THE RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (GAJNER) 2025: Day 02 - 02

GAJNER’S GRAND FINALE

PHOTOSHOOT, INNATE TALENT AND LAKEFRONT MELODIES

 

Day two, afternoon, and the excitement was brewing! After enjoying the wildlife safari in the morning and a sumptuous breakfast later, we opted for a leisurely forenoon, exploring the sprawling complex of enchanting Gajner Palace. Those ancient trees? Majestic is an understatement!

Who is enjoying more? The parrots taking a bath or we watching their delight?

And the parrot party at the fountain? Pure avian delight! Plus, moments of peace under a sprawling Peepal tree with a cup of tea – unadulterated bliss!

The serene temple where one could seek blessings from Lord Shiva & Lord Ganesha in peace.

There was a small temple in front of our suite, with two statues, one of Lord Ganesha and the other of Lord Shiva with Shivaling, an ideal place for a peaceful prayer and uninterrupted meditation.

But the real buzz? The group photo was at 4 PM sharp! The dress code was in place. Our organisers had outdone themselves, crafting a royal Rajasthani experience, especially for the women. For the gents, dapper blue jackets. For the ladies? A pink lehenga dream! They had taken the trouble of dispatching the kurta fabric to us in advance, and we all had pre-stitched our kurtis. Opening the lehenga bag in the room, I was astonished to find a pack of safety pins with it to tuck the chunri in place! Talk about attention to detail! If I wore a hat, I would have doffed it for Rashi, who silently organised everything for us in the minutest detail.

The lively members of the group, women in Rajasthani Lehenga and men in their dapper blue jackets

We were required to assemble for the group photo at 4 PM as the light was ideal then. Now, the lehenga was a breeze, but the chunri? That was an altogether different story! Frantic reference to YouTube tutorials was of no use. Time was ticking away! Panic mode was setting in, especially with my Matha Patti refusing to stay in place. But hey, a little improvisation and a dash of determination pushed me to disregard the need for perfection. I was ready for my lehenga debut! And let me tell you, it was exciting! There has to be a first for everything! And for me, at this ripe old age, it was a godsent opportunity to flaunt a lehenga for the first time in my life. Oh! I was thrilled and decided to don dark shades too, “Tashan ke liye” as a true Dilliwali.

After the photo session, we indulged in some tea and snacks on the lawn, but the heat was a bit of a party pooper for the satin lehenga. A quick change later, and we were off to the lakeside for a musical extravaganza!

The rays of the setting sun playing with the still water of the Gajner lake.

The sun was setting over the lake! The breathtaking mix of hues was beyond description. It was impossible to decide which was better, the sunrise over the desert landscape or the shimmering sunset with reflections on the lake.

The musical evening started soon. And what an extravaganza it was! The members of our group, the 75-80-year-old rock stars, took the stage! Some could barely stand, but their voices? Pure gold! What a talent and splendid performance! Were they engineers? Top executives? Or secret Bollywood stars? We were left speechless!

The music flowed non-stop. The frequent applause echoed in the nearby jungle across the lake, and the evening stretched into the wee hours of the morning. It was a night of pure magic, a testament to the incredible spirit and talent of the group. Hats off to these superb individuals!

Gajner Palace was not just a destination; it was a stage for unforgettable memories, a celebration of life, and a reminder that talent knows no age! And remember, life is a song, so sing it loud without hesitation!

Stay tuned for more adventures! We still have a day left from our itinerary of visit to Bikaner as a part of our three-day Rajasthan Rhapsody.

(To continue)

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THE RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (GAJNER) 2025: Day 02 - 01

 SUNRISE SAFARI 

THE WILD SIDE OF GAJNER DISCOVERED

Forget sleeping late in the morning on holidays! If adventure calls, we answer -- especially when it involves a sunrise safari in the heart of the desert of Rajasthan. Our mission was clear, to witness the raw beauty of Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. And let me tell you, it was worth every early-morning yawn!

Picture this. It was 5:45 AM. A quick gulp of chai, and we were off! Casuals on, a hat in place, cameras ready, and a water bottle clutched tight – we were all set for a wildlife rendezvous. 

The gentle hues of dawn, as we approach the Sanctuary

The sun had not risen yet but one could feel its presence in the sky. The  sanctuary spanning over 48 square kilometres was nearby, just across the glistening lake. A not-so-long bumpy ride, and boom! We were in the thick of it, surrounded by the thorny beauty of the Keekar trees.

Glimpses of antelopes as we drive in

Our trusted driver, doubling as our guide, had already prepped us for the main attractions: Neel Gai, partridges, desert cat, Indian fox, maybe some wild boars, and…drumroll…blackbucks! Yes, those blackbucks! The ones with a bit of Bollywood fame and headline-making history!

A monument in the thick of jungle.

And no, there were no big cats like leopards, tigers and lions here. But this could be one of the proposed forests for the re-introduction of Cheetahs in India. 

As the weather had already become warm at the end of March, alas, the migratory birds had returned to their cooler climes. One could only see magnificent peacocks and parrots. 

More antelopes seen (Photo Credit Dr. Nalini Bhargava)

A Black Buck with its big twisted horns (Photo credit Dr. Nalini Bhargava)

A flash of black! We caught a glimpse of those elusive blackbucks, even if they were a tad camera-shy, thanks to a speedy getaway prompted by the car ahead of us. But fear not, we were not short on wildlife sightings! 

The strong bullish Neelgai

Blackbucks galore, Neelgais in their full glory, peacocks strutting their stuff, and the raw, untamed charm of the desert landscape.

And then, a historical gem! We stumbled upon these incredible circular stone structures, the ancient hideouts for royal hunters.

Stone structures for the shooters were located all over

Picture the scene – holes perfectly positioned for aiming, a glimpse into the past where kings and their entourages stalked their prey and often obliged the British rulers by allowing them a hunting experience. It was like stepping into a time capsule!

But the real showstopper? The sunrise. Oh my goodness! The desert skyline, painted in the hues of gold and crimson, was a spectacle that made every sleepy eye sparkle.

The sun has started rising.

Seeing the mesmerising beauty of the sky just before sunrise and the sun rising a little higher with each passing minute.  It was pure magic!

The sun has risen and looks so magnificent

We finally reached a small water body surrounded by lush green trees in the middle of India’s largest desert. It was nothing short of a marvel.

A waterbody to help animals to quench their thirst

The gardener who accompanied the Princess of Jaisalmer at the time of her wedding must have been an expert in growing trees in the desert. What an incredible job was performed by that nameless hero!

All good things must end, so this dream also ended. We were back at the palace, greeted with a breakfast feast – a delightful mix of Rajasthani cuisine and Western delights. It was a perfect ending to a perfect morning.

Wait, wait, it is not the end yet!

The magnificent Banyan Tree

Against the trunk of the Banyan tree

After the sumptuous breakfast, we decided to walk around the property and reached behind the dining hall. And what we found there! A huge Banyan tree with a massive trunk. Must be at least 200 years old!

Motivated by that treat to the eyes, we decided to explore the rest of the property. Every building, every tree had been a moot spectator to the bye-gone era but was silently eloquent as we trod along.

A  broken tree trunk is nurturing new trees

Try to see some images in the tree trunk 

Talking of the Gajner Sanctuary, I feel it is not just a place; it was an adventure waiting to happen. If you are craving a dose of the wild, a dash of history, and a sunrise that will steal your breath away, this is your spot!

Mesmerising open spaces where one could spend hours, meditating or reading a book.

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PS

Here are a few rare pics of Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary shared by Er Swaraj Jain, who was one of the key organisers of this amazing rendezvous to Gajner (Bikaner). My heartfelt thanks to him for sharing these!

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THE RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (GAJNER) 2025: Day 01- 03

SUPER SENIORS SPARKLE AT GAJNER PALACE 

Hold on to your breath, folks! A whirlwind adventure at the magnificent Gajner Palace in Bikaner has just begun. It is only the forenoon of the first day, but so much has already happened. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of magic!

A century old tall trees guarding the natural red stone terraces

We forgot our age, ignored the high temperature of the desert and laughed like teenagers because this trip was about living it up just the way we were six decades ago!

Enjoying the swing, reliving our younger days

Day one had started with the excitement of seeing the newly renovated IGIA T1 airport, early flights, meeting new friends, and the sheer grandeur of the heritage fort. We cruised along the serene Gajner Lake, soaking in the tranquillity, before diving head-on into a royal Rajasthani feast for lunch. (Okay, maybe a little spicy, but who is complaining? Did we not have a sachet of Eno or a tablet of Digene ready in the bag?) The taste buds reigned supreme, and no one thought of the blood sugar levels rising or the anti-cholesterol medicine we were to take.

Having devoured a delicious meal, we felt that a short siesta was in order! A cosy bed in an air-conditioned room after a hearty meal was very inviting. And we sprawled in bed for, I do not know how long.

"Beep... beep... beep!" The phone jolted me awake – the evening party was getting started, and our absence was holding everybody back! Hopping out of bed, we rushed to the Dining Room, the party venue. It was Tambola time! Well.. well! I am not a Tambola pro, but the energy was infectious. We were all hollering and cheering, and those prizes vanished faster than a plate of pakoras! And speaking of snacks, the crunchies and chai were the perfect fuel for our evening escapades.

Then, the magic truly began. We gathered in the palace courtyard under a canopy of ancient trees, twinkling stars in the sky and fairy lights on the ground. 

The lights are ethnic. The charcoal in the bar-be-que is fired. The chefs are ready to cook.

The air crackled with anticipation, and the aroma of charcoal from the barbecue was inviting.

We were ready to be entertained! And wow, how we were entertained! A troupe of Rajasthani folk singers and Kalbelia dancers took the stage, and the atmosphere exploded with vibrant music and mesmerizing moves. 

The musicians are ready to entertain us with Rajasthani folk music.

That Kalbelia dancer? Forget flexibility; was she made of rubber! Bending backwards to pick up a currency note with her mouth? Jaw-dropping!

Oh my God! Is she made of rubber? Bending over backwards like a U-pin is unimaginable. 

Suddenly, many of us were on our feet, dancing like there was no tomorrow! Knee pain? Backaches? Gone! The spirit fuelled the spirit, and we were lost in the “Masti ka Aalam.” We were all young again, swept away by the rhythm and sheer joy of the moment. We, the 10 PM bedroom light switchers, danced till midnight! Midnight! 

Gajner Palace wasn’t just a place; it was an experience. It was laughter, music, dance, and the pure, unadulterated joy of being alive. It was a reminder that age is just a number and that adventure awaits at every turn! One only needs a lively company and a will to have fun.

 

The party is on, the mood is high. Life is not just good: it is excellent.

At Gajner Palace, we had a strong dose of Rajasthani magic in an old-world charm. Memories were being made every moment, and the spirit of celebration never faded!

Use of chimneys of the hurricane lanterns to create the ethnic look. 

Stay tuned for more tales from our super senior adventure in Bikaner! Until then, laugh boisterously and enjoy life with friends.

(To continue)

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THE RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (GAJNER) 2025: Day 01- 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 intricate carvings in red stone weaved their magic everywhere.

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.

The serene Gajner Lake separating the palace from the wild-life sanctuary

 

Stepping into the shimmering waters of Gajner lake from the palace was unimaginable

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.

These stuffed animals on the walls are reminders that the palace was once a Hunting Lodge

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!

A newly wedded bride in all her fineries who had come to the temple to seek divine blessings

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. 

Clad in life jackets, we enjoyed boating in the calm but shimmering waters of Gajner Lake

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 Wild life sanctuary across the lake

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

(To continue)

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THE RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (GAJNER) 2025: Day 01- 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.

We have reached our destination, the Gajner Palace.

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! 

Artistically designed IGIA Domestic Departure Terminal T1D was better than any international airport.

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!

Indigo's Delhi-Bikaner flight was more than half-full with the Motis of MONERECO, Prayagraj (UP)

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. 

This mesmerising view caught our attention as we reached Gajner Palace.

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

The entrance to the Gajner Palace artistically decorated in the royal ethnic way.

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

What a beauty she is, the one who received us at the entrance.

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.

Loved these copper pots with plants!

(To continue...)

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