Umaid Bhawan Palace

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The Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, near the Thar Desert is another piece of royal architecture of Rajasthan. Built between 1928 and 1943 by Maharaja Umaid Singh this palace was designed by architect Henry Vaughan Lancaster, a scholarly equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of Rashtrapati Bhawan) and the then president of the British Royal Institute of Architects.

Completed in 16 years, this grandeur was India's last palace and the biggest private residence in the world. Only palace to have paintings from the Ramayana, painted by a Polish artist, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is also the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators.

“ It was all my pleasure that I got an oppurtunity to resort to one of the best hotels of India. Only few people in the world get this chance and I am amongst them. It feels nice” said Shiraj Siddiqqui who came for Rajasthan expedition in the year 2004.


The remarkable palace houses a throne room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; an wood-paneled library, a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts. A spectacular Central building where (105 feet high), the display of weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible collection of clocks in the museum, are all things to watch in this human incarnation of life.

The Palace is a splendid example of the Indo-Colonial and the art-deco style of the thirties. Now a part of Welcomgroup (renowned hotelier), the hotel is a sweet royal retreat.

Surprisingly, the thing about this grandiose palace is that it was built so close to Independence, (of course with a huge amount of wealth invested), after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances became a thing of the past. The Umaid Bhawan is also a must visit in the tourist map of Rajasthan.

Heritage Hotel
With a choice of 94 rooms and suites plus each room appointed with the furniture originally created for the Palace, the Hotel is one of the most exotic.

Besides the Regal suites, originally used by the Maharaja and his Maharani there are guestrooms. A musical fountain made entirely by English crystals adds to the beauty of the foyer which leads to the extravagant suites. The gracious hospitality, homely service and old retainers are plus points of the Hotel. The hotel provides village safari and houses a museum hall besides the basic amenities needed in any top-notch hotel.

“ No other heritage hotel could be as best as this. The rooms were expensive. In Indian rupees it was 24000 per day but I still think I had a worth of money. What I experienced there was something which was so different.” added Shiraj


Jaswant Thada
Constructed in 1899 AD, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This architectural landmark in Jodhpur is truly a piece in itself with its intricately carved façade


You would collect innumerable memories from this place as it would actually make you understand what luxury is all about. You would be able to experience royality amidst the concrete bricks of the palace.

“ I just loved to stay here. It was a great experience on my side that I resorted to one of the most popular resorts of India. Truly magnificent” ended Shiraj Siddiqui an avid explorer from Middle East.


Getting There
Air : Jodhpur has its own airport, which receives flights from major cities of India.
Rail : Jodhpur is on the Western Railway's broad-gauge network and is linked to various centers in the region by express and passenger trains.
Road : Jodhpur is well connected by luxury and deluxe coachers, overnight connections. Several coach operators run buses between Jodhpur and other major centers in the regions.

Where to Stay : Jodhpur hotels
Excursion :Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur.

Many thanks to Shiraj Siddiqqui , who shared his experience with us.