5 Reasons Why Narendra Bhawan Bikaner Should Be on Your Travel Radar

Narendra Singh, the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner led a lavish life. He travelled the world over and the townhouse in Bikaner, where he lived, which is now Narendra Bhawan is infused with his memories from his travels. It traces the life story of a prince born on the cusp of a new India, Narendra Singh ji was fashioned by the flavours and privileges of his forefathers but had also been majorly influenced by the West. And later on in life, from being a westernised prince he turns into a military man. The rooms, venues, indoor and outdoor spaces are a reflection of his life’s passage through time. While some rooms bear testimony to his acquired European aesthetics (luxe velvets, English prints, glittering mirrors and mosaic), others reflect a ceremonial order expected from a military man (elements of army regalia are sensitively interspersed with modern conveniences). You also get a glimpse of the majestic rajput architecture in the imposing building with a stone jali facade, the Gaushala at the entrance, the verandah and the central courtyard or the Diwali chowk. (Above: The Regimental room at the property )

The experiences that Narendra Bhawan offers are sure to be etched in your memory for a long time. From organising sundowners on a green patch of land amidst a vast desert to serving dinner under a canopy of stars with white linen and silver tableware to recreating the grand lunch that maharaja Ganga Singh Ji (Narendra Singh’s great-grandfather) once hosted for his royal guests in 1927, to paying an ode to the muslim chefs in the royal kitchen of yore by organising dinner near the rooftop infinity pool with a breath-taking view of Bikaner, there are options galore! The concierge also organises guided tours of the city—The Merchant Exploration trail takes you to the city’s famed merchant havelis and the Royal Exploration trail gives you a peek into the grand forts, palaces and cenotaphs around. You could also take a tour of the Bikaner’s markets that sell everything from colourful apparels to the famed bhujia and pickles of the region. (Above: Sundowner at the pastures)

If you are a food lover, Narendra Bhawan is the place for you. There’s a strong focus on food doing more than just pleasing your palate, over here food becomes a sensory experience. While Pearls and Chiffon (P&C), the all-day-dining restaurant offers a plethora of cuisines ranging from Rajasthani, Afghani to European, the Mad Hatter Bake House serves an array of delicious freshly baked breads, cakes and desserts. However, the highlights are the curated dining experiences at the property. To begin with the Literary Lunch at P&C, a seven course meal with each course inspired by seven literary classics – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, The Brotherhood of the Grape by Henry Molise, The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones, To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, Le Ventre de Paris by Emile Zola and Ulysses by James Joyce offers a glimpse into the life of Narendra Singh and how he would have hosted and entertained his friends over a meal. The other experience, which is not be missed is the Museum Lunch at Laxmi Niwas Palace. This lunch is a modern day interpretation of the royal dinner that Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji used to host. The menu features dishes that highlight the French influence of the time with a hint of true Indian royalty in the form of Plat de Bikaner - traditional Bikaneri thali. The lunch is hosted at the Gold Room, formerly a smoking room, which features a spectacular painted frieze of monsoon clouds with angels, raginis and deities hovering within, a red and gold-painted teak ceiling and a marble fireplace with gold enamelling. Can it get any grander than this!  (Above: The private dining room.)        

Watch your worries melt at the spa at Narendra Bhawan, wherein the signature therapies focus on physical as well as emotional regeneration. The treatments will not only relax your body but your mind as well. Therapies are categorised into sections such as skin, face, body and hair for you to choose the one most suitable to your needs. The therapies use a mix of conventional healing wisdom, natural Bach flower remedies that help maintain emotional balance, and Bemmer technology which helps improve micro circulation, unleashing the body’s self-healing powers to promote better overall health. (Above: A snapshot of the Clinic Spa)

The best part is that Bikaner is just 458 kms away from Delhi, so you can plan a road trip over a long weekend. If not in the mood to drive then there are a number of daily trains and flights that will take you to Bikaner. So pack your bags and off you go! (Above: The corridor at Narendra Bhawan Bikaner) For more information:
Call: +91 7827 151 151; 
Email: reservation@narendrabhawan.com
; Website: www.narendrabhawan.com