Hotel Basant Vihar Palace

Basant Vihar Palace, built around the late 1800s, was one of the many projects done by Maharaja Ganga Singhji during his rule. In contrast to Lallgarh Palace, which served as the Maharaja's residence, Basant Vihar Palace was meant to be a grand leisure garden for festivities and celebrations.

Today, the hotel is owned and managed by the Bikaji Group Pvt Ltd, which is part of the Rao Bikaji Group. They operate other heritage and cultural properties in Bikaner, including Laxmi Niwas Palace and the Rao Bikaji Camel Safari.

Like many projects in Bikaner initiated by Maharaja Ganga Singhji, Basant Vihar Palace's design also showcases the beauty of Rajasthani architecture. Signatures of Indo-Saracen and Mughal architecture can be found all over, such as the jarokha arches on portals and windows, and terraces fenced with parapet walls. There's also a tiled courtyard area where the Maharaja would have held his court, and now functions as an event venue.

For its indoor spaces and accommodations, the palace hotel blends modern and traditional elements to create a lavish atmosphere. Suites are fitted with antique or vintage-style furniture, and decorated with local artworks and crafts. Some sections make use of Art Deco wall patterns using Indian cultural elements such as elephants, which results in a ritzy period vibe.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Known as India's Camel City, Bikaner has a wealth of camel-related attractions and activities you shouldn't miss out on. First off is the Rao Bikaji Camel Safari, operated by the same company that owns Hotel Basant Vihar Palace, which means you can easily make arrangements via the hotel's concierge. The safari offers an up-close experience to interact not just with Bikaner's camels, but also the natives who rely on these creatures for their industries and livelihoods.

Another way to learn more about camels is to visit the National Research Centre on Camel, a scientific institute with a dedicated museum and camel farm petting zoo area. Lastly, there's the yearly Bikaner Camel Festival, a grand city-wide celebration of their animal icon, where parades of processions of camels take place. There are also live performances and other cultural delights, including stalls selling all sorts of street foods to try.

Aside from camels, Bikaner also has many historic spots, particularly old palaces and forts. Junagarh Fort is the most famous in the city - a 16th-century bastion that also served as the residential palace for the Maharajas. It's also home to several museums displaying the various treasures and artifacts of Bikaner's royal family and its people.

Other Events and Celebrations

For guests planning an intimate evening, you may arrange for a private table at one of the hotel's restaurants. Coordinate with the management so they can tailor some aspects of the private dinner to your needs and vision.

Companies on an official retreat or gathering can also book the venues offered by the hotel. These spaces can be prepared and set up for your events, be it a friendly team-building seminar, or a special conference with esteemed guests.