A former royal palace transformed into a heritage hotel, Hotel Basant Vihar Palace continues Rajasthan's tradition of noble residences in Bikaner. Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, the building blends inherited architecture with contemporary comfort, just minutes from the city's historic center.

Why stay at Basant Vihar Palace

Bikaner remains one of the least frequented stops on the Rajasthan circuit, halfway between Jaisalmer and Jaipur. Staying in a 19th-century palace rather than a standard hotel fundamentally transforms your experience: you sleep within a building that belongs to the city's heritage. The Basant Vihar Palace, founded by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, retains its original volumes, inner courtyards, and a garden that extends coolness throughout the rooms despite the region's arid climate.

• Authentic heritage setting, original royal property
• Thirty-one rooms only: intimate atmosphere, far from large resort complexes
• Home cooking with Mughal, Chinese, and continental influences
• Central location, close to Junagarh Fort and the old town's winding streets

The palace atmosphere

The ambiance is that of a converted princely residence: corridors with carved arches, salons with period furnishings, open terraces overlooking the garden. Service remains personal, scaled to an establishment that has never sought to become a chain hotel. Evenings here are tranquil, ideal for reading or a late dinner beneath the arcades, after a day spent in the dust of the Thar Desert's forts.

The rooms

The palace offers 31 rooms in total, divided into two categories:

• 24 Royal Deluxe rooms — comfortable option, furnishings inspired by Rajput style, private bathroom.
• 7 Suites — more spacious volumes, suited for extended stays or families, with separate sitting area.

Each room has its own character: minimal standardization, abundant details inherited from the original building.

Dining and services

The Basant Vihar's table is part of the experience. The kitchens prepare Mughal dishes (slow-cooked curries, spiced braised meats), Chinese specialties adapted to Indian tastes, and a continental menu for travelers who prefer variety. Upon request, the team arranges outdoor dinners when the season permits.

Practical services include: 24-hour reception, excursion organization to Junagarh Fort, the rat temple of Deshnoke or the camel farms in the surrounding area, and transfers available from the train station or airport.

Location and access

The palace is situated immediately near Bikaner's city center. Allow approximately one kilometer to the bus station and three kilometers to the railway station, making arrival straightforward whether you're coming from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, or Delhi by overnight train. The nearest airport useful for international travelers is Jodhpur, around 250 kilometers away — expect four to five hours by road.

What to see nearby

Bikaner deserves a full day minimum. About four kilometers away are Sursagar Lake, the cultural center, and Bikaner Museum, which traces the principality's history. Junagarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's best-preserved, and the old town's winding streets lined with carved havelis are also quickly accessible from the hotel.

To extend your itinerary, other havelis and palace hotels throughout Shekhawati and Rajasthan complete the experience: Harasar Haveli in Bikaner as well, Castle Mandawa Hotel in the Shekhawati region, or Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur.

To explore the city and its surroundings: our Bikaner guide.

Include Basant Vihar in your journey

Basant Vihar Palace fits naturally into a Rajasthan circuit, as a stop between Jaisalmer and the Shekhawati region. To craft your custom itinerary, explore our travels in India.