Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a monument to Jodhpur’s gallantry and romance. Built between 1929 and 1943, this grand yellow sandstone palace spreads over 26 acres of gardens, making it one of the largest private residences in the world. The foundations of the Palace building were carried out on November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh ji and the construction work was completed in 1943. Perched high on Chitter Hill above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India. This palace is a stunning piece of Rajasthan's heritage offering exotic views of Mehrangarh Fort to visitors with a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and royal grandeur of Rajasthan.

Featuring Art Deco and Renaissance designs this unique Champagne Museum walk invites guests to admire the fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian antiques. The golden monument of Umaid Palace carved out of desert sandstone, was designed by the famed Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Locals of Jodhpur city also called Umaid Bhawan Palace as Chittar Palace Jodhpur. 

This stunning palace is now divided into two parts. One wing of the Umaid Bhawan Palace is owned by the grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh, Maharaja Gaj Singh who still lives here with his family. The other wing of the palace now runs as a heritage hotel by The Taj Group of Hotels. A part of the palace is a museum that is open to the public. The Umaid Bhawan Palace has operated as a heritage hotel since 1972, with Taj Hotels arriving in 2005.

At Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur the first thing you experience is the royal welcome. Ceremonial drums, red carpet, rose petals, and a glass of Champagne under the 105-foot cupola. The majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers of the building draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. This opulent heritage hotel has commanding views over the fabled Blue City of Jodhpur, vast sand dunes, and the imperious Mehrangarh Fort within the beautifully landscaped gardens. Guests can savor the grandeur of one of the world’s most spectacular palace hotels with a choice of 70 luxurious rooms and suites. Spacious air-conditioned rooms and suites were designed for royalty, all bathrooms have a bathtub. Indulge in a royal stay at Art-Deco rooms and suites offering exclusive butler services. The palace hotel has 28 palace rooms and 42 suites (24 historical suites, ten royal suites, six grand royal suites, one Maharaja suite, and one Maharani suite), most with garden views.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace has two swimming pools - indoor and outdoor and guests can enjoy pampering treatments at Jiva Spa which offers traditional Indian beauty therapies, as well as hot tubs and steam rooms. For health-conscious travelers, a yoga studio, gym, and tennis courts are available within the hotel premises. The hotel offers many dining options, Risala serves Continental and Indian fusion cuisine, while Pillars serves Rajasthani meals. Drinks can be enjoyed at The Trophy Bar. For a taste of the local flavors, visitors have the option to explore the city in a vintage car drive accompanied by their royal butler or go further afield to dine under the starry night sky in the Thar Desert. This heritage luxury hotel has tennis and squash courts, and a billiards room. 

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is popular for its location, architecture as well as historical heritage. It is just a 15-minute drive from Jodhpur Airport and 2.4 km away from Jodhpur Railway Station. The local attractions of Jodhpur city like Clock Tower Market, Mehrangarh Fort, and Jaswant Thada monument are within 9 km away from this luxury hotel. A trip to Umaid Bhawan Place will take you back to the olden days, reminiscing the grand life of Rajasthani rulers. The Palace is considered the most elegant and stunning architecture in the world and among the most lavish heritage hotels in India.

Discover the rich history of a palace that has enjoyed the actual royal company, and stroll through the lush, landscaped Baradari Lawns. This palace hotel is perfect for those who have always envisioned a fairy tale wedding. Come to Jodhpur and experience true luxury as the royals did.

If you are looking for a royal trip to Jodhpur or other parts of Rajasthan and India, connect today with Bout India and get a fully custom travel itinerary as per your wishes. Bout India is a locally Jaipur-based travel agency in Rajasthan, India. All our destination experts have extensive knowledge and craft trips with all minute details which helps them to create a perfect travel plan. Book your next trip to India with us and experience the true authenticity of India.