Walk in the footsteps of Jodhpur’s royalty at the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Originally built as a home for the maharajas, today the palace is a royal residence, upscale hotel and museum. See collections of regal memorabilia, splurge on a suite fit for a king and dine on delicious Rajasthani cuisine. Famed British architect Henry Lancaster designed Umaid Bhawan Palace in 1929 for Maharaja Umaid Singh.
The palace’s luxuriousness is instantly noticeable as you approach its main entrance. Take time to admire the Renaissance-style dome and Rajput towers that adorn the palace’s golden-hued façade. Look inside the main entrance to see an elegant circular reception hall, dominated by a gleaming marble floor and an impressive copula. The hall leads to the palace’s 347 rooms, many of which are the living quarters of the present maharaja.
Go to the palace’s museum, where collections of artifacts highlight the extravagant lifestyle of the maharajas. See displays of art deco furniture, antique clocks, dining sets, stuffed leopards and weapons, among other items. Check out the portrait gallery, photos of the palace’s interior and scale models. Don’t miss the showroom of vintage cars.
If you feel like experiencing the palace from the inside, stay overnight in one of the 64 sumptuous rooms and suites. They come decorated in gilded ornamentation and artwork by Polish artist Stefan Norblin. You’ll even have a private butler at your service. Unwind in the spa, play a game of squash on a marble court and sample Rajasthani food at the restaurants or your own private dining hall.
Umaid Bhawan Palace sits on a hilltop amid lush gardens on the outskirts of Jodhpur. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur’s city centre. Get here conveniently via one of the city’s affordable auto-rickshaws and taxis.
The palace museum is open daily and has an admission fee. Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace’s official website for information about room rates, services and restaurant opening times. Access to the hotel is for guests only.
