Gajner Palace,
an incomparable jewel in the Thar
Desert is built on the embankment
of a lake. Built by H.H. Maharaja
Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner,
this Grand Heritage property is
spread over 6000 acres. Gajner
Palace was used as a hunting
resort by the former Maharajas and
visiting British dignitaries during
the days of the Raj. During the
reign of Maharaja Ganga Singhji,
this palace was used for grand shoots
and lavish entertainment. Christmas
season was often celebrated with
prearranged duck and Imperial Sand
Grouse shoots. Royalty, both, National
and International, Viceroys and
other dignitaries were invited on
this grand occasion.
Gajner Palace
now has a private wildlife sanctuary,
which is home to endangered antelopes
like the chinkara, black buck, neelgai
and other animals. During winter
months, the lake becomes home to
more than a hundred species of migratory
birds, including the Imperial Sand
Grouse.
While at Gajner Palace,
one can see the photographs of the
days of the Raj which have been
meticulously arranged in the corridors.
Each suite has been carefully restored
to its original grandeur; right
from the furniture to the wall paper,
every little detail has been recreated.
During the stay at Gajner
Palace, one should try
a camel, horse or a jeep safari
into the wildlife sanctuary. The
wildlife is plentiful and the best
time for the safari is the early
morning or the evenings when the
wildlife flocks to the lake to drink
water.