Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake
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Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake

4.3
·2k reviews·Gajner, India

A royal heritage palace on a serene lake, surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, offering a tranquil escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
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Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A royal heritage palace on a serene lake, surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, offering a tranquil escape.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"A masterpiece of a palace near a stunning lake and wildlife reserve, perfect for nature lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Sunset

Arrive before sunset for the most magical light over the lake and sanctuary. Perfect for photography!

🔭 Binoculars Recommended

Bring binoculars to spot wildlife in the sanctuary from the palace grounds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 1,947 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gajner Lake

Gajner Lake

Adjacent to Gajner Palace

A serene lake teeming with migratory fowl and wading birds, offering stunning reflections and a peaceful ambiance.

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Surrounding the palace

Home to deer, desert foxes, and wild boar; a former royal hunting ground now a haven for diverse flora and fauna.

Gajner Palace

Gajner Palace

On the shores of Gajner Lake

A majestic heritage hotel, once a royal hunting lodge, offering luxurious stays and incredible views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Wildlife & Views

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is best experienced during daylight hours for wildlife spotting and enjoying the lake. Aim to arrive before sunset for breathtaking views and photography opportunities. Consider an overnight stay to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and explore the surrounding areas.

Understanding Entry & Amenities

Entry to the sanctuary and palace complex typically costs around ₹250-₹500 per person. While the views are stunning, reviews suggest the food can be pricey and not exceptional. Some visitors mention motorboat rides are available for an additional fee. Check for any special offers if dining at the hotel.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Birdwatching is best
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 32.0 km (19.9 mi) from Bikaner. In former times, it was a hunting ground for the Maharajah of Bikaner. There is a lake in this sanctuary and a variety of animals come here to quench their thirst in summer. This is one of the proposed forests for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India.”#indianphotography #indiatravel #india_tourism_ #ind...
travel_tales_with_wanderess
48 likes • 2.1K views

📸 Capture the Sunset

Arrive before sunset for the most magical light over the lake and sanctuary. Perfect for photography! Instagram

🔭 Binoculars Recommended

Bring binoculars to spot wildlife in the sanctuary from the palace grounds. Instagram

Gajner Palace in Bikaner is a stunning heritage hotel situated on the shores of Lake Gajner, surrounded by a lush forest and sprawling over 6,000 acres. This majestic palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century as a hunting lodge and summer palace. Today, it's a popular tourist destination offering luxurious accommodations, recreational activities, and breathtaking views. *...
booktriptours
32 likes • 751 views
How beautiful is Gajner Palace? A perfect place for luncheon break on your way to Bikaner. Surrounded by a calm lake and a wildlife sanctuary giving abundance of flora & fauna, you’ll be transported into a world where the time moves a bit slowly and calmly. Oh btw, they also give you a pair of binoculars to spot wild animals in nearby wildlife sanctuary while you wait for your food. We spotted tw...
maahipirta
646 likes • 13.4K views

💰 Entry Fee & Offers

Entry is around ₹250-₹500. Inquire about dining offers that might include entry. Reddit

🚗 Drive from Bikaner

It's a scenic 30-35 km drive from Bikaner. Consider a day trip or an overnight stay. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Sunset

Arrive before sunset for the most magical light over the lake and sanctuary. Perfect for photography! Instagram

🔭 Binoculars Recommended

Bring binoculars to spot wildlife in the sanctuary from the palace grounds. Instagram

💰 Entry Fee & Offers

Entry is around ₹250-₹500. Inquire about dining offers that might include entry. Reddit

🚗 Drive from Bikaner

It's a scenic 30-35 km drive from Bikaner. Consider a day trip or an overnight stay. Reddit

🚤 Boat Ride Option

Enjoy a motorboat ride on the lake for an additional fee (around ₹350 pp). Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake is praised for its stunning natural beauty, serene lake, and the majestic heritage palace. Visitors love the picturesque views, the opportunity to spot wildlife, and the royal ambiance. However, some find the food at the palace restaurant to be overpriced for its quality and suggest improvements in hospitality.

"this is one of the best places to visit. This hotel that was once a palace is a masterpiece. This palace was constructed near to a large and stunning lake and wildlife reserve. The cost of admission is 500 rupees, and if you eat lunch or dinner there, they may even give you a cheesy offer that can be redeemed for food. The view from the restaurant is amazing, but the food is quite pricey and not that good. It's a good drive from Bikaner, about 30-35 km, so it's best to suggest timing for two days and one night if you want to stay. If you only want to visit, get there before sunset for the best views.
They need to improve their hospitality, in my opinion"

Vikas Bishnoi

"If you are a nature lover, then you will surely love it. The property is quite well maintained. The staff is very accommodating and took care of our requests. We wanted to do star gazing at 2 at night as meteor showers were visible at that time, they made that happen for us."

Aashir

"When in Bikaner, this is one of the best places to visit. This hotel that was once a palace is a masterpiece. This palace was constructed near to a large and stunning lake and wildlife reserve. The cost of admission is 500 rupees, and if you eat lunch or dinner there, they may even give you a cheesy offer that can be redeemed for food. The view from the restaurant is amazing, but the food is quite pricey and not that good. It's a good drive from Bikaner, about 30-35 km, so it's best to suggest timing for two days and one night if you want to stay. If you only want to visit, get there before sunset for the best views.
They need to improve their hospitality, in my opinion—I'm from Rajasthan and know how we treat our guests..."

yash nahata

What People Like

Stunning lake views
Heritage palace charm
Wildlife spotting opportunities

What People Dislike

Pricey food
Inconsistent hospitality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake is located about 30-35 km from Bikaner. The most convenient way to reach it is by car or taxi. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30-45 minutes. InstagramReddit

While direct public transport might be limited, you can explore local buses or shared taxis from Bikaner towards Gajner. It's advisable to confirm availability locally. Reddit

For a day trip, hiring a taxi from Bikaner is recommended for flexibility and comfort, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Reddit

The route from Bikaner typically follows NH11 towards Jaisalmer, with a diversion towards Gajner. GPS navigation is helpful. Reddit

Gajner is often visited as a day trip from Bikaner. You can combine it with exploring Bikaner city itself, as it's a relatively short distance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for visiting the palace and its surroundings is generally around ₹250 to ₹500 per person. Reddit

Typically, a single entry fee covers access to the palace grounds, the lake area, and the adjacent sanctuary for visitors. Reddit

While not always advertised, sometimes dining at the hotel might come with an offer that can be redeemed for food, potentially impacting the overall cost. Reddit

It's best to visit during daylight hours, especially before sunset, to enjoy the views and wildlife. Specific closing times might vary, so checking locally is advised. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the palace grounds and enjoy the views as a day visitor by paying the entry fee. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The shores of Gajner Lake offer stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. The palace architecture itself is also a great subject. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the palace grounds. However, always be respectful of guests and hotel policies. Instagram

You can photograph deer, desert foxes, wild boar, and various species of birds, especially waterfowl on the lake. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife sanctuaries and heritage properties. It's best to check with local authorities or the hotel management beforehand. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, are ideal for wildlife photography as animals are often more active and the light is softer. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Gajner Palace offers dining facilities. However, reviews suggest the food can be pricey and not always exceptional. Reddit

The view from the restaurant is amazing, but the food quality for the price is a point of contention for some visitors. Consider it for the experience rather than culinary excellence. Reddit

Outside food and drinks might not be permitted within the hotel premises. It's best to check their policy upon arrival. Reddit

For more budget-friendly or varied dining options, you would need to return to Bikaner city. Reddit

The hotel restaurant likely serves a mix of Indian and continental dishes, catering to a range of palates. Reddit

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