The grandeur of Brij Gaj Kesri catches on from the first glimpse of the palatial structure in red sandstone only to impress one further with the architecture, and the beautiful bonhomie of the Indo-European interiors as one steps inside. The modern-day manor, resplendent of the 19th and 20th-century Bikaneri Rajput style, is the latest addition to Brij’s repertoire. Approximately 40 minutes from Bikaner airport, 20 minutes from Bikaner Railway Station and a five-hour drive from Jaipur airport, the property occupies a whopping 16 acres and has 24 suites in the main building. The Karni Villas and Mohini Mahal offer another 27 spacious accommodations. We spent a night at the luxury boutique property that’s surrounded by lush greenery and is strewn with traditional and contemporary art and artefacts that make it a mini museum reflecting the rich art history of the region. Though the best time to stay here is, no doubt, winter, we enjoyed breezy monsoon evenings with tea and snacks, especially in the courtyard which becomes cooler as the sun retires. The natural setting of an open sky and the arched walls of the haveli in symmetry is meditative.
The interiors of the 19th century Junagarh Fort
Brij Gaj Kesri also makes for a great staycation spot for those in Rajasthan with its veg-only spread at the multicuisine restaurant Polki, offering traditional Rajasthani fare, the pool to chill with your gang or throw a party. For those tourists who would use it as a stop can explore the city of Bikaner as an entry point to the mighty Thar. We picked up two popular spots — Karni Temple and Junagarh Fort — and even meandered through the lanes and bylanes of the trade city to taste the crispy bhujiyas that the region specialises in. For those interested in history, Junagarh Fort is a must-visit as it is a testament to the legacy of Ganga Singh, former ruler of Bikaner.
The arcade area, an elevated setting, offers a charming view of the manor, and is a hot spot for special occasions, like Valentine’s Day dinner
Another must-visit site here is ICAR National Research Centre on Camel. It not only gives you a glimpse of different kinds of camels and their uniqueness here but also of the different products procured from the animal — milk, milk-based products, leather-based products and shawls. One can even buy camel milk and witness the milking process that happens at a particular time of the day.
The National Research Centre on Camel gives one an insight into how the ship of the desert forms an important part of Bikaner
A traditional Rajasthani Thali brings the choicest vegetarian delicacies of the region to the plate.
