Bikaner Hotels – Amalgam Of The Ancient And Modern

By Author: soni sajjan
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Bikaner is the fourth largest city in Rajasthan, located about 330 km to the north-west of Jaipur, the state capital. Bikaner to Delhi is between 450 and 550 km, depending on the route. The city has a 500-year history, making it a popular destination on the tourist circuit. There are various categories of Bikaner hotels, from those without a star rating to the best of heritage hotels.

Laxmi Niwas Palace

Laxmi Niwas Palace is a luxury heritage hotel in the heart of Bikaner. It is a grand red sandstone structure which was originally the residence of the Maharaja. The building encircles a courtyard and has intricate lattice work carved from the skirting right up to the domes. Laxmi Niwas Palace offers 42 spacious rooms with modern comforts, decorated with ancient stone work and period furniture and décor.

Other facilities offered by the hotel are

● Conference hall – the green-and-gold themed hall was once the Maharaja’s private audience hall
● Recreation – the central courtyard hosts programs of folk music and dance, ghazal concerts or qawwali performances
● Trekking ...
... – treks through the virgin sand dunes and nearby villages
● Sports – badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, billiards, croquet, swimming, etc.
● Outdoor dinner – 10 km from the palace a theme village has been set up; dinner is served here among the sand dunes, accompanied by performances of dance and folk music troupes.

The palace has played host to many Indian and foreign celebrities: Prince and Princess of Wales, the King of Greece, the Prime Minister of France, many other statesmen and Maharajas; Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Madan Mohan Malviya, Dr. Sarojini Naidu and many other notable Indians.

Basant Vihar Palace

Basant Vihar Palace is another heritage hotel, just 3 km from the city centre. The hotel was originally constructed to serve as a pleasure garden and later a hunting lodge. It was converted to a heritage hotel in 1993. The hotel offers 31 centrally air-conditioned rooms, of which 24 are Royal Deluxe rooms and 7 Suites. The hotel has been refurbished to incorporate modern comforts, but care has been taken to keep its original character intact. Well laid out gardens and ponds surround the hotel.

Other facilities and activities offered are

● Multi-cuisine restaurant serving Chinese, Continental, Mughlai and local delicacies
● Tea/coffee maker, LCD TV with satellite channels in every room
● A well-equipped gymnasium
● An efficient business centre
● Travel assistance, money exchange and laundry services
● Round-the-clock room service

Basant Vihar Palace is a reasonably priced heritage hotel at a convenient location. It is popular with both Indian and foreign tourists.