Lalgarh in Rajasthan

The Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner is another one of the Rajasthan palaces built in what is known as the Indo Saracenic style. This type of architecture blends ancient Indian, Mughal and European styles into a wholesome experience of pillars, porches, fountains, stepped gardens, arched windows, and frescoed walls. The palace was built in 1902 by Maharaja Ganga Singh, who dedicated this red sandstone edifice to the memory of his late father, Lal Singh. The architect was an Englishman, Swinton Jacob.

The red sandstone, found in almost all parts of Rajasthan, has been used since time immemorial to build the forts and palaces in Rajasthan. This type of sandstone is hardy, allowing the palace to have a graceful, yet strong, structure. The apartments are spacious, and though minimalist in design, they are somehow elegant and majestic. Some apartments have carved fireplaces and fantastic frescoes. Some rooms have beautiful silver filigree work on the white walls, creating the magic of moonlight and romance.

The stone pillars are very reminiscent of the colonnades at old Roman palaces and amphitheaters. Everywhere is the signature of pampered royalty - the hunting trophies, ornately framed portraits, and a huge library. The palace also houses a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts, priceless by any standard. Only the Sadur Museum complex is open to visitors; here you can see the famed miniature paintings of Rajasthan, and more recent exhibits, such as one of the oldest fighter airplane models. Another collection of note is the arms and ammunition display.

The palace is set within acres of lush gardens, beautifully landscaped to resemble Mughal era gardens. The stepped fountains, the flower beds, and peacocks dandily stepping on the grass lawns complete the picture, straight out of some miniature painting that the region is so famous for.

You cannot tour the entire palace, unfortunately, because part of it houses a hotel, and another wing is the residence of the current royal family. However, the museum is worth a visit, as are the lawns and plush lobbies. A visit to the Lalgarh Palace takes you back to the old days, a period when life was more laidback, when kings and princes had not been relegated to fairytales, and time itself seemed to stand still.