Credit : Shivraj Singh
About Lalgarh Palace
Lalgarh Palace, one of the few palaces commissioned by the British, is a royal palace that is situated in the Bikaner town of Rajasthan. The architecture marvel is a classical example of Mughal, European, and Indian architecture. It was constructed between 1902 and 1926 CE by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh. The palace is easily accessible and is located 5 km from the Bikaner Fort and 4 km from the Bikaner Junction Railway Station.
History and Architecture
The residence of the royal family of Bikaner, Lalgarh Complex, is a three-story complex constructed using red sandstone from the Thar desert. Beautiful, poetic, overhanging balconies are the main attraction of the palace. Karni Niwas House has a darbar and an art deco indoor swimming pool. Exquisitive latticework, filigree work , elaborate fireplaces, and Italian colonnades further enhanced the grandeur of the Lalgarh palace. Retaining the influence of British architecture is still visible in the form of large and airy rooms. In 1983, the Welcome Group took over the management of the Palace.
It has now been converted into a heritage hotel, offering visitors a luxurious stay with its well-appointed rooms. Reminiscent of the palace’s regal past, starting at the Lalgarh palace, one can experience the rich history and heritage of Rajasthan while enjoying modern amenities and warm hospitality.
The place complex is divided into parts, with one part of the palace reserved as the residence of the royal family of Bikaner. In the other parts, there is a captivating garden with vibrant bougainvillea and dancing peacocks. The west part of the Lalagarh Palace houses the Sri Sagul Sadul Singh Museum, which is the fourth largest library in the world. Apart from this , there are railway coaches that were once used by Maharaja and their family members. Georgian paintings, photographs, and hunting trophies are an extensive collection of museum items that are dedicated to the successive kings of Bikaner, including Sadul Singh, Maharaja Ganga Singh, and Karni Singh. It offers a comprehensive overview of the lives and historic deeds of the Bikaner kings.
Sri Sadul Singh Museum: A Glimpse into History
The west wing of the Lalgarh Palace houses the Sri Sadul Singh Museum, which also boasts the fourth largest private library in the world. As you enter the museum, you are greeted by a railway coach (meter gauge) that was once used by the Maharaja and their family members. The art museum is dedicated to the successive kings of Bikaner, including Maharaja Ganga Singh, Sadul Singh, and Karni Singh. The museum’s extensive collection includes Georgian paintings, artifacts, photographs, and hunting trophies, offering a comprehensive overview of the lives and heroic deeds of the Bikaner kings.
Museum Timings and Entry Fee
– Museum Timings: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
– Closed on Sundays
– Museum Entry Fee: Rs. 25 per person