Lalgarh Palace Museum, located in Bikaner, is a heritage hotel in the state of Rajasthan. This palace was originally built for Sir Ganga Singh who was the Maharaja of Bikaner. There are various wings present in the palace and one of the wings was dedicated to showcasing the wild animals hunted by Sir Ganga Singh, who was a big fan of hunting. Two wings of the Palace which is also known as the Laxmi Niwas Palace was given as lease and was converted into a Heritage Hotel. The Lalgarh Palace was built according to the Indo-Saracenic Architecture style between the years 1902 – 1926. Therefore people from across the globe come and stay in the Laxmi Niwas palace during festival season.
Bikaner is known for hosting the Camel festival where you get to try Rajasthani food, music and other cultural activities. Laxmi Niwas is also known for hosting various festivals and exhibitions to provide the best exposure to their customers. The hotel and the Lalgarh palace are currently being operated by Princess Rajyashree Kumari, the Daughter of Karni Singh (Maharaja of Bikaner).
The name Lalgarh Palace Museum was named after Maharaja Lall Singh, father of Sir Ganga Singh. Various wings of this palace are being used a museum, library and a hotel which is the Laxmi Niwas. The Lalgarh palace is coated with red sandstone transported directly from the Thar dessert Bikaner Attractions.
History of Lalgarh Palace
The Lalgarh Palace Museum 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 Tour Packages.
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 Museum 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 Museum 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.