RAJASTHAN RHAPSODY (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.

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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