Location | Bikaner

History & Legacy

The palace was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (while still a minor, by the British-controlled regency) and constructed between 1902 to 1926 AD. The palace was built and named in the memory of Maharaja Lal Singh, the father of Maharaja Ganga Singh. Lalgarh Palace was constructed as the existing Junagarh Fort was deemed “unsuitable for a modern monarch.” The palace has hosted numerous dignitaries, including Georges Clemenceau, Queen Mary, King George V, Lord Curzon, Lord Harding, and Lord Irwin. Parts of the complex are owned and run by the royal family’s trust, and other wings have been leased out as luxury hotels.

Constructed entirely from exquisite red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert, the palace was conceptualized by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The palace is decorated with intricate latticework (jali work), filigree details, magnificent carved pillars, elaborate fireplaces, and Italian colonnades. The massive, three-story complex is arranged around two courtyards, including the stunning Laxmi Niwas wing (now a separate luxury hotel). It features a grand Darbar Hall, numerous lounges, drawing rooms, guest suites, and a massive dining room capable of seating 400 diners. The Karni Niwas wing also houses an Art Deco indoor swimming pool.

Two major sections of the palace complex have been converted into luxury heritage hotels (The Lallgarh Palace Hotel and Laxmi Niwas Palace), offering a truly royal stay experience. Located in the west wing, the museum offers an insightful look into the lives of the Maharajas of Bikaner. Exhibits include Georgian paintings, rare artifacts, hunting trophies, and historical photographs. One wing of the palace remains the private residence of the Bikaner Royal Family. The palace houses what is considered the fourth-largest private library in the world. Visitors can enjoy the sprawling, beautifully maintained gardens, often frequented by peacocks.

Visitor Information

Location	Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Best Time To Visit	October to March (for pleasant weather)
Museum Timings	10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday closed)
Entry Fees	Nominal fee applies (varies for Indian and foreign nationals—please confirm current rates before your visit)
Ideal Duration	1-2 hours to explore the public areas and museum