Bikaner was established in 1472 by Rao Bikaji. Prior to the arrival of the Rao, the area was a barren wilderness and was called Jangladesh. This area was under the rule of the Jats. Bikaji was the second son of Maharaja Rao Jodha of Jodhpur who belonged to the Rathor clan and who had settled the city of Jodhpur. As he was the second son, he did not have the right to claim the throne and so he decided to establish his own independent kingdom.
Rao Bikaji conquered large tracts of land in the northern region of Rajasthan and set up his rule here. Though this area is an arid region of the Thar Desert, yet it was considered an oasis on the trade route between Central Asia and Gujarat since it had many spring water resources. Thus the kingdom as well as the capital city gained recognition as Bikaner i.e. the Settlement of Bika.
In the present times, the city has spread over a large area which is an interesting mixture of traditional Rajasthani attractions as well as camel farm apart from the numerous palaces and museums.
Bikaner has many palaces which have been built over the centuries and which reflect the strong architectural and artistic thought of its rulers. Some of these palaces are built on Indo Saracenic style. These monuments also have a strong influence of the Mughal architecture due to its suzerainty over this kingdom. All these palaces are now open to the public and are maintained by the state. One of the most beautiful structures in the city is the Lalgarh Palace.
Lalgarh Palace: This beauty in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace was built in between 1902 1926. It is a fine blend of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. It was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob.
The palace has now been partly converted in to a heritage hotel .The royal family of Bikaner still resides in the building and has one part for themselves.
The palace has a beautiful façade and features numerous over hanging balconies and lattice work. The intricate lattice work and filigree are the main attractions of the structure. The palace also features terraced lawns complete with bougainvillea and wandering peacocks.
The building also features magnificent pillars, elaborate fireplaces, Italian colonnades and motifs of lotus in full bloom which adds up to the magic of this place. The walls of the palace takes you back in the past with the vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits being displayed on them.
Lalgarh Palace has its own library (4th largest in the world) and a museum too which has a large collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts and the Anup Sanskrit library. The palace also has clay pigeon trap and skeet shooting trap facilities at the nearby ranges.
Accommodation at Lalgarh Palace: This Bikaner heritage hotel provides for a luxurious accommodation in the midst of a traditional setting. The rooms have retained much of their traditional glory which is marked by the exquisite period furniture, chandeliers and latticework which has been perfectly incorporated with the modern fittings. Some of the rooms also have the traditional Rajasthani paintings and hunting trophies adorning their walls.
Cuisine Served: The hotel serves the traditional Rajasthani cuisine along with the Continental and Chinese delicacies. There is also a well stocked bar on the hotel premise for the guests.
Other Recreational Facilities: The hotel also offers some of the most attractive and interesting recreational facilities like folk music and dance and cultural programmes on demand. Camel safaris are one of the most enjoyable activities in the city.
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