Located in
Bikaner, Lalgarh Palace is sheer poetry in red sandstone. It was construted in 1902 by maharaja Ganga Singh. The palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob (a Britisher) in the memory of Maharaja Lal Singh.
Built with European and Oriental architecture, it is the most perfect example of a Rajput palace. This sandstone edifice has many separate wings, one of which is occupied by members of the royal family while another wing forms a museum.
The terraced lawns and the Bougainvillea bushes make the palace much colorful to the eyes. The palace also has beautiful latticework and filigree work, which exhibit the refinements and delicacy of craftsmanship.
The museum, which is housed in the Ganga Niwas, displays a unique collection of miniature paintings, manuscripts, weaponry and even a World War-I bi-plane. It also keeps well preserved hunting trophies and old photographs. The library of the palace has the large collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques.
This royal palace is now partly converted into a hotel. The hotel assures a cozy stay in 38 well furnished rooms with telephone, doctor on call, money exchange, credit card and conference facilities.
Lalgarh Palace is about 3 km from Bikaner Junction Railway Station and 2 km from downtown area. The nearest airport is at Jodhpur.
