Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur – Museum, Timings & Ticket Price

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

• The Maharaja Suite, once the personal quarters of the Maharaja, features a magnificent bedroom, spacious living area, and dining space. It also includes an in-room spa and steam room.
• The Maharani Suite, adorned with a bathtub fashioned from a single piece of pink marble, exudes imperial beauty.

Dining

Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights:​

• Risala: Serves traditional Rajasthani and Indian cuisine prepared from recipes passed down through centuries.​
• Pillars: An open-air café serving European favorites, ideal for a leisurely eating experience.

Amenities & Experiences

The palace ensures a memorable stay with:​

• A subterranean Zodiac Pool.​
• A state-of-the-art spa and wellness center.​
• Tennis and squash courts.​
• Curated heritage walks and cultural performances .​

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 and precision.

Historic Photographs

A particular gallery at the museum features black-and-white images of the palace’s construction (1929-1943). Images of workmen laying sandstone, British architect Henry Lanchester’s blueprints, and royal family pictures provide an intimate glimpse into the past.

Wooden Model of Umaid Bhawan Palace

Visitors can admire the symmetry, scale, and architectural brilliance of the complete Umaid Bhawan Palace from a bird’s-eye perspective through one of the museum’s most popular exhibitions, which features a precise wooden scale model.

Leopard Statue

The museum houses a magnificently carved leopard statue made of brass or bronze, which represents the Jodhpur royals’ valor and hunting traditions. It’s a popular photo location for visitors, reflecting power, grace, and the bond between monarchy and the wild.

Oriental Room & Ramayana Paintings

The Oriental Room is one of the museum’s most magnificent areas, with Eastern-inspired décor and a tranquil atmosphere. The walls are covered in murals from the Ramayana, depicting the stories of Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana in vivid hues and detailed design. The combination of legend and excellent artwork in this chamber provides a very cultural depth to the museum.

Vintage Car Gallery

Outside the museum, the Vintage Car Museum draws visitors, a treat for automobile lovers. This open-air section displays classic cars once owned by the royal family, including

• Rolls Royce Phantom
• Cadillac convertible
• Buick
• And other rare luxury models from the early 20th century

Each car is properly maintained and reflects the royal family’s appreciation of grandeur and innovation.

Unlike other museums, the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum allows visitors to experience royal life in a setting that is still partially occupied by the current royal family. It’s an ideal destination for individuals who value architecture, history, and regal grandeur all in one location.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Timings

The Umaid Bhawan timings are from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 

Umaid Bhawan Palace Ticket Price

The Umaid Bhawan Palace ticket price for Indians is 60 rs.
The Umaid Bhawan Museum tickets for Indian students are 30 rs.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace entry fee for foreigners is 200 rs.
The ticket price for foreign students is 100 rs.

Best Time to Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur

The ideal time to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.

How to reach Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace is easily accessible from anywhere in Jodhpur, located just 3–4 km from the city center. Whether you’re staying near the clock tower, Sardarpura, or anywhere in the Blue City, visitors can reach it via auto-rickshaws, cabs, or bike rentals. 

Conclusion

Umaid Bhawan Palace is more than just a royal house; it’s an experience in regal splendor, ageless architecture, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you visit the museum or stay in a luxurious hotel, this palace will leave an impression. It’s a must-see attraction on your Jodhpur itinerary!