Umaid Bhawan Palace : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most amazing palaces in India. It is located in Jodhpur, a city in Rajasthan, and has an interesting blend of traditional and modern architecture. It is also one of the largest private residences in the world, and has been home to the former rulers of Jodhpur. It is now owned by the Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur who has opened parts of the palace to visitors. In this blog post, we will explore the interesting facts, information and travel guide of this majestic palace. Discover why it has become a popular tourist destination, the history behind the palace and the various activities you can take part in while visiting.

Interesting Facts About Umaid Bhawan Palace

1. The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built over the course of 15 years from 1928 to 1943.

2. The palace was designed by the British architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester.

3. The palace is one of the largest private residences in the world, with 347 rooms and covering over 26 acres of land.

4. The palace was commissioned by then-Maharaja Umaid Singh, both to provide employment during a period of drought and famine and to use the likeness of his father to create something even more magnificent than the then-largest in India, the Taj Mahal.

5. One of the more unique features of the palace is the use of Jaipur pink stone in its design, which provides a stunning pink-toned hue to the exterior.

6. The palace features its own power-plant and was one of the first buildings in contemporary India to feature fully-integrated air-conditioning.

7. The palace is currently the home of the royal family, and a portion of the palace is open for the public to visit while the remainder is secured.

8. The palace offers a plethora of activities including a spa, polo, billiards, squash, tennis, and riding.

9. Inside the palace there is an impressive Thikana, or equestrian hall, for feasts and gatherings that was at one time the largest in India and can accommodate almost 500 guests.

10. In addition to its permanent residence, the palace also offers accommodation and hospitality services and was once host to the Rolling Stones and the King of Bahrain.

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History & Information About Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a grand residence built in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to be the residence of the current royal family of Jodhpur. It is also famous for being the world’s sixth-largest private residence. The palace was built between 1928 and 1943 by Maharaja Umaid Singh in order to provide employment to people during a time of famine. Its off-yellow sandstone facade glows in the moonlight and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Chittar palace’due to the use of local stone in its construction.

The palace was named after the Maharaja’s father, Umaid Singh, and was designed by the renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester. The palace consists of 347 rooms and is divided into three major sections: the residential section, a luxurious spa and a museum. The museum, named the Maharaja Umaid Singh Museum, has a collection of royal items from the Jodhpur State including paintings, furniture, weapons, and even a World War II fighter plane.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a major tourist attraction and is also used as a location for events such as art exhibitions, annual festivals, and corporate seminars. It also houses a luxury hotel, managed by the Taj group of hotels, which offers a variety of accommodation to its guests. From the top of the palace’s towers, the whole city of Jodhpur can be seen along with the magnificent Mehrangarh fort.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Umaid Bhawan Palace

1. Where to Stay:

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a five star luxurious hotel located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is owned by the Maharaja Gaj Singh II and has been voted the World’s Best Hotel in 2017 by the Travel + Leisure US World’s Best Awards. You can book a stay at the resort and relish in the extravagance of the life of the royals. It also has five restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool, and an indoor spa.

2. What to See:

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an architectural wonder and a must-see. It is an impressive structure, built with marble and sandstone and has a fort-like look. The palace has many interesting features including the Mughal-style, art deco interiors and an amazing collection of Rajasthani paintings. The palace also has one of the world’s largest private reserves – the Umaid Heritage Reserve. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Jodhpur cityscape.

3. Where to Eat:

Umaid Bhawan Palace offers a range of cuisines and restaurants. There is the Risala that specialises in Rajasthani and Indian dishes. Another popular restaurant is the Rajput Room, known for its Northern Indian and Mughal dishes. The Umaid Palace restaurant offers a range of European and global dishes. For those looking for something lighter, there is the Baradari Café which offers a fine selection of light snacks.

4. What to Buy:

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is renowned for its collection of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, artifacts, furniture and jewelry. The palace also houses a luxurious retail centre which stocks high-end apparel, home décor items, and accessories.

5. What to Do:

There is plenty of stuff to do during your stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. You can shop at the palace boutique and explore the palace grounds. The palace also houses an art gallery, a yoga studio, a swimming pool, a spa and a health club. You can also take a guided tour of the palace or simply go on a relaxed stroll through the gardens.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Umaid Bhawan Palace

Q: Where is the Umaid Bhawan Palace located?
A: The Umaid Bhawan Palace is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Q: How can I get to the Umaid Bhawan Palace?
A: Umaid Bhawan Palace is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or car from Jodhpur airport.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to the Umaid Bhawan Palace?
A: Yes, there is a nominal fee of 250 INR for Indians and 1,000 INR for Foreigners.

Q: What is the best time to visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace?
A: October to March is a good time to visit the Palace, as the temperatures are mild during this time.

Q: Does the Umaid Bhawan Palace offer guided tours?
A: Yes, guided tours of the Umaid Bhawan Palace are available, which include information about the history and culture of the Palace.

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