A grand residence, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner is composed of Narendra Singhji’s memories from his travels to destinations near and far. Unconventionally curated, the Bhawan organically grew into a snapshot of the life of its original resident who upon spreading his wings was subconsciously casting a new modern identity for himself much like that of his mother country. The elegant venues and avant-garde outdoor spaces are especially designed to ensure that the guests have many memorable experiences.
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In the guest rooms the theme of India prevails – past and present. A patriot to the core, Narendra Singhji championed the royal states and principalities when he was both prince and king; and equally heralded the arrival of a new democratic India when she emerged from the ashes of the British Raj. Keeping this in mind, the hotel continues to salute the vision of its last Maharaja.
The Gaushala at the entrance is a tribute to Lord Krishna. They have fecund and majestic Rathi cows, favourites of both the King and the Lord stabled in a specially designed cast- iron manger in the front portico. Here, the entertainment specifically curated for their guests is a mellifluous feast for the senses as morning Bhajans or prayers in praise of the Lord ring out through the open spaces lending harmony and deep tranquillity to the surrounding areas. The evenings resonate with the Rasa Leela in play, the courtship dance of Lord Krishna, utterly romantic and engaging.
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An enticing menu of petite collations and beguiling cocktails are presented; designed to flatter the evening and your mood.
An indoor-outdoor easy lounging area, the Verandah suggests a mood of effortlessness and relaxation in an eclectic setting. The adornment is strongly influenced by the Bombay Art Deco movement; motifs and design elements present an interior that is reminiscent of a vibrant bygone age. Modern Indian furniture, Portuguese tiles and tribal artworks add vibrancy to the decor.
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The relaxed easy charm of this space serves well as a library where the specially curated Penguin Classics Collection adds singular enchantment to the curious mind. An electric red baby Grand piano, ‘Edith’, sits at one end heightening all that this space recommends. The daytime menu segues into an evening presentation of cocktails and snacks all especially fashioned for this space.
The gold and crystal rooms derive inspiration from the age-old tradition of smoking rooms for gentlemen and withdrawing rooms for ladies. Distinctively demarcated in space and decor, these rooms offer a glamorous retreat serving vintage cocktails and after dinner drinks over conversations and sotto voce gupshup.
P&C is the timeless and utterly elegant dining room capturing the charm and phlegmatic finesse of the graceful lady of the house and the initials are derived as a tribute to her favourite apparel of ‘Pearls strings’ and ‘Chiffon saris’. Calling upon an exquisite culinary heritage her re-rendered accomplished ‘Table’ features menu items meticulously singled out from the annals of history that were the once upon a time favourites of the Royals of Bikaner. P&C features a curated wine list, table-side preparations and tiffin lunches.
In keeping with the eclecticism, this whimsical space aptly named Mad Hatter - The Bake House and it presents traditional confectionery and baked goods. Familiar and utterly comfort-giving puddings and pies sit right beside toffees and rum balls and fudges of all sorts. Indian estate coffees and teas lend immediate familiarity, as do cold press coffee towers and deeply decadent hot chocolate.
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This is a space that is at once familiar and agreeable and is intended to invoke happy memories for everyone.
The Diwali Chowk is the central courtyard at the heart of Narendra Bhawan Bikaner. Dotted with canopies, fruit trees and low Indian-style seating, it is ideal to experience the Bikaner Badakhana and savour Marwari cuisine with the pomp and circumstance that is emblematic of a Royal Bikaner.
The deep blue infinity pool takes its colour from the bright and light Bikaner sky and offers great vantage views of the city, both the old and the new. The space transforms at twilight and takes on a mantle of celebration with starlit skies, live grills and party music.
The Spa at Narendra Bhawan Bikaner is an entirely novel concept based on the holistic and gently persuasive power of flowers and plants. Inspired by the famous Bach flower therapy, their specially developed flower essences soothingly help instil harmony and bring balance to all aspects of your being. The therapies, in combination with state-of-the-art Bemer technology for physical vascular therapy, improves microcirculation enabling the body’s own self-healing powers to promote an inner and an outer radiance.
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The clean sharp decor at The Spa, inspired by the great sanitariums of Europe, is intended to promote serenity and a sense of calm. The Clinic acts as a safe haven affording guests absolute privacy and comfort.
Inspired by the royal patronage of the local artforms of Bikaner, The Gallery at Narendra Bhawan pays homage to its original resident. It also serves as a platform for the local artists and craftsmen that enables their guests to catch a glimpse of the city's rich artistic heritage.
Comfortably appointed, the Residence Rooms are a tribute to the eclectic tastes of the household. Elaborate ceiling details, Bikaner terrazzo floors and traditional crafts sit in harmony with Portuguese tiles and a distinctly English colour palette. Light and fresh, these rooms are a calm sanctuary set apart from the hyperactivity of the city.
The young prince on the threshold of maturity designed his apartments to reflect his growing leanings towards a western lifestyle. Featuring Luxe velvets, English prints, glittering mirrors and mosaic, the Prince rooms reflect a youthful exuberance that beget glamorous living quarters.
The India rooms are quintessentially Indian but fashioned for the cosmopolitan traveller such as yourself. Here, strokes from pastoral India sit comfortably with the modernity of a contemporary India. Curated primarily in Indigo - the symbolic colour of India, these rooms are a cocoon where comfort and contentment are accentuated.
Quite apart from the theme that runs through their other guest rooms, the republic suites are dramatic rooms where strong confident lines and a colour palette in steely blue and concrete grey suggests a very contemporary conclusion. Chic to the core, this is an architects’ room – inspired during an era when the great architects of India – stalwarts in the imagination of the public created spaces that were startlingly new.
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Narendra Bhavan has everything covered to ensure that you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All you need to do is sit down, relax and soak in the luxury.