|
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
|
