About 30–35 km from Bikaner, Gajner Palace sits on the shore of Gajner Lake, surrounded by forests and desert scrub. The red-sandstone palace has long corridors, pavilions and jetties that extend into the water; when the lake is full, the reflections of arches and domes create a very romantic view. Now a heritage hotel, it offers lakeside walks, cycling and bird-watching; in winter the lake attracts a variety of migratory birds, including imperial sandgrouse and waterfowl. The quiet, green setting makes Gajner feel like an oasis retreat far from the bustle of the city.
About this place
History & highlights
Gajner originated as a hunting lodge and summer retreat for the Bikaner royal family, developed during the late 19th and early 20th century, notably under Maharaja Ganga Singh. The palace and lake formed part of a larger private game reserve where the maharaja and his guests hunted boar, deer and birds, in keeping with princely traditions of the time. After independence and the end of royal hunting, the site was eventually converted into the Gajner Palace Hotel, preserving its architectural character while shifting focus to wildlife photography, bird-watching and quiet leisure. Its transformation from shikar camp to eco-leaning heritage resort mirrors wider changes in attitudes to wildlife and royal estates in Rajasthan.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Click “Write a Review” above to share your experience.