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Getting There
Gajner is located 30 km from Bikaner.
Air: Nearest Airport: Jodhpur - 243 km / 5 hrs, connected by daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Rail: Bikaner junction, well connected to Delhi and Mumbai. The Intercity and Jaipur – Bikaner Express trains are the best options to state capital Jaipur.
Road: Bikaner is at the western end of NH 11 that links Agra to Jaipur. Jodhpur is located 250 Kms away.
Things to do
If you're a sports enthusiast, Gajner has plenty for you. Boats are available for hire - book a cruise or just row the boat yourself. Stroll out into the adjoining woods (but only during the day, avoid walking in the woods after sunset because of the surrounding wildlife sanctuary), or trek to Shabnam Mahal, the highest point at Gajner. Take a jeep ride to the wildlife sanctuary. Or go on a camel or horse safari into the desert dunes. There's a three kilometer cycling track. Horse riding is permitted within the palace premises. The billiards room has been restored to its original glory. Though the tennis courts date back to the 1920's, they are well maintained. And if there's enough of you to play cricket, the grounds are large enough!
For the pleasure of visitors, the following can also be organized:
Sand Dune Dinner, with folk performances
Sanctuary Dinner, with a Shikar setting
Top Terrace Dinner, in a romantic setting
Lake Terrace Dinner, on the Imperial Sand Grouse Terrace, with Cultural programmes
Floating Island Dinner, on the Gajner lake
Old Railway station: During the days of the Raj, dignitaries used to arrive at the Palace by special trains. A railway siding, old platform, antique lamp posts and disembarkation point within the palace grounds can be viewed. The railway station is being restored and soon visitors will be able to visit the Palace in the same way as the former Maharajas did. An antique railway coach will be refurbished as a restaurant to add a nostalgic touch to the dining options at Gajner.
Junagarh Fort: This imposing fort was built between 1589 and 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, one of the trusted Rajput generals of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort defied every attack made on it, to stand proud and unconquered, even today. The perimeter wall is nearly a kilometer long, with 37 bastions and two gates. Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) provides the main access. Within, there are a profusion of palaces (37 of them), pavilions and temples.
Sadul Museum: Housed in the Lalgarh Palace, the Sadul museum has a very large collection of old State photographs and personal belongings of the Maharajas dating till the 1940's.
Deshnoke Temple: Away from the city, on the way to Jodhpur, this famous temple is devoted to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple offers a haven to rats, as they are believed to be sacred.
Camel Breeding Farm: This camel-breeding farm is the only one in Asia. Take a camel ride, watch the calves gamboling, participate in an interactive lecture delivered by a traditional camel breeder, or sip a cup of camel milk. The farm is open in the afternoon only.
Devi Kund Sagar: There are many royal chatris (umbrella shaped cenotaphs) at these cremation grounds of the Bika dynasty, situated 32 km from Bikaner. The most imposing one is that of Maharaja Surat Singh, built in white marble, with Bikaneri paintings on the ceiling.
Kolayatji Temple: Located on the way to Jaisalmer, this temple, situated approximately 20 km from Gajner, is dedicated to Kapil Muni. It is the site of a famous annual fair, which is held in the month of Kartik. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this ancient town to bathe in the holy waters of the Kolayat Lake on full moon nights. A cattle auction and camel sports are the major draws of the annual festivity.
Kodamdeshar Temple: This temple, situated on the banks of a picturesque lake 10 km off the highway to Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath. The peculiarity of this temple is that it does not have a roof - many attempts have been made to construct one but none have been successful.
Accommodation
Each suite has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, to recreate the aura of a bygone age. The rooms are fitted with every modern convenience
There are 42 well-appointed rooms open to the travelers. One can experience the true romance of the desert in the comfort of Gajner Palace.
Historic Suite: The 11 Historic Suites at the Hotel Gajner Palace offer large bathroom, original palace furniture, decor, and lake facing suites.
Deluxe Rooms: The 31 deluxe rooms at the Gajner Palace Hotel have large bathroom, original palace furniture, decor, and lake facing room.
Champa Niwas, the recently built section which has a beautiful courtyard with rooms all around it.
Eating
Mirage: The multi cuisine lakeside restaurant, Mirage recreates the grandeur of royal dining, set amidst high ceilings, gold framed mirrors, intricately crafted fireplaces and wood flooring. Mirage is open throughout the day and serves a la carte meals and snacks.
Imperial Sand Grouse: The restaurant at the terrace, is named after the endangered bird, and provides spectacular views of wildlife, migratory birds on the lake and the game sanctuary that stretches on beyond.
If you would like to cook for yourself, there is an open area, which has been developed into a state-of-the-art kitchen that guests can use. Computer controlled storage facilities and a bakery are part of this unit.
Mrigtrishna: The bar is named after the palace sanctuary. Its' magnificent chandeliers and artistically painted ceilings are reminiscent of the British Raj.
Facilities
Boating
Camel, Horse and Jeep Safaris
Television
Laundry
Money Changer
Conference Facilities
Barber shop
Courier service
Front Desk
Free Newspaper
Bar
Banquet
Restaurant
Safe Deposit Box
Luggage Storage
Billiards
Lawn Tennis
Doctor on Call
Travel Desk Service
Dry Cleaning
Baby Sitting
Currency Exchange
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