Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, India is one of India's most imposing and recent palaces. Umaid Bhavan palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is named after him only. He utilized the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the construction of this palace. It contains three hundred and forty seven rooms.

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built for the welfare of the people. The purpose was to give employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long period of drought and famine. The construction of the palace utilized approximately one million square feet (90,000 m²). Another special feature of the palace is the use of a special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, giving it a special appearance. Umaid Bhavan palace of Jodhpur is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Over three thousand artisans were employed in the construction of this palace.

The Umaid Bhavan palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1977. The Palace is now segmented into the Royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and the Museum. In a part of the palace the royal family of Jodhpur still lives. In another part of the palace is a well-maintained museum. India's Umaid Bhavan palace has an amazing Central Rotunda, the cupola rising to a hundred and five feet high. There is also the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals, a library, a private museum, an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts.

Jodhpur Tourism

Jodhpur Tourism Popularly known as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur has a bluish landscape and is noted for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Jodhpur and is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Encircled with seven strong gates, Mehrangarh Fort showcases an antique collection of paintings, armours, palanquins, treasure, turbans and folk musical instruments. Jaswant Thada is another delight in Jodhpur. This white-marbled marvel is a memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, built by his son in 1899. Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers and is also a notable architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Another epitome of inspiring architecture is Umaid Bhavan Palace, which has now turned into a five-star hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels and Resorts. Balsamand Lake and Kaylana Lake are amongst the most relaxing spots of the city, bestowed with awe-inspiring views and serenity. Gangaur Festival is an important festival of Udaipur, which is celebrated by women for a blissful marital life. If you want to know more about Jodhpur, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Jodhpur travel guide.