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The Gajner Palace Hotel - Gajner, Near Bikaner
Gajner, Tehsil Kolayat, Bikaner - 334301, Rajasthan
Gajner Palace is a jewel in the Thar Desert, built by HH Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the edge of a lake. The property was converted into a heritage hotel in 1976.
The hotel's compound stretches over 6000 acres. The palace was primarily a hunting resort during the days of the British Raj and attracted several dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales in 1905, Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Erwin in 1927 and Lord Mountbatten when he was Viceroy of India. The Imperial Sand Grouse shoots at Gajner Palace during the Christmas season was the most sought after invitation in the indian social calendar.
ACCOMMODATION: The hotel's 13 historic suites are in Dungar Niwas where British dignitaries stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace. Each suite has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur. Every detail, from the furniture to the wallpaper, the four-poster beds and picturesque windows has been carefully recreated exuding an aura of a bygone age. All rooms have been thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences.
The palace-hotel also offers 32 deluxe rooms in Gulab Niwas (used by glamorous railway officers in former times), Champa Niwas (the recently built section, with a beautiful courtyard surrounded by rooms) and Mandir Chowk (part of the reception area for dignitaries arriving by train and dominated by the presence of an ancient temple and age-old Banyan trees).
DINING:
The Mirage Restaurant: Once the ballroom for the Maharaja and his guests, today it serves delightful Indian, Mughlai and Continental cuisine to 21st century visitors. The Imperial Terrace, an extension to the Mirage, overlooking the lake and sanctuary, is where folk and tribal dancers regale guests through the evening.
Mrigtrishna Bar: Continuing with the theme of the desert, Mrigtrishna bar evokes similar emotions of gentility and elegant opulence as that of Mirage Restaurant. Not surprisingly then, Mrigtrishna translates to ‘mirage’ in English. Dungar Niwas, where British dignitaries once stayed during their leisure trips to the Palace, houses the Mrigtrishna. Unwind with a glass of sherry as a cool breeze blows across the Gajner Lake.
Imperial Terrace: The Imperial Terrace overlooks the Gajner Lake and sanctuary. It can accommodate up to 100 guests for formal banquets; upto 200 guests for casual functions.
FACILITIES: Billiards, nature walks, cycling, horse riding, camel and jeep safari into sanctuary; solar boat charters and boating at Gajner Lake, library, puppet show and folk dances; same day laundry and dry-cleaning; travel and tour guides; travel desk; money exchange available 24-hours; safety lockers; facsimile and internet; doctor on call; railway station transfers and cars/ limousines on hire.
CONFERENCE: The Grand Heritage Palace of HRH Group, Gajner Palace, offers options for banquets, special dinners and corporate events at innumerable venues. Facilities include Boardroom for 12 and Conference room for 120. Venues for banquets and weddings include Dungar Niwas courtyard, Mirage restaurant terrace, Manoranjan amphitheatre, Shabnam Mahal, Dungar Niwas terrace, Gajner Rail restaurant*; special dinners at sand dunes, sanctuary and Sugansagar Paal.
As many as 1000 guests can attend casual buffet style functions and upto 150 guests for sit-down banquets. |
