Karni Bhawan, home to the erstwhile Jagirdars of Sodawas, Bhati Rajputs of the Lunar dynasty, was named after Dr. Karni Singh -- the then maharaja of Bikaner. Dr. Karni Singh came from a family of hunters, though his interest was more into clay-pigeon shooting . The maharaja gained his expertise in this field and eventually represented his country in the olympic games.

A part of Karni Bhawan has been converted into a hotel. Only six rooms are used to accommodate the overflow of tourists from Lal Garh palace, and it has all the modern comforts.