Sunday, March 21, 2010

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)

29 comments:

Maneesha said...

how lovely, Archana! :-)

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful palace. i shall try and visit it. thanks for sharing this with us.

Chandan said...

Looks like a lovely property Arch. Have enjoyed all your posts from Rajasthan immensely. More to come?

Prathima said...

I totally agree with you on the experience of listening to Rajasthani folk singers there on a winter night. I had been there too in December and must say it was an enchanting experience.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures! Especially loved the parrots and the lantern pictures.

Shalini said...

Looks like a really fantastic place to stay. Loved the central courtyard. And was that Mallika sitting in the window sill at the end of the hallway?

Priya said...

Beautiful place.. lovely lovely pics!
Loved the sight of the birds around the flowers in the water.. and the dusk :)

Archana Srinivas Pottery said...

Thanks all:-)

Chandan~ Maybe one last one:-)

Shalini~ Yes. That was her. The little Miss Busy bee:-)

Anonymous said...

Wow, beautiful, better than a travel guide! I would love to visit. I found your blog and added it right away to my blogroll.
Have a nice day,
Anna @ Around My Table

Asha said...

absolutely colorful. Liked the lighting of the last 3 photos and one with the parrots too.

Patty said...

India has some crazy amazing architecture, I'd love to go someday, thanks for posting!

Divya said...

Beautiful Arch! Just checked out your home on another blog - so beautiful!! I love the way you have done up your home so traditionally! I love the "thottil" which you have converted into a center table and of course the tall "vilakku"!

Not sure if you are the same Arch who commented on my home featured on artnlight.
http://artnlight.blogspot.com/2010/03/divya-ganeshs-home-in-ranchi.html


-Divya

soraya nulliah said...

I absolutely love this store-everything from the textiles, jewellery, fabrics...stunning!

Vijiskitchencreations said...

beautiful blog and beautiful palace.

pls visit
www.vijiscreaation.blogspot.com

Rosie said...

Achana, I stayed in the River Palace in Gondal. Gajner Palace reminds me of the Prince.

Fana Syeda said...

The architecture is intrinsic and detail oriented...feels nice to see such beautiful architecture again..

Sum said...

Lovely!

Priya said...

Very beautiful Arch. The parrot shot is unbelievable.

Gypsy Purple said...

Stunning images!!!

Tiina said...

fabulous floor tiles!
have a sweet day :)
tiina
www.elcestockholm.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

beautiful pictures specially parrots really its place where love to go everybody

Charan Sachar said...

Stunning pictures and a great blog capturing Indian home decor.

Gypsy Purple said...

I had a lot to catch up here...fabulous posts!!!

Liquid Rubber Videos said...

I love this place. I really love these kind of places.

Dianna said...

Beautiful Palace, I love the courtyard. What a wonderful place to visit.

Unknown said...

I havent been here for a while but have not forgotten how beautiful it is here. Happy day to you :)

The Green heart! said...

Dear Archana,
Happened to visit your blog after visiting My Sunny balcony website. Ever since, i keep visiting, re visiting, reading, re-reading.. your blog is simply great. The coours, the simple ideas, your passion for small things.. everything is inspiring. I started collecting small artefacts and paintings sometime back. But post marriage i relocated to Dubai & am away from all those things i loved. You have inspired me once again to add colour in whatever ways. Very shortly we are moving to anothe apt with big balconies and i look frward to tips and suggestions frm ur blog to doing it up.
Pls tell me, when is chitra santhe happening next year? if not able to participate, i will ask my brother to visit on my behalf and help me in getting one of those paintings!

p90x said...

Wow! Those are some incredible pictures

Vasudha said...

You can take beautiful pictures :) I live in America, but these pictures make me crave to go back to our homeland. Des rangila :)