Gaj Kesri: an upscale royal themed resort

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Gaj Kesri is a small elegant boutique hotel in the outskirts of Bikaner with easy access to the city and its chief attractions.

The hotel houses a fine collection of art and local handicrafts and combines modernity and tradition to provide its guests a happy and comfortable stay. The hotel offers the most wonderful venues and catering for weddings and other events.

Flying into Bikaner’s small airport is quite an experience. Well for one this is a small defense airport that has limited connectivity and your luggage is actually physically handed over to you.

The desert city of Bikaner is beautiful dotted with heritage buildings called havelis that are an ode to its rich royal legacy.

It is worth mentioning that Bikaner is home to one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British during World War I. They were presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, then ruler of the city. Another unique aspect about Bikaner are the sand dunes that are scattered throughout the
district, especially from the north-east down to the southern area.
Bikaner is situated in the northern region of Rajasthan. One of the earlier established cities, Bikaner still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts, built of red sandstone, that have withstood the passage of time.
The city boasts of some of the world’s best riding camels and is aptly nicknamed ‘camel country’. It is also home to one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding farms; as well as being known for having its own unique temple dedicated to #Karni Mata at Deshnok, called the Rats Temple.
The origins of Bikaner can be traced back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, founded the kingdom. Legend has it that Bikaji, one of Rao Jodhaji’s five sons, left his father’s Durbar in annoyance after an insensitive remark from his father, the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. Bikaji travelled far and when he came upon the wilderness called Jangladesh, he decided to set up his own kingdom and transformed it into an impressive city.

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Located at a distance of about 30 minutes from the airport, Gaj Kesri, a resort spread over 30 acres off the city limits is the brainchild of owner Sunil Rampuria who has designed the artistic property. It has 41 well-appointed rooms. ( The rooms have a royal yet modern touch. Colourful cushions grace the white sheets of the cozy bed besides green hand painted wall. The room divided in the dressing area and living area and had all amenities from a work desk to small cupboards to big wardrobe with a stunning nature
inspired view. Bedside lamps, a beautiful mirror and couches add the aesthetic touch along with hand painted walls, furniture and decorations. The open, spacy hotel follows 4 colour schemes and is aesthetically called as Art Hotels.) The design of the resort resembles a palatial home and all the
artefacts are made in house.

As you enter the gated property, colourful lawns with hollyhock plants lead you to the resort’s main entrance. While you make your way past the lobby, you are greeted by a bright courtyard that is open to the sky. The resort is extensively furnished with local handicrafts.

With beautiful arches, carved pillars and artefacts that blend into a natural landscape the resort offers a getaway that is both tranquil and peaceful. Each of the rooms are also done up using several local influences in terms of the art and furnishings used and has hand painted walls. The ten garden
suites are done up in a more contemporary manner using more of the European décor sensibilities. These rooms are larger and have plain walls and have fewer artefacts.

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Gaj Kesri is home to a superb and unparalleled collection of contemporary Usta Work which is the glorious art form of Bikaner which is all created in their own workshop at Bhanwar Niwas, said Sunil. ( Usta is an art form that comprises different techniques including gold embossing work.) This makes
the hotel a museum of sorts.

It is amazing to see that Art is seen everywhere in the property and specially the 3D models on the walls as well as the ceramic tiled flooring in the courtyard are eye catching. The chandeliers here have been brought them to life by the artists is the creation of Sunil who has been passionately involved for the last 35 years in keeping this lovely art form alive. Nothing will give you more pleasure than seeing the masterpieces created by the brothers Asghar, Iqbal, Ayyub and Ameen (all third-generation artists)
adorning the spaces inside the main building.

There are three drawing rooms in the property The Big Drawing Room, the T Drawing Room that has a T shape and a lovely portrait of Tara Rampuria (Sunil’s mother) that dominates the room and the Little
Drawing Room. All these rooms are furnished with beautiful teak wood furniture and local artefacts and serve as a great window to the culture of the city.

The restaurant at Gaj Kesri serves fantastic local vegetarian fare and gives you a great insight into Indian and Continental fare. When here do try of the local food. For special occasions the restaurant also sets up a table on the pool side for special occasions. The property has a large swimming pool on the premises. Enjoy your evenings and dance to a local music band that plays music every day in the evening.
The resort has a spa to relax. You can go in and experience a royal massage to remove fatigue of the day tours.
Going Around Junagarh Fort is one of the must-see sights in Bikaner. ( It is an impregnable bastion that holds the distinction of having never been captured. It was constructed in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s most distinguished generals. The fort complex houses some magnificent palaces constructed in red sandstone and marble and visitors can feast their eyes on an attractive assortment of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows.)

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While in Bikaner, you must visit the Junagarh Fort, Havelis in the walled city, The Lalgarh Palace and Museum, Jain Temples, markets and bazaars, mithai and namkeen shops, Devi Kund Sagar royal
cenotaphs, The Camel Research Centre, The State Archives, The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum and the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke among other important sites. The city is famed for its snacks and it makes for a great food souvenir to take back home. An experience at Gaj Kesri is all about living the
royal life and it is the friendly staff that makes for a memorable stay.

Bikaner has an airport that has flight connectivity from Jaipur and Delhi currently that has made the destination more accessible.

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Devender was born in the year when the Beatles Group was formed. He holds two master’s degrees in English Literature and Public Administration. He also has an Honors degree in English Literature and a post-graduate diploma in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. He ventured into business, forming his own Media House, Profiles Media Network Private Limited, a twenty-year-old company. Excelling as an editor, Marketing, PR, Anchor, and Advertising specialist, he is now expertly navigating the world of social media. A widely traveled professional internationally, Devender has a deep understanding of Travel and Tourism, Fashion and Lifestyle, Aviation, and Hospitality Industry. Connect with Devender Grover @ travelspan@gmail.com