Lallgarh Palace, a breathtaking Rajasthani Palace, is located in the beautiful city of Bikaner, Rajasthan in India. It was constructed for the Maharaja of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, between 1902 and 1926. The palace built in European architecture style has now been opened up for tourists as a Heritage Hotel and the entire estate comes under the National Heritage Trust. The estate also houses a museum named Shri Sadul Museum, where you can find traces of Rajasthani Royalties and get an insight into their extravagant lifestyle.
Built with red sandstone bought from the Thar Desert, the colours of the beautiful structure when they change shades as the day progresses. If you wish to stay at the Lallgarh Palace Hotel, you'll be amazed at the massive size of the rooms you'll be living in and the regal hospitality you'll be receiving. One of the estate wings has been maintained only for the Royal family of Bikaner. The other two wings are for The Lalgarh Palace Hotel and the Lakshmi Niwas Hotel.
Walkthrough the splendid corridors and take a stroll in the garden outside or a dip in the swimming pool. Notice the magnificent pillars and fireplaces in the red sandstone architecture, and the carefully maintained gardens and the intricate latticework.
History of Lalgarh Palace
The Lalgarh Palace was built in between 1902 and 1926 for Maharaja Ganga Singh who ascended the throne when he was seven years old in 1887. Maharaja Ganga Singh ruled Bikaner and brought about numerous changes that put Bikaner on the list of progressive states in India. The transformation was massive, and it was considered that Junagarh Fort was too medieval for a youthful and modern prince like him. Hence, the decision to build Lalgarh was taken under British India for this new contemporary King of Bikaner.
In 1972, Maharaja Karni Singh upon being genuinely concerned about the preservation of the historic estate started the Maharaja Gangaji Trust to be able to preserve the monument. As a result of this, two wings of the palace were transferred into the trust and were later on opened as Heritage and Luxury Hotels for tourists in 1974. The Hotel is now owned and run by his daughter Princess Rajyashree Singh. It is among the best architectural marvels of Bikaner. The place was first planned to be built for INR 1,00,000, but the price winged to 1 million due to the use of the most exquisite materials and finely carved stonework.
Architecture of Lalgarh Palace
The Lalgarh Palace was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, who was a British Architect. The construction of the palace commenced in 1896, after a ritual ceremony and it was built in stages with the luxury wings being constructed between 1902 and 1926. The initial budget for the palace was INR 100,000, and it was planned that the structure would be built with inexpensive material to bring about cost-cutting; however, it was later decided that only the best material will be used for the construction. The cost then increased to a whopping one million rupees.
It consists of Drawing Rooms, Grand Hallways, Luxurious Halls and Royal Lounges. For the guests who choose to stay at the palace, they can choose to fine dine in one of the numerous dining rooms and stay in one of the lavish guest suites. The place has majestic sandstone pillars with intriguing features and intricate carvings. The library in the Palace is considered the fourth largest libraries in the entire world. Most of the rooms have sophisticated fireplaces and tall ceilings with warm lights.
The colonnades, intricate latticework, and filigree are inspired by traditional Italian architecture which makes the palace a perfect example of Hindu-Gothic or Indo-Saracenic architecture. The third wing, known as the Karni Niwas, houses an indoor swimming pool and the Darbar Hall that was used by the Maharaja for official and unofficial meetings and addressing ceremonies. The Museum maintained at the palace displays artefacts from the bygone time and gives a sneak peek into the Maharaja's imperial lifestyle.
Best Time To Visit Lalgarh Palace
The best time to visit Lalgarh Palace is between October and February as its winter in Rajasthan and the weather is quite pleasant.
How To Reach Lalgarh Palace
One can avail public transport from any location in Bikaner or from the bustling Bikaner Junction.
The Lalgarh Junction is barely 3 kilometres away from the Palace. One can avail public transport from there as well.
Palaces in Rajasthan Known for their beautiful structures, detailed edifices and age-old architecture, the Forts And Palaces in Rajasthan are the very evidence of this land’s rich culture and heritage. Scattered all around the state, these forts and palaces are unique in their history, with every single one more grand than the other. Some of these palaces, like the Umaid Bhawan Palace, amongst others, have also been converted into luxury and heritage resorts and hotels in present times. The famous forts of rajasthan still retain their old glory and exquisite architecture, and transport you back to the bygone eras. One such example is Jaipur’s Amber Fort, which exudes the remnants of the times of the Rajasthani Maharajas. There is also the Chittorgarh Fort, the largest in the country, beautiful and grand, and famous for its glorious past. The palaces in rajasthan, such as Udaipur’s City Palace, which dates back to the 1500s, tell the stories of the kings of the past. Or the Neemrana Palace, which is so grand and royal that it has now been converted into a heritage resort. A visit to these spectacular structures of Rajasthan will definitely be a remarkable experience of a lifetime!