was built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593. The fort consists of a 986-meter-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat, and two entrances. The fort is perched at an elevation of seven hundred feet above sea level.

Camel Research and Breeding Farm

At a distance of 8 km from Bikaner lies the Camel Research and Breeding Farm. It is one of its kind in the whole of Asia, carrying out breeding and training of camels. The farm is managed by the Government.

Gajner Palace

The Gajner Palace was the summer resort of the erstwhile kings. Today, the palace has been converted into a hotel.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum

The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum is considered to be one of the best in Rajasthan. The museum takes great pride in its priceless collection of terra cotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school. The coins that are exhibited date back to the Gupta and the Kushana era.

Mata Karni Temple

Thirty kilometers south of Bikaner is the much celebrated Mata Karni Temple. The temple is 600 years old, is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is home to thousands of holy rats that are a major attraction of the place. These rats are held in high esteem and if you accidentally step on one of them, a gold replica is to be produced to make up for the loss.

Things to do

There are several things to do at Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner, India. Here are some of the top activities:

1. Visit the Shri Sadul Museum: The museum is located within the palace and is a must-visit attraction for those interested in the history and culture of Bikaner. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including weapons, photographs, costumes, and more.
2. Explore the Lalgarh Palace Garden: The palace has a beautiful garden spread over 2,000 acres that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, admire the colorful flowers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
3. Attend a cultural event: The palace hosts various cultural events, including music and dance performances, especially during the winter season. Attending a cultural event is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
4. Stay at the heritage hotel: The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, and staying at the palace is a unique experience in itself. The hotel offers all modern amenities while retaining its old-world charm.
5. Visit nearby attractions: Bikaner has several other attractions that are located close to the palace. Some of the top attractions include the Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, and Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can explore these attractions as part of a day trip from Lalgarh Palace.

Overall, Lalgarh Palace offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and architecture, and is a must-visit destination in Bikaner for those looking to explore the rich heritage of Rajasthan.

Where to Stay

Lalgarh Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting Bikaner. The palace hotel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and old-world charm, making for an unforgettable experience. Here are some options for where to stay at Lalgarh Palace:

1. Laxmi Niwas Palace: This is the most luxurious option for accommodation in Lalgarh Palace. The hotel is known for its beautiful architecture, luxurious rooms, and excellent service. It’s perfect for those looking for a five-star experience.
2. Karni Bhawan Palace: This hotel is a great option for those looking for a mid-range hotel in Lalgarh Palace. The hotel is located in the palace complex and offers comfortable rooms, great food, and a beautiful garden.
3. Hotel Sagar: This is a budget-friendly option for accommodation in Lalgarh Palace. The hotel is located near the palace and offers basic amenities, comfortable rooms, and friendly service.

Overall, there are several options for accommodation in Lalgarh Palace, catering to different budgets and preferences. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’ll get to experience the rich heritage of Rajasthan and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the palace.