Umaid Bhawan Palace, located on Jodhpur’s highest point, Chittar Hill, is a beautiful blend of heritage, elegance, and regal lineage. As one of the world’s largest private houses, the palace is a symbol of Rajasthan’s regal history and architectural excellence. The palace, commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in the early twentieth century, was designed not just as a royal dwelling but also as a beacon of hope in a time of severe drought and starvation. Today, it proudly stands as a multifaceted marvel, containing a museum, a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group, and the Jodhpur royal family’s home. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of great architecture, or a luxury tourist, Umaid Bhawan Palace provides a timeless experience infused with culture and elegance. Umaid Bhawan Palace History Maharaja Umaid Singh commissioned the Umaid Bhawan Palace in 1929 to combat the effects of a terrible famine in Jodhpur. Thousands of residents were unemployed as a result of the long drought, and the palace project was undertaken to provide a source of income and hope. The construction employed over 3,000 men and took 15 years to complete, culminating in 1943. British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester designed the palace, which is a beautiful mix of Indo-Deco and Art-Deco architectural styles. It was built using golden-yellow sandstone and is now one of the world’s largest private mansions. Umaid Bhawan Palace, named after the Maharaja himself, now serves three purposes: as the royal family’s palace, a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group, and a public museum. It is still more than just a palace; it is a potent representation of architectural magnificence and royal kindness. Detail Information Location Chittar Hill, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Founded By Maharaja Umaid Singh Year of Construction 1929 – 1943 Architecture Style Indo-Deco (Blend of Indian and Art Deco styles) Current Owner Maharaja Gaj Singh II Managed By (Hotel Section) Taj Hotels Sections of the Palace 1. Royal Residence 2. Taj Heritage Hotel 3. Museum Museum Timings 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (All days open) Museum Entry Fee ₹60 (Indian), ₹200 (Foreigners), Time Required for Museum Tour Approx. 1 to 2 hours Famous Attractions Vintage Car Gallery, Royal Artifacts, Ramayana Paintings, Palace Model, Oriental Room Famous Wedding Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas (2018) Architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace’s architecture is a stunning combination of Indo-Deco, Art Deco, and Classical Revival styles, making it one of India’s most unusual palaces. The palace was designed by renowned British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, who combined Indian regal aesthetics with Western modernism. The palace, built of golden-yellow sandstone, is renowned for its towering construction, crisp lines, and majestic symmetry. The most noticeable feature is the central dome, which stands 105 feet tall and is heavily influenced by Renaissance and Rajput architecture. The palace has marble floors, elegant stairs, towering ceilings, and beautifully adorned interiors. The layout consists of 347 rooms, expansive courtyards, banquet halls, and gorgeous gardens. Inside, you’ll find beautiful carvings, vintage furnishings, and Art Deco features that lend the space a timeless charm. Umaid Bhawan Palace, built with a perfect balance of heritage and modernity, is a remarkable example of India’s 20th-century royal architecture. Residence of Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur One of the most intriguing elements about Umaid Bhawan Palace is that the Jodhpur royal family still uses it as their private residence. The palace was originally built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, and a section of it is still occupied by his successors, including Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the current Umaid Bhawan Palace owner. This exclusive section of the palace is closed to the public to protect the family’s privacy and royal traditions. Despite the contemporary world outside, this section of the palace retains the regal lifestyle, ideals, and traditions of Rajasthan’s royal lineage. The presence of a living royal family lends a certain charm to Umaid Bhawan Palace, setting it apart from many other cultural monuments. Visitors frequently find it amazing that a palace of this size continues to function not just as a hotel and museum, but also as a legitimate royal residence. Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Nestled atop Chittar Hill, the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur provides visitors with an unsurpassed royal luxury experience. This heritage hotel, managed by the Taj Group, is nestled amidst 26 acres of lush grounds and serves as the Jodhpur royal family’s primary residence. Accommodation The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur has 70 Art Deco-style rooms and suites, each exuding luxury and outfitted with modern conveniences. Notable accommodations include Dining Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights:​ Amenities & Experiences The palace ensures a memorable stay with:​ A Venue for Grand Celebrations The palace’s grandeur makes it a popular setting for grandiose occasions. Notably, celebrities Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas chose it for their wedding, demonstrating its suitability for fairytale celebrations. Umaid Bhawan Museum The Umaid Bhawan Museum, located within the stately Umaid Bhawan Palace complex, provides visitors with an intriguing peek into the royal legacy of Jodhpur’s Rathore dynasty. They located it in a portion of the palace and displayed a diverse variety of antiquities, vintage souvenirs, and glimpses into the princely lifestyle that previously existed within these walls. Royal Crockery Collection The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum houses a collection of excellent tableware originally used by the royal family. These include porcelain plates, tea sets, and glassware with exquisite floral designs and imperial emblems. Each piece conveys a story about exquisite taste and lavish royal banquets. Vintage Furniture Beautiful Art Deco pieces that resemble the palace’s own design are on display in the furnishings department. Maharaja Umaid Singh and his family will use polished hardwood cupboards, beautiful chairs, and classic writing tables, all of which are meticulously made with luxury in mind. Clocks and Watches The museum exhibits an impressive collection of vintage timepieces, ranging from brass and silver pocket watches to ornate wall clocks. Many people brought these from Europe and used them as prestige symbols, demonstrating the king’s appreciation for technology