IMPERIA |
october-november-december 2019
5
When in Bikaner you cannot help but feel
royal in the true sense of the word and
where better to stay than at the grand
residence, Narendra Bhawan, situated right
in the centre of the city. The private-palace
residence turned into a boutique hotel is
filled with souvenirs of the last maharaja of
Bikaner, Narendra Singhji’s travel to far and
near destinations. With a perfect balance
of old-meets-new period, I was completely
awed by the hospitality and the attention to
detail – they even had photos of me placed
strategically in the room making me literally
feel at home from the moment I walked in!
The moment I entered the residence what
welcomed me was the “Gaushala” as a
tribute to Lord Krishna where the cows
were kept in specially designed cast iron
mangers. Waking up to the melodious
bhajans resonating through the open
spaces was completely surreal and
transported me to a world of exclusive
luxury. The areas of the residence – be it
the verandah or the drawing room – were
tastefully done up.
My favourite spot was the Diwali Chowk
at the very heart of the Bhawan, which
happens to be the best place to experience
the Bikaner Badakhana and savour the
authentic rich Marwari cuisine. When in
Rajasthan you cannot but be on a food
coma, and Bikaner is no different.
(Above)
Private dining
room.
(Right)
Sundowners
at Darbari.
(Below)
Portrait of
Maharaja
Narendra
Singh Ji.
