One of the most impressive palaces constructed during the last half of the nineteenth century, the Lallgarh Place defies the bleak and rugged reality of the harsh Thar Desert around Bikaner.
The renowned architect, Sir Swinton Jacob, was commissioned for the proposed residence of the young ruler, Maharaja Ganga Singh. Initially, the palace was proposed to be finished within a lakh of rupees and further reductions in cost were suggested to be made by substituting stucco for carved stone.
But the moment Maharaja Ganga Singh got personally involved in the building exercise, all cost cutting was banished. The Palace began in 1896 and by the time the first quadrant, Laxmi Niwas was completed in 1902, cost had already zoomed to ten lakh rupees. The idea of using cheap stucco was replaced with the finest and most intricate stone carving of all the modern palaces in India. The princely abode welcomed Lord Curzon as its first important guest. Maharaja Ganga Singh named his new residence in honour of his father, Maharaja Lall Singh.Lallgarh Palace was the most completely integrated example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and as some hold, the most perfectly realized of Sir Samuel Jacob’s creations. The sheer poetry in sandstone was further extended for the Maharaja’s son, Sadul Singh, and grandson, Karni Singh.
The Lallgarh palace is an imposing red- sand stone palace and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lall Singhj in 1902 A.D. This oriental fantasy designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely a hybrid architecture and mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles and can be categorized as Indo- Saracenic style. The Rajput exterior of Lallgarh Palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental décor within. The intricately dexterous carving on red stone is hall mark of great local craftsman.
It is unmatched jewel in the Thar Desert and has played host to a number of dignitaries from all over the world. The lush green sprawling lawns with dancing peacocks and beautiful bougainvilleas adorn the palace.Open corridors run the length of the halls and rooms and are lined with a rare collection of old prints and vintage copies of etchings. The covered corridors that link rooms are mounted with hunting Trophies.
The Lallgarh palace Hotel has 56 well-appointed historical, Superior and Standard rooms equipped with Mini Bar & CCTV. A luxury palace hotel standing tall with its rich heritage, picturesque created to celebrate your stay royally.
Facilities: Station transfer, astrologer, business centre, currency exchange, Internet, doctor on call, laundry service, safety, dinner on sand dunes, open air dinning with bonfire, credit cards, billiard room, tennis court, croquet, ayurvedic massage, evening entertainment, badminton court, mini gym, masseur.
Attractions: Sri Sadul Museum, Fort Bikaner, Gajner Palace, Laxmi Nathji temple, Jain temples Karni Mata (Rat temple)
Owner: Maharaja Ganga Singhji Trust