Gajner Palace, Palace and hotel in Kolayat Tehsil, India
Gajner Palace is a large red sandstone building situated beside Gajner Lake with expansive grounds covering forests and open spaces. The structure blends traditional Indian architecture with British influences and contains 45 rooms organized within four wings, along with a restaurant housed in a former royal ballroom.
The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for the royal family and later served as the summer residence of Sir Ganga Singhji, one of Bikaner's most important rulers in the early 20th century. A railway line connecting the palace to Bikaner opened in 1922 to facilitate visits from distinguished guests including the Prince of Wales and Lord Mountbatten.
The palace takes its name from the nearby lake and reflects the connection between the building and its natural surroundings. Inside, furnishings and artwork from past centuries show how the royal family once lived and entertained guests.
The palace is located approximately 32 kilometers from Bikaner railway station and 260 kilometers from the nearest airport, making arrival and departure straightforward. On-site activities include safaris into the nearby wildlife sanctuary, boat rides on the lake, horse and camel rides, and nature walks through the surrounding landscape.
The old railway station and tracks from 1922 remain partially visible, offering visitors a glimpse of how guests once arrived by train. The grounds are also known for birdwatching, as the nearby lake and wildlife sanctuary host hundreds of bird and animal species that attract nature enthusiasts.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.