The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the well-known palaces that were built between 1928 and 1943. This palace is thought to have been built of majestic yellow sandstone and sprawled across 26 acres of garden, making it one of the world’s largest private dwellings for all travellers.
This location features two swimming pools and soothing therapies at Jiva Grand Spa. It has an art Deco and Renaissance design. Not only that, but it also offers roomy, air-conditioned suites that were created especially for royalty, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and, last but not least, spa bath services.
The amenities in this stunning palace of Jodhpur also include a pillow menu, a well-stocked minibar, and molten brown toiletries. The museum in this location houses a sizable collection of weapons, a banner sent by Queen Victoria, and wonderful clocks that provide in-depth details about Rajasthan’s royal history.
History Of Umaid Bhawan Palace
The Umaid Bhawan Palace has been transformed into a five-star luxury heritage hotel. Since it was built on Chittar Hill, Jodhpur’s highest point, Umaid Bhawan Palace was initially known as Chittar Palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh ploughed the first excavation for the building’s foundation in 1929, and the construction project was finished in 1943.
During the famine, the Palace was constructed to give thousands of people work. One of the truly lovely hotels in Jaipur is the Umaid Bhawan. It is situated in the Jantar Mantar neighbourhood, adjacent to the airport, railroad station, and bus stop. The hotel includes private balconies, terraces, and courtyards that give off a tranquil atmosphere.
You can get a great perspective of the city on Chittar Hill, where Umaid Bhawan is ideally situated. The art deco design is used throughout the palace’s interiors. For the visitors’ enjoyment, puppet performances and other cultural events are planned in the courtyards. The entire palace contains 347 rooms and is spread out over 26 acres.
The Architecture Of Umaid Bhawan Palace
In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent example of extraordinary architecture. Additionally, it is now a five-star luxury hotel where guests may enjoy a regal stay with all contemporary luxuries. The royal mansion, which may cover up to 26 acres of land, is 110 feet tall and features opulent rooms that capture the essence of a wealthy bygone age.
The regal palace is made up of beautiful royal antiques, lofty ceilings, marble hallways, treasure chests, green velvet lawns, hunting trophies, and courtyards. Maples of London originally designed the Art Deco-inspired interiors of the palace, but in 1942, Germans sank the ship transporting the materials to Bombay.
Then, Maharaja Umed Singh himself acquired the services of a polished artist named Stefan Norblin, an experienced interior decorator conversing with the Art Deco movement. Here, Stefan’s exquisitely crafted paintings and furnishings are still in good condition. It is the final royal building in India.
In addition, out of the whole 26 acres of land, 15 acres are made up of expansive gardens, the building’s central cupola, a ballroom, a library, an indoor swimming pool, a billiards room, 4 tennis courts, a 105-foot Darbar auditorium for audiences, a nursery, a marble pavilion, garages for parking 20 cars, and two marble squash courts.
The enormous mansion is also home to a distinctive clock tower, a Durbar hall for public gatherings, an Edwardian drawing room, a banquet, a cinema theatre, a secluded area for women, and a pool room. The Maharaos of Kotah eagerly anticipated Umaid Bhawan throughout its building because they had previously resided in a modest fort within the same city.
The Umaid Bhawan Heritage Hotel
There are twenty-five rooms in all, including luxury rooms and royal suites, at the Umaid Bhawan heritage hotel. The rooms offer adjoining bathrooms with hot and cold running water and other deluxe facilities. The hotel’s interiors showcase Rajasthani decor and architecture that is incredibly original.
Additional conveniences for visitors include internet access and money exchange services. Other activities available to guests include swimming in the on-site pool or playing chess and badminton indoors and outside. Henry V. Lanchester, a renowned architect, is credited with creating this breathtakingly gorgeous structure.
This palace’s interior design and royal-style decoration vary from room to room. The Throne Room, which features Ramayana murals, the library, and the museum, which features a range of royal artefacts like a flag given by Queen Victoria, weaponry, paintings, etc., are among Umaid Bhawan’s additional attractions.
Also read: Where to Eat in Jodhpur: A Foodie’s Guide
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- Elegant Cutlery: This museum holds a special collection of the royal family’s dining ware. You’ll see beautiful glass and porcelain plates, wine glasses, and more.
- Rich Paintings: Admire photographs and miniature paintings that tell stories of the royal family, mythology, and significant events. The walls are also adorned with artistic murals.
- Historic Weapons: Explore a collection of swords, shields, and rare medieval guns and pistols, showcasing the royal family’s armory.
- Exquisite Textiles: Marvel at the royal wardrobe, including shawls and turbans, known for their intricate embroidery.
- Unique Trophies: The trophy bar displays interesting items like elephant feet stools and tiger skin cushions, along with a significant flag from Queen Victoria.
- Vintage Clocks: The museum boasts a variety of antique and decorative clocks from around the globe, each with its unique charm.
- Classic Cars: Don’t miss the vintage car collection, featuring luxury models from Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, and others.
More to Enjoy at Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Stunning Architecture: The palace is a prime example of Indo-Deco architecture. Take a guided tour to appreciate its beauty, from carvings to the grand staircase.
- Lush Gardens: Enjoy the serene palace gardens, a perfect spot for bird watching or relaxing by the fountains.
- Royal Stay: Experience royal hospitality at the Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel, offering luxurious dining, spa treatments, and a blend of modern amenities with traditional elegance.
EntryDetails
- Museum Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, except on public holidays.
- Admission Fees: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children (5-11 years), and ₹100 for foreign visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Season: Winter, from November to February, is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather for exploration.
Time Needed for Exploration
- Duration: Allocate about 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the museum and its collections.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring water, hats, and sunglasses.
- Don’t forget your camera.
- Consider hiring a guide for a more informative experience.
How To Reach Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace
The Umaid Bhawan Museum has located approximately 10 km from the centre of Jodhpur City and roughly 5 km from the old town area. It is also about 4-5 km away from key transportation hubs in Jodhpur, including the railway station, bus stand, and airport. For international travellers, the closest international airports are in Jaipur, about 340 km away, and Delhi, which is approximately 630 km away.
Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport, 3 km away.
- Cities Connected: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Udaipur.
- Airlines: Indian Airlines connects Jodhpur with Delhi and Mumbai, including stops for some flights. Vayudoot also serves Jodhpur.
- Flight Information: For flight schedules, check online.
Rail:
- Nearest Railway Station: Jodhpur Station, 5 km away.
- Connectivity: Jodhpur is well-linked by train to major cities across India.
- Key Routes: Superfast express trains run between Delhi-Jodhpur and Ahmedabad-Jodhpur.
- Train Information: For train schedules, check online.
Road:
- Bus Services: Rajasthan State Roadways buses connect Jodhpur with other cities in Rajasthan from the Raika Bagh bus stand.
- Private Buses: Available to Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ajmer, Mt. Abu, and Jaisalmer.
- Luxury Buses: Both RSTC and private luxury buses offer routes to and from Jodhpur.
Local Transport:
- Main Bus Stand: 3 km from the city centre.
- Options for City Commute: Government buses, private luxury buses, and cars.
- Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Easily available, especially near the railway station. Auto-rickshaws are recommended for navigating narrow city lanes.
- Bicycles: An enjoyable way to explore Jodhpur at your own pace.
Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace is accessible through various modes of transport, offering convenience for travellers. Whether by air, rail, or road, reaching this iconic palace is straightforward. For local travel within Jodhpur, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bicycles provide flexible options to explore the city’s rich heritage.
Travel Advice For Umaid Bhawan Palace
- You may hire a guide when you’re in Jodhpur and have a well-informed tour of the palace. You can also find speaking guides in Hindi and English to find the necessary information.
- Visiting the museum’s collections of royal cars, antique clocks of various types, and images of various palace interiors.
- Finding the many trophy bars that include fishing gear, a stool with elephant feet, and pillows made of tiger skin.
- Seeing peacocks while strolling across the yard would be a great idea.
- Photography is permitted in this area. Consequently, remember to bring your cameras.
- Keep an eye out for the Polish artist’s Ramayana painting.
- If your budget doesn’t allow it, consider spending just one day there and dining in the palace while enjoying a romantic supper with a customised menu, first-class service, and a fairy tale backdrop.
When To Travel There
The palace is open seven days a week and is air-conditioned, making it an ideal destination even on hot days. However, November to March is the most enjoyable time to visit Jodhpur because of the milder weather. Making a reservation at one of the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel’s restaurants will grant you admission to the restaurant portion of the property but not the museum portion if you wish to see the palace in person.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Umaid Bhawan Palace exemplifies the generous character of Maharaja Umaid Singh. He invested millions of rupees in creating an architectural wonder and providing struggling farmers with work. A visit to the palace provides us with a glimpse of the past and the majesty of brave Maharajas. For generations to come, the Golden Yellow Sandstone building will remain standing.
For more information, visit Rajasthan:
- Top 10 Destinations to See Rajasthan in March 2023
- 5 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Banswara
- Top 10 Famous Destinations to See in Jhalawar
- 5 Most Popular Places to Visit in Nagaur
- Top 7 Haunted Places in Rajasthan
- Rajasthan’s 10 Famous Historical Places to Visit
- 5 Places to See in Nathdwara, Rajasthan
