About The Laxmi Niwas Palace

When you build a palace like none other, not just anyone is invited to stay.

Since 1904, only a few have been deemed worthy of a higher order of hospitality – princelings, Europe’s pre-eminent bluebloods, King George V and Queen Mary, a handful of statesmen; a few of the notable architects of history.

The world at large had been shut out of the Laxmi Niwas Palace.

You may now actually go a step further.

Gaze at hand-painted friezes and gold-laden walls. Examine up close the inspiration behind Lutyens’ and Baker’s architectural style. And perhaps reflect on the fact that exclusion does sometimes make a place what it is.

The Laxmi Niwas Palace was commissioned by His Highness Sir Ganga Singh Ji in 1904. The impetus behind it was two-fold – to provide employment to the townspeople and to create a stately residence worthy of the royal house of Bikaner.

His Highness was a man of impeccable taste and supervised the artists, masons and builders personally in their endeavours. Many of the friezes on the palace’s walls, the geometrically perfect symmetry of its outlay, the ornate filigree work and latticed screens may all be attributed to his artistic vision and temperament.

He was also a famous host and his guests, (nearly always royals or dignitaries with packed agendas) tended to overstay, sometimes for months longer than they had originally intended. We hope the grace and charm of His Highness’ former abode and our hospitality will have a similar effect on you.

Enjoy your stay.