Laxmi Niwas Palace, Heritage palace in Bikaner, India

Laxmi Niwas Palace is a red sandstone building in Bikaner with Indo-Saracenic architecture, decorated with carved pillars, ornate ceilings, marble courtyards, and decorated balconies throughout its rooms. The structure was built as a luxury residence with 42 air-conditioned rooms, and also contains a restaurant, swimming pool, and conference spaces.

Laxmi Niwas Palace was designed by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, and construction began in 1896 on land about 5 miles from Junagarh Fort. The first wing was completed in 1902, and the rest of the complex followed in stages until 1926. It was commissioned by the British-controlled regency for Maharaja Ganga Singh, who named the palace in memory of his father, Maharaj Lal Singh.

Local craftsmen from Bikaner created the intricate stone carvings with traditional Rajasthani patterns that decorate the exterior walls and interior rooms. This handmade work shows the local art tradition that has been passed down through generations.

The complex stands on Dr. Karni Singhji Road, about 5 miles from Junagarh Fort, on land that was empty when construction began in 1896. The Shri Sadul Museum in the west wing opens 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Sunday. The palace is a three-storey building, so expect stairs between floors.

The first wing, Laxmi Niwas, was finished in 1902; the other three wings followed in stages until the complex was completed in 1926. The original budget of 100,000 rupees was abandoned for the finest materials, and the cost of the first wing alone reached 1 million rupees.