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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
Lallgarh. 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 main
building. 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 have 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
: 240 km. from airport , 4 km. from Railway
Station, 1 km. from the down Town Area.
Accommodation
: Total 30, 4 Singles, 18 Double, 10 Suits -
Baths Attached.
Dining
: Vegetarian food (Indian, Chinese,
Continental).
Facilities:
Air-conditioned, Mini bar and refrigerator,
Telephone, Bar, Coffee Shop, Swimming Pool, Television, EPBAX
Telephones, Laundry, Money Changer, Conference Facilities.
Address
: Laxmi Niwas Palace Lalgarh Complex Bikaner
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