Gajner Palace (Bikaner)- 2025: Day 01- Part 02

GAJNER PALACE:A ROYAL REVELATION &

THE SERENE WHISPERS OF THE LAKE

With some time to spare before our aquatic escapade, we decided to explore the history of Gajner Palace, courtesy of Google’s treasure trove.

It turned out that this royal retreat initially began as a Honeymoon story! Maharaja Gaj Singh, returning from Jaisalmer after his wedding, had a halt here. His newly wedded bride requested him to make this area a pleasure garden for her. And thus, Gajner was born, complete with a lake to nourish its lush beauty. From Gajsinghpura to Gajner, the village and palace evolved, weathering destruction and rebirth, thanks to the vision of rulers like Maharaja Sardar Singh, Dungar Singh, and Ganga Singh.

The lake that had parched during the devastating famine of circa 1899 was resurrected by Maharaja Ganga Singh, who deepened and widened it, ensuring its resilience. The visionary Maharaja Ganga Singh envisaged it as a hunting haven on the serene Gajner Lake. He engaged the services of Samuel Swinton Jacob, a British architect to reimagine it, and John Roberts and Company of Bombay to furnish it.

 

Gajner Palace, a red sandstone masterpiece sprawls across a breathtaking 6,000 acres with four regal wings – Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas, and Champa Niwas. Nestled amidst a thick forest of ancient Keekar trees, every stone and every tree in the palace whispers tales of the bygone era.

Though initially intended as a hunting lodge, the vegetarian Maharaja Karni Singh turned a new leaf after ushering in an era of peace for the wildlife in the palace and banned hunting there.

Speaking of wildlife, the ancient trees, silent witnesses to centuries of history, provide sanctuary to a symphony of birds. Parrots, taking their morning dip in the fountain, and peacocks, dancing like royalty, added a touch of magic to the scene.

And then, the lake beckoned! We quickly donned life jackets (safety first, even on a scorching day!) before we headed towards the boat waiting for us. But stop! A vision of the radiant newlyweds, clad in traditional Rajasthani finery, caught our attention, and we stopped in our tracks. A photo op with the new bride was irresistible!

Finally, aboard the solar-powered boat, we glided across the tranquil waters. On one side, the majestic palace stood in all its glory; on the other, a sprawling forest whispered secrets. 

Serenity reigned, a peaceful interlude before our promised evening of fun and games. But the oppressive heat and our rumbling stomachs had other plans. Breakfast, a distant memory, urged us towards the dining room. A Rajasthani feast awaited, complete with the legendary gatta sabzi and a tempting array of sweets, too irresistible to resist, even for the most disciplined among us.

Satiated and content, we retreated to our rooms for a well-deserved siesta, a two-hour recharge for the grand evening ahead.

The majestic palace, the serene lake, and the promise of wildlife – Gajner was weaving its enchanting spell.

(To continue)

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Gajner Palace (Bikaner)- 2025: Day 01- Part 01

AN UNEXPECTED BIKANER BLISS! 

A ROYAL RENDEZVOUS AT GAJNER PALACE  

( Day 01/01)

Bikaner, a jewel in the middle of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, was not even on our radar screen. Then, BAM! An invitation landed in our laps, courtesy of hubby's best buddy, a proud alumnus of Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College (MONERECO), Allahabad now globally known as MNNIT, Prayagraj. The mission? A reunion of the legendary 1968 batch at the regal Gajner Palace, a lakeside complex adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary in Bikaner.

Eighty-something-year-old gentlemen, their equally fabulous wives, and us – the unexpected guests. Initially, we hesitated, but the sheer magnetic pull of the place and the envisaged company of super-senior citizens like us was irresistible. The camaraderie? Electric. The energy? Infectious. We were hooked! Little did we know this was about to become a once-in-a-lifetime escapade for us. 

The journey itself was a mini-drama. I, a sucker for scenic train rides, envisioned Rajasthan's landscape unfolding like a vibrant tapestry outside my window. But the "Motis" (as they affectionately called themselves) had a different plan: maximum palace time! And then, a miracle! Indigo Airlines swooped in, offering a direct flight to Bikaner. Talk about serendipity! 

Our adventure began at Delhi's IGIA Terminal T1D, a revelation! Forget those soulless international terminals; this was a masterpiece. Artistically designed, sparkling clean, and buzzing with efficiency – my chest swelled with pride. 

Bravo Delhi! You have outdone yourself!

Meeting the Motis was like stepping into a warm embrace. There were no awkward introductions, just instant connection. Laughter, shared stories, and the palpable joy of old friends reunited filled the air. The aircraft, filled with these vibrant souls, whisked us away in a blink.

Bikaner airport welcomed us with a gleaming, air-conditioned bus. The Motis, a charmingly diverse group, some with tales of knee surgeries and backaches, some using sticks and some even on wheelchairs boarded with a mix of humour and mutual support. A wooden stool ensured everyone climbed aboard with grace. 

Our destination, the legendary Gajner Palace, a heritage haven and a truly royal property, was beckoning us. 

The grand entrance, guarded like a royal secret, opened to a scene of breathtaking beauty. 

A vision in traditional attire, a young girl greeted us with strings of beads, her smile as radiant as the desert sun.

Forget check-in lines! The organisers, the meticulous Motis had already worked their magic, assigning rooms based on friendships and proximity. Their planning prowess would put any event management company to shame!

Meanwhile, the train-loving Motis, arriving from all corners of India, gathered at the sister property, Karni Bhawan Palace at Bikaner. They will soon join us at Gajner Palace.

The daily schedule has already been chalked out. There is the call of the lake! Boating at 12:30 pm. The next chapter of our royal rendezvous is about to begin.

Stay tuned for tales of shimmering waters and sun-kissed adventures.

(To continue...)

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