Weather: 13°C - 25°C
Tags: Forts & Palaces, Heritage, Luxury
Label: Great for Couples
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
- Indians: INR 30
- Foreigners: INR 100
- Children: INR 10
- Room Tariffs: Varies by Suite
Time Required: 3-4 hours
Umaid Bhawan Palace Overview
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an iconic landmark in Jodhpur, renowned for its majestic architecture and rich history. Voted as the Best Hotel in the World, it stands as a prime example of royal grandeur and hospitality. Built in 1943 under the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh, this palace is perched on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Today, it serves as both a royal residence for the Gaj Singh family and a luxury hotel, as well as a fascinating museum showcasing royal memorabilia.
Umaid Bhawan Palace History and Architecture
The palace's construction began in 1929, driven by the need to provide employment to drought-stricken farmers in the region. The palace's design, by architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, blends Western technology with Indian architectural styles, making it a unique fusion of cultures. Constructed slowly over 14 years, the palace's final cost was 11 million rupees at the time.
Built in Beaux-Arts style, the palace features 347 rooms, courtyards, and lavishly designed interiors using golden-yellow sandstone, Makrana marble, and Burmese teak wood. The palace includes luxurious spaces like the throne chamber, banquet hall, swimming pool, and even two squash courts.
Things to Do at Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Heritage Walks: Explore the palace with a guided heritage walk, uncovering tales from Jodhpur’s royal past.
- Museum Tour: The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum displays rich royal memorabilia, including stuffed animals, photographs, clocks, and classic cars of the Maharajas.
- Relaxation and Dining: Enjoy luxurious amenities such as the Jiva Grande Spa, fine dining experiences, and picturesque views of the palace gardens.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace is from October to March, during the winter months when the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and palace tours.
How to Reach Umaid Bhawan Palace
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, located about 5 km from the palace. From the airport, you can easily take a taxi to the palace.
- By Train: Jodhpur Railway Station is well connected to major cities. The palace is approximately 4 km from the station.
- By Road: Jodhpur is well connected by luxury buses, private taxis, and autorickshaws. The main bus stand is about 3 km from the palace.
Once in the city, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are convenient options to reach the palace.
