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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 |