Gajner Palace in Rajasthan, is set in a sprawling forest outside Bikaner. It stands imposingly like a jewel in the Thar Desert on the shore of the Gajner Lake. The oasis was one of the former palaces of the Maharajas of Bikaner and was frequented by royalty and dignitaries. Built of intricately carved red sandstone with traditional ‘jharokhas’ or protruding balconies, it is now a heritage hotel, run by the royal family of Udaipur.
The Gajner Palace has 45 rooms and suites. The 13 historic suites are in Dungar Niwas where British dignitaries stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace. Each suite has been fitted with modern conveniences and meticulously restored to its original grandeur. The palace-hotel also offers 32 deluxe rooms in Gulab Niwas and Champa Niwas that were once used by glamorous railway officers in former times.
The Gajner is a wonderful country palace whose surrounding grounds are definitely worth exploring. The hotel runs a boat ride for bird watchers early in the morning and a jeep or camel safari during the day to enjoy natural beauty of the Gajner sanctuary. Bikes and rowing boats are available for a small charge. The Panghat Spa by Tattva, offers massage treatments with authentic oil blends, natural herbs & spices.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaTennis CourtWi-Fi AvailableStay The Gajner Palace has 45 rooms and suites. Deluxe Rooms are located on the ground floors with panoramic view of lake and lush forest. The spacious Historic Suites are located on the 1st and 2nd floors with panoramic view of lake and lush forest. All rooms are thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences and feature 1 King size or 2 Queen Beds with a four-fixture bathroom. Being a heritage property, each room is different in size and design.
ChildCare Childre and welcome to stay at the Gajner Palace. There are wide open spaces for children to run around but there are no specific facilities available. However, babysitting can be arranged, on request.
Dine Dining options in The Gajner Palace include the Mirage Restaurant, once the ballroom for the Maharaja and his guests, now serves delightful Indian, Mughlai and Continental cuisine with tribal dancers entertaining guests on the terrace overlooking the lake. The Mrigtrishna Bar is housed in Dungar Niwas, where British dignitaries once stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace. Here, in its old glory, unwind with a glass of sherry as a cool breeze blows across the Gajner Lake.
Relax Activities in The Gajner Palace include a boat ride for bird watchers and a jeep or camel safari to enjoy natural beauty of the Gajner sanctuary. The Panghat Spa by Tattva, offers massage treatments with authentic oil blends, natural herbs & spices. There is a billiards room and Table tennis. Hotel can arrange pleasant nature-walks, boat rides on the lake, sanctuary dinners and desert safaris. Bikes and rowing boats are available for a small charge.
Experience Gajner Palace is located within the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, once used as a hunting ground by the Maharaja of Bikaner. Those taking wildlife safari in the park may see black bucks, antelopes, nilgais and chinkaras. Cheetah has been recently re-introduced in the area. Bird watchers will see Waterfowls, Demoiselle Cranes, Indian Houbara Bustards and many more. There is a beautiful lake that forms a good vantage point to see the animals coming to quench their thirst.
Location Gajner Palace stands on the shore of the Gajner Lake in a sprawling forest outside Bikaner. Located near Gajner wildlife sanctuary, this red sandstone edifice, once a former getaway resort for guests during the British Raj, is now one of the finest heritage hotels.
Getting There Most major airlines fly to India’s main airports. Delhi is the best point of arrival for Rajasthan and north India. Bikaner is generally covered on a tourist circuit from Jaipur, Ajmer or Jodhpur. Gajner Palace is 45 mins drive southwest of Bikaner.
When to go The best time to travel to India is between September and March. Summer starts in April and by June, it becomes very hot. By July there is the south-west monsoon, which brings heavy rains to the west coast. Although the word "monsoon" often brings to mind images of torrential floods and landslides, the monsoon season is not a bad time to travel to India. In most places, the downpour tends to come and go quickly, especially in Rajasthan.
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