Gajner Palace, Bikaner.

Gajner Palace in Bikaner was our second destination after experiencing the havelis in Mandawa, Shekhawati.

As we entered the palace premises, we knew we were in for a royal experience:-)

Gajner Palace was built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji, the dynamic ruler of Bikaner. The architecture is a unique blend of traditional Rajput sandstone carvings on the exterior and the interiors styled in a typical late 19th century European country houses.

Beautiful traditional metal pots lining the steps leading to the reception.

Gajner Palace is constructed along the embankment of a lake. The Palace grounds are a private wildlife sanctuary.

It was so beautiful to sit along the side of the lake and watch many migratory water birds:-)

The huge central courtyard with lush green trees.

Floating flowers always have my full attention:-)

...and the attention of the parrots too:-) What a lovely sight it was!

Gajner Palace used to be a hunting resort used by former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj.

The view of the lake from our room.

Stunning floor tiles in the corridor leading to the colonial-style rooms.

Another view of stunning architecture.

The dusk at the palace was breath-taking.

We were in for more surprises when the central courtyard was lit with a huge bonfire and Rajasthani folk singers singing the songs of the desert. What a beautiful winter night it was!

The Gajner Palace is now part of HRH Group of Hotels, who have restored the palace as well as the surroundings and is today one of the most beautiful heritage hotels in Bikaner, Rajathan.

(images by Arch)

the ants~ crafting traditions

the ants store in Bangalore is part of the ant ~the action northeast trust.

A voluntary organization based in Assam, that has merged traditional designs with modern sensibilities through its Aagor cottons and Endy silk products for many years.

Taking the success story forward, the ant has now launched a new initiative of bringing positive stories from Northeast and similar forgotten communities.

I was so glad I went to this beautiful store, lucky me I had my trusty point & shoot camera in my handbag and one of the store owners Pradeep Krishnappa was kind enough to allow me to shoot:-) The other owner being Smita Murthy. Together they have created an amazing store. So here are some beautiful handcrafted products from the ants store.

The store displays some stunning woven textiles by the Bodo community as well as Naga women.

Black pottery from Nagaland is so beautifully displayed all over the store.

Drool-worthy handcrafted jewellery!

They have a lovely range of kurtas, skirts, tops, stoles and belts.

Details of the woven fabrics.

The lovely, shiny, black pottery:-) Take your pick!

Hi there~ A Selfie of sorts;-)

Textile bound notebooks.

Loads of wooven Kauna Reed baskets from Manipur.

Home furnishings made out of the woven fabrics.

Hope you enjoyed the store tour:-) Do visit it if you are in Bangalore.

The store is located at

2023/b, 1st Cross, 14th A Main

HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar

Bangalore-38

Tel: 080-41715639

email: bangstore@theant.org

(images by Arch)

Finally...

Priya Sebastian's 'After a shampoo' charcoal self-portrait adorns one of the orange walls at home!

You can see more of her amazing work here, her beautiful home here and visit her at 'The Plum Tree'