Oh! I still remember the Lalgarh palace of Bikaner , probably due to many reasons. First one of course that I took a rickshaw (A three wheel paddle cycle) for the sightseeing tour in Bikaner. At one point of time I almost fell down my seat as the rickshaw jumped a feet high on the bumpy road. The second was the city Bikaner and the third was of course the enchanting palace.

My friend in US had advised me to take a guide for the entire tour and wisely I followed there advised. I was with Ranvir, my guide for a month, he helped me knowing each and every place. Being a master in history, Ranvir knew the past of the place at his finger tips. He told me that the fort was designed by a Britisher for Maharajah Ganga Singh. As I am a keen observer, I was easily able to see that this palace displayed magnificent blend of Oriental and European style. The intricate filigree work and latticework exhibit the refinements and delicacy of craftsmanship. The palace museum displays well preserved hunting trophies and old photographs. The library of the palace is supposed to have the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques. oh! yes, the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and I was lucky to dine in the hotel as it served some of the mouth watering dishes.