The Lallgarh Palace- A Heritage Hotel

Construction of Lallgarh Palace began in 1896, a closing masterpiece of the 19th century and herald of the 20th century. Having inherited the throne in 1888, Maharaja Ganga Singh wished to have a resplendent palace to serve as both his residence and legacy.

For this undertaking, the Maharaja asked for the famed British architect and engineer, Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Jacob was renowned for combining Rajasthan's Indo-Saracen architecture with, at the time, modern British engineering. Some of his projects include the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, as well as the Bikaner summer palace on Mount Abu, also commissioned by the Maharaja in 1893.

In 1972, his son and successor, Maharaja Karni Singhji, established the Maharaja Ganga Singhji Trust. Through the trust, he aimed to preserve the palace as heritage properties while also operating them as historic boutique hotels. This is why the Lallgarh Palace Hotel and the Laxmi Niwas Palace share the same grounds.

Today, the hotel is managed by Maharaja Ganga's descendant, Princess Shri Sidhhi Kumari Ji. She is a dedicated supporter of heritage preservation initiatives and has even opened a museum in honor of her mother and grandmother.

The architecture and aesthetics of Lallgarh Palace are credited mainly to Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, who had already won the Maharaja's confidence by designing the wondrous Bikaner House on Mount Abu. An India-born British, he worked as a surveyor and engineer for the British colonial military before being promoted to chief engineer of Jaipur. It was likely at this time that he was able to study in much greater detail the intricacies of Indo-Saracen architecture and engineering.

Using that knowledge, Jacob was able to genuinely express the beauty of Rajasthani architecture when he worked on Lallgarh Palace. He used the signature red sandstone of the Thar Desert as the building's main material. With the help of native craftsmen and artisans, he added details and local conventions such as parapet walls and chhatri pavilions.

Contrasting yet also complementing the traditional exterior elements is the more Western approach to the palace's interiors. Though the details are still mainly in Rajasthani traditional styles, the large indoor spaces are designed for Western functions and conventions such as dedicated game rooms, dens, and lounges. Likewise, the rooms and suites are designed with sharp, angular partitioning and spacing in mind, and features paneling and moulding often found in European houses.

Padam Mahal

Get a taste of royal Rajasthani cuisine at Padam Mahal, the signature multi-cuisine restaurant of The Lallgarh Palace. Each dish is carefully crafted by skilled culinarians and made with fresh local ingredients. Try iconic native dishes like laal maas curry and gatte ki sabzi, a type of dumpling gravy stew. They also serve special Rajasthani Thali Platters, meals served on ornate metal plates, once reserved only for the nobility and the royal family.

Thunderbolt Bar

A refined, cozy corner where guests can enjoy their favorite beverages and try new local flavors. Relax in the lounge-like atmosphere of the palace's bar, socializing and sipping wines or cocktails. Whether you're just unwinding after a day out in the desert, or grabbing a nightcap before sleep, the Thunderbolt Bar will have something for your parched throat.

Reservations are recommended and can be made through the contact number.

With its distinct Indo-Saracen architecture and beautiful gardens, The Lallgarh Palace might just be the magical wedding venue you've been looking for. Give your momentous Happily-ever-after a memorable Indian twist by holding a festive ceremony in Rajasthani style. Once the vows are made, hold the reception feast and party either in the garden, or have it indoors in one of the resplendent banquet halls. To help you with planning and executing the event, the hotel has dedicated staff who will coordinate in every aspect, making sure your important milestone day will be perfect.

Cultural Events and Experiences

The sands of the Thar Desert hide many interesting adventures to try and historic landmarks to discover. Junagarh Fort is the most famous of Bikaner's historic sites, built in the 16th century as the citadel and palace of the royal family. Some of the wings of the fort have since been turned into museums, including one which showcases the armaments used by Bikaner's warriors. There's also Bikaji Ki Tekri, a small fortified settlement recognized as the oldest structure in the city.

For big events such as annual festivals, see if you can catch the Bikaner Camel Festival, the biggest event in the city. You'll see parades and processions of camels wearing intricate costumes, as well as special performances by traditional musicians and singers.

The Lallgarh Palace is a fantastic choice for corporate retreats and functions, providing opportunities not just to hold meetings and seminars, but also a slew of activities that foster bonding and camaraderie. They have meeting and conference halls available for small-scale gatherings, but they can also set up the larger banquet halls or the garden if you're expecting a large number of attendees.

As for guests who would like to celebrate a much more intimate affair, the hotel can prepare private tables or venues to suit what you need. Be sure to reach out to the management and express to them your plans so they can assist you in preparing for the celebration.