Sankhu Niwas is a boutique heritage hotel situated in the Lalgarh Palace Campus of Bikaner. What used to serve as the private residence of the Nobles of Sankhu has now been thoughtfully converted into a place for travellers and tourists to call home while experiencing the desert city of Bikaner by Thakur Vikram Singh Ji Rathore and Thakurani Nirmala Kumari of Sankhu.
Sankhu was a premier estate in the erstwhile princely kingdom of Bikaner. Famously nick-named “अध्रज्या” meaning “Half Kingdom”, the history of Sankhu truly does justice to its nickname not just in its expanse but also its valour. The nobles of Sankhu are descendants of Maharaj Kishan Singh Ji, the younger son of Raja Rai Singh Ji, the 6th ruler of Bikaner. This “ठिकाना” or estate has produced great warriors who have been involved in the many conflicts of Bikaner with nearby princely kingdoms and external invaders.
Reservation
+91 9799330447
Experience timeless elegance in the heart of Bikaner. Sankhu Niwas blends Rajasthani heritage with warm hospitality — a stay that feels royal yet personal.
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Spend some time in our garden surrounded by the serenity and calmness of Sankhu Niwas. The perfect setting for your morning coffee or evening “chai” while the Bikaner breeze tells its tales in its own subtle manner tended and cared for by the family themselves.
Looking for a place to unwind after a long day of exploring Bikaner but still don’t want to hit the bed? The Lounge at Sankhu Niwas is the perfect place for you to sit and relax, perhaps play Uno or a board game with your family and friends, video call your loved ones back home and let the recently formed memories and information about Bikaner be processed so you’re all set for tomorrow!
The library at Sankhu Niwas houses the private book collection of Thakur Vikram Singh Ji of Sankhu and his family. An avid reader in his time, his collection includes books on Bikaner and its ruler’s history for the visiting historians and inquisitive minds as well as a number of books on fiction and wildlife for the stay-cation-ists.
The Courtyard on the first floor of the Niwas is the perfect place for groups to congregate and relax. Mingle with other travellers and share stories about travels past or just sit and take in the subtle charm of the Red and Yellow Haveli.
Our restaurant, Indra’s @ The Neem Courtyard, in the vicinity, offers our travellers authentic Bikaneri and Rajasthani cuisine. From लाल मांस (Curried Red Goat Meat), the pride of the Rajput kitchens across Rajasthan to the lesser-known delicacies of the desert like the “ग्वारपाटा दाना मेथी” (Aloe Vera vegetable). The on-site mini café also caters to your sudden pizza-pasta cravings should you want a change of flavour from previous destinations in Rajasthan. With a garden space, indoor seating and the mini café, The Neem Courtyard can cater candle lit dinners for the couple on holiday as well as group meals for the group of friends, travellers and explorers.
The Banquet Hall on the top floor at Sankhu Niwas can accommodate up to 100 people at a time and is the ideal place for meetings for the corporate brethren on offsites or birthday parties, kitties, anniversaries and much more.
Bikaner is a vibrant city located in the northwest of Rajasthan, India, known for its rich cultural heritage, majestic forts, and desert charm. Founded in 1488 by Rao Bika, a Rajput prince, Bikaner was once a thriving trade hub on the ancient caravan routes.
📍 26.3 kms from Sankhu Niwas
Kodamdesar is small town located on the Bikaner - Jaisalmer highway. Kodam was the name of Rao Jodha Ji, the founder of Jodhpur and the 15th ruler of Marwar. She had commissioned the pond in the locality and thus has the name Kodamdesar, literally translating to Kodam's Pond. In 1465 AD, Rani Kodam's grandson and founder of Bikaner, Rao Bika Ji commissioned the Bhairon Ji Temple in 1465 A.D. and had planned to build the city of Bikaner but later changed his mind on the advice of Karni Mata, Bikaner's guiding deity due to opposition from Rao Shekha Ji, the then Bhati ruler of Pugal. People from across Rajasthan come to pay their respects to Bhairon Ji, who is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. This place is of great spiritual importance to Bikaner and other nearby areas of Rajasthan as well.
📍 3.5kms from Sankhu Niwas
Established in 1937 AD by General Maharaja Ganga Singh, the Ganga Singh Museum showcases an extensive array of articles, hunting trophies and archaeological specimens. These specimens are belonged to the Harappan age and the early part of the Gupta period. According to the archaeologists, these articles throw light on a number of dark areas of the history of India. Ganga Singh Museum is housed close to the Lalgarh Palace since 1937 but later transferred to Civil Lines in 1954 and administered by the Rajasthan Government. The first level of the museum is adorned with portraits of the Maharajas of Bikaner and several English dignitaries. The second level of the museum houses artifacts and crafts of wood, metal and glass. Highlights of the museum are the gilded golf leaf paintings on camel hides of usta craftsmen and Silk Robe of Shahzada Saleem (Mughal Empror Badshah Akbar's son). The museum is revered for being a storehouse of all miniature collection of Rajasthani paintings from schools of Bundi, Mewar, Jaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur. Another significant display of the museum is the weapons used by the Rajputs. The museum also has large array of Terracotta artwork and artifacts from sites of Indus Valley Civilization and Kalibangan, ancient Theris of Badopal, Rangmahal, Hanumangarh and Suratgarh in Bikaner excavated by Dr. L.P. Tessitori. Replica of Gajner Palace, a teak table, an Ikka (horse carriage) and chariot are other masterpieces displayed in the museum with extraordinary lacquer work by craftsmen of Bikaner.
📍 500 mtrs from Sankhu Niwas
The Sadul Singh Museum lies within the Lalgarh Palace and was commissioned by Dr. Maharaja Karni Singh, the 23rd ruler of Bikaner in 1972. It exhibits a wide spectrum of Georgian paintings, hunting trophies and rare artefacts, part of the collections of the Maharaja's of Bikaner, primarily General Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, Lt. General Maharaja Sadul Singh Ji and Dr. Maharaja Karni Singh Ji, the 21st, 22nd and 23rd rulers of Bikaner. With the advent of experiential and heritage tourism, the Sadul Singh Museum has become more than just a place to visit; it has turned into an experience that tells the tale of the region's history. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer an authentic glimpse into local culture and history, and the museum caters to this niche perfectly. Interactive tours and cultural events.
📍 6.9kms from Sankhu Niwas
The Shivbari temple is an ageless home to Lord Shiva. It's known for it's spirituality, architectural splendour and serene environment. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the holy place is not just a place of worship yet additionally a testament to the rich social heritage of Bikaner. The Shiv Bari Holy place is an amazing example of Rajputana design, blending conventional Hindu layout elements with local Rajasthani craftsmanship. The temple’s imposing red sandstone framework stands apart versus the barren landscape, making it a visual reward for visitors. It was commissioned by Maharaja Dungar Singh Ji, the 20th ruler of Bikaner around 1880 A.D. as a tribute to his father Maharaj Lal Singh Ji of Chattargarh who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. With it's external fortress like appearance, garden, courtyard, main sanctum and the two kunds (water bodies) it allows visitors and devotees feel a somewhat spiritual sense of peace and calm in the desert.
📍 7.1 kms from Sankhu Niwas
The Bhandashah Jain Temple is found in the Old City of Bikaner next to the Lakshminath Ji Temple. This temple was constructed in the 12th century by Bhandasa Oswal and is dedicated to Sumatinatha, the 5th Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism and is protected by the Archeological Survey of India. Any locals around will be happy to confirm the legend of the construction of this Temple, which says that instead of water, 40,000 kgs of Ghee (clarified butter) was used, strangely every summers the floor of the temple does become a slight bit more slippery than in the winters. It's beautiful carvings and artwork will give travellers an insight into the Jain faith and their presence in western Rajasthan. Due to the presence of this auspicious temple, Karni Mata, the guiding deity of Bikaner suggested this place to Rao Bika Ji to establish the new kingdom of Bikaner, which is why the Bika Ji Ki Tekri, which used to serve as the fort and the residence of the family before the Junagarh Fort, is in close proximity to this temple. It is a proof of the longstanding cooperative relation of the Jain community and the Rathores of Bikaner and Jodhpur.
📍 34.2 kms from Sankhu Niwas
Located on the Bikaner - Jaisalmer highway, the Gajner Palace is a bold example of Bikaner's grandeur and royal style of the Maharaja. It served as the hunting grounds of the Bikaner royal family and was commissioned between 1910 and 1913 A.D. by General Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji, the 21st ruler of Bikaner. Gajner Palace has hosted noted dignitaries in the past such as King George V of United Kingdom (then the Prince of Wales), various governor generals and viceroys of the British Indian Empire including Governor General Lord James Bruce of Elgin, Viceroy Lord Irwin of Halifax and Admiral of the Fleet Viceroy Lord Mountbatten of Battenberg-Burma. Just walking around the campus of Gajner gives the 21st century visitors a royal feel & a peek into the ways of the Maharaja. The hunting grounds were converted into a wildlife sanctuary by Dr. Maharaja Karni Singh Ji, the 23rd ruler of Bikaner to protect and house endangered species like the Chinkara and the Black Buck. Today, visitors can still shoot as much as they like, but with a camera not a rifle. Gajner Palace is now maintained by the HRH Group and is open for guests to dine in the Mirage Restaurant, once the ballroom for the Maharaja or in the Dungar Niwas courtyard next to the lake.
📍 10kms from Sankhu Niwas
Camels are an integral part of all desert communities around the world. Even in Bikaner, Camel’s have been integral to Bikaner’s economy, trade and even military. Keeping in mind the socio-economic development of arid and semi-arid zones the Government of India established A Project Directorate on Camels in 1984 under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research which later upgraded to National Research Centre on Camels in 1995. The Camel Farm maintains an elite herd of over 300 Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi and Mewari breeds. The best time to visit the centre is in the afternoon from is around 3:00 as one can witness Camels gamboling around one another. Tourists can also visit the Camel Museum to learn about the developmental and research aspects of Camels in the desert or do fun activities like a safari, camel riding and taste camel milk, ice creams and kulfis.
📍 9.2kms from Sankhu Niwas
The Devikund Sagar is the cremation ground for the Bikaner Royal Family. All the rulers and their family members, since the time of Rao Kalyanmal, the 5th ruler of Bikaner, have been cremated here on the reccommendation of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru, and this practice is still followed. “Sagar” translates to a water body. As the name implies there is a small lake in the centre, to it’s north and west are the two cremation grounds and the beautiful cenotaphs that have been erected in honour of the Bikaner nobility. Unlike other royal cremation grounds of Rajasthan you’ll be glad to know female members of the family have also been cremated and honoured in the same complex rather than a different crematorium. Each of the cenotaphs has a “Chattri” or a canopy and a stone slab with carvings and engravings. The earlier cenotaphs are made of Dulemra Red Sandstone while the later and recent ones are made of Marble. A clear mix of Rajput and Mughal influence in these structures is proof of the cooperative nature of relations of the House of Bikaner and the central Mughal powers. With intricate paintings on some of the inner domes of the cenotaphs, beautiful carvings, arches and countless stories to tell the Cenotaphs are truly proof of the valiant Bika Rathores and their undaunting spirit.
📍 6.9kms from Sankhu Niwas
The Bika Ji Ki Tekri located in the old city is the place where Rao Bika Ji founded Bikaner in 1488 AD and from where the first five rulers of Bikaner ruled and expanded their territories. The Bika Ji Ki Tekri is the perfect representation of Bikaner with it’s pretty Yellow and Red sandstone structures, which is also the general colour theme of the entire city. Perhaps due to the presence of bigger attractions like the Junagarh Fort, the beloved Tekri has become one of the lesser visited monuments in Bikaner. However, it holds one of, if not the most important place in Bikaner’s history. The “Rati Ghati Ka Yudh” which was a battle between the forces of Kamran of Lahore and Rao Jaitsi Ji of Bikaner which lasted 21 days and nights was fought on the land of Bikaner with the Bika Ji Ki Tekri being the capital. This historic site is only a stone’s throw away from the Bhandashah Jain Temple and has the cenotaphs of the first four rulers of Bikaner.
📍 4.3 kms from Sankhu Niwas
The Walled city of Bikaner was where Rao Bika founded the Kingdom. It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes with clusters of houses of various communities and interesting markets and a laid-back attitude of its inhabitants. The traders of this city who brought the wealth of the world here, have been huge contributors to the social and economic well-being of the city. Their love for art and architecture is reflected in series of beautiful Havelis with spectacular carved facades and temples that resemble a massive abode of God' instead of being just a place of worship. Understanding that ruler’s alone cannot be responsible for the founding and welfare of a thriving society and kingdom is imperative and these grand havelis of the Rampurias, Kotharis and other business families are a subtle nod to the contribution of their hard work to establish an economy in one of the toughest possible terrains, the Desert. A stroll around these havelis takes you back a couple centuries and helps you understand the Marwari trade culture and close-knit neighbourhood of a mixed population consisting people from multiple faiths and communities. Be sure to indulge yourself in Chai, Sweets and Kachoris in the many streets near the Havelis where these local snacks are part of the day-to-day lifestyle of the average Bikaneri.
📍 33.7kms from Sankhu Niwas
The small town of Deshnoke was founded in 1419 by Karni Mata. Rao Ranmal Ji the Rathore ruler of Marwar and grandfather of Rao Bika Ji coined the name “Deshoat” meaning “Shield of the Land”. It’s located only 35 kms from Bikaner has one of the most mysterious wonders of the world. The Karni Mata Temple is the residence of almost 20,00 kābā. The kābā are rats who are considered to be the descendants of Karni Mata’s community. These kābā’s peacefully co-exist with the humans and have never been known to cause trouble to any visitor and worshipper and are cared for by the Temple’s priests, staff and local people of Deshnoke who consider them kin. Karni Mata is the guiding deity of Bikaner and it’s Royal Family. She is believed to have protected the people of Bikaner since its foundation and is worshipped not just in Bikaner but across Rajasthan. In 1453, she went to Marwar and laid the cornerstone for the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur and on the request of Rao Bika Ji, in 1485 Karni Mata laid the foundation stone for the new Rathore kingdom of Bikaner and it’s old fort, now knows as Bika Ji Ki Tekri. The current structure of the building was completed in the early 20th century by General Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji of Bikaner. The goddess has had a deep association with the Rathores of Jodhpur and Bikaner and is an integral part of both of these kingdom’s history. Spotting a white kābā is considered lucky so keep your eyes peeled for any white kābā’s.
📍 2.3kms from Sankhu Niwas
Originally called the Chintamani Fort, this architectural marvel has all the features of a traditional Rajasthani fort but comes with it’s own uniqueness. Unlike most capital forts, this fort isn’t found on a hilltop or an elevated ground. It is found within the city itself, on ground level and in close proximity to the walled Old City. Although the site was chosen by the founder of Bikaner, Rao Bika Ji, it’s construction was commissioned by Raja Rai Singh, the 6th ruler of Bikaner. Subsequent rulers added structures and mahals to the fort, in order to secure it and also make it more aesthetically pleasing. Within the fort you get to witness a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Artefacts and heirlooms from the ruler’s times are still preserved at this fort for you to admire. The “Badal Mahal”, “Anup Mahal”, “Darbar Hall” and other spaces within the fort are real treats for your eyes and your camera lenses. In the 1920s, the ruling branch of the Royal Family moved to the Lalgarh Palace. After Independence, in the early 1960s, the cadet branches of the Royal Family also moved out so the grandeur of the fort could be made open to tourists to promote tourism in Bikaner. It would interest you to know that the royal insignia and heirlooms of the Rathore dynasty, including the 12th century Rathore throne of Raja Jaichand of Kannauj were brought to Bikaner by the prince of Jodhpur and founder of Bikaner, Rao Bika Ji and are still preserved in the Junagarh Fort.
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