Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
The
historical stretch of land covering
the area of the back portion of
Laxmi Niwas Palace and various
quarters of State time is known as
Lalgarh. Situated in this stretch of
royal apartments is the residence of
Late Maharaja Ganga Singh, the maker
of modern Bikaner, who personally
conceived, foresaw and supervised
the construction of his personal
residence--The Laxmi Niwas Palace--
a magnificent red sandstone edifice
designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in the
Anglo-Scenic style.
This stately building, great &
grand, is built around a central
courtyard and is intricately carved
from the skirting upto the highest
dome. The stone 'jali' work
(lattice) is awesome and stunning.
The motifs, floral and geometrical,
leave you mesmerised. A lace- like
work of stone on the edges of the
entire roof was devised as a
glittering crown on the head of the
palace!! The royal palace of Laxmi
Niwas Palace has a gigantic
principal entrance--The Clock Tower
which is secured by guards and
evokes memories of old grandeur and
splendour.
A long drive flanking the vast lawns
with rows of trees, fairly big pools
and red sandstone quarters take you
to the hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace.
The great Portico extends a
respectful and dignified welcome to
the visitor. The sculptural art on
the pillars supporting this amazing
high- ceilinged Portico, along with
the decorative carving, evokes the
senses.
The wide retina of stately staircase
lead you up to the reception which
extends a warmth of hospitality to
the visitor. It is the pilot to the
extensive hallways and the vast 'chowk'
or inner-courtyard, hallowed by the
memories of festive occasions and
gracious functions of the past.
The huge area of the 'chowk', with a
garden in the centre and a beautiful
fountain, presents a different angle
to view the beauty of the palace.
All round this courtyard are rows of
columns along the long corridors
providing an arresting view. On the
walls are hung rare Trophies, images
of the sportive hunting hobby of the
Rajputs.
Opening out into these long
corridors are rooms of colossal
size, with about ten feet high
doors, which have been painstakingly
restored to their former glory.
The original paintwork arabesque
decoration on the walls & ceiling of
hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace has been
restored by local artists and
craftsmen.
The rooms have been refurbished with
exquisite soft furnishings and the
bathrooms have been made
ultra-modern keeping in mind the
needs of the modern day travellers.
The Laxmi Niwas Palace still today
commands a grand view. It is a
monument of the glorious past, a
vista of bygone times, covering
almost a century of changes ups and
downs. It is indeed the 'Crowning
Glory' of Bikaner's forts and
palaces.
Location:
Railway Station: 1.5 kms, City
Center: 1 km.
Rooms:
31 rooms.
Address:
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Lalgarh Complex,
Bikaner RA 334001
