Gajner Palace and Sanctuary, located in Rajasthan, is one of the grandest palaces of Bikaner and has been admired as `an incomparable jewel in the Thar Desert`, situated near a beautiful lake. The regional artisans and craftsmen who had been entrusted the responsibility of manufacturing the palace excelled at their task, since the screens, carved pillars, `windows or `jharokhas` of the palace is truly outstanding. Red sandstone has been utilized to create this marvelous and renowned Indian palace. Magnificent features of Rajputana architecture can be observed in the palace which was erected by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner during the 20th century. However, presently, a portion of the Gajner Palace has been converted into a hotel. The palace is existent in Gajner village. One will be welcome to the palace by the lush greenery and the pleasant chirping of birds and peacocks.
Gajner Palace occupies an area measuring 6000 acres and is based about 30 minutes drive from Bikaner city. The impressive palace grounds were employed by the former kings and British dignitaries as a hunting resort, during the era of the British Raj in the country. Various forms of entertainment were practiced at the palace grounds, as well as shoots during the regime of Maharaja Ganga Singh. The Rajasthani royalty and members of the British officials used the palace for celebrating Christmas with pomp, along with lavish arrangements of duck and shoots of sand grouse. At such special events, national and international leaders and rulers, Viceroys and several other significant dignitaries were invited. Tourists will be able to relish the royal grandeur which was once prevalent in the palace, brought alive through some of the photographs of the olden days of the British Raj, which have been carefully placed along the corridors of the palace.
Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
A private wildlife sanctuary named Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is present overlooking Gajner Palace. The sanctuary is a natural habitat for animals like Indian hares, wild boar, chinkaras, desert foxes, deer, antelopes, blackbucks, blue bull or `neelgai` and in winter imperial sand grouse, waterfowls and a wide variety of migratory birds settle here, particularly in the lake. The region is flanked by spectacular hills and a lake, situated about 32 kms away from Bikaner. It is said the sanctuary was once a popular hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bikaner. The ideal time to pay a visit to the Gajner Palace and Sanctuary is between September till March.
