Outside the Hotel

Outside the Hotel

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world - set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh during 1929 - 1942 and named after him, this exquisite palace was also known as Chittar Palace because of the local Chittar sandstone used. It is a splendid example of the Indo-Colonial and Art Deco style of the 1930s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the hand - chiselled sandstone blocks have been put together by a special system of interlocking with no mortar binding.

Besides offering an architectural masterpiece to marvel at, Umaid Bhawan also provides plenty of activities for guests, as well as day excursions to nearby shopping and cultural attractions.

Sports and Activities

Our visiting sporting enthusiasts will find plenty to do here.

Guest can enjoy a game of tennis on our tennis court, followed by a dip in our outdoor pool. Or one can challenge his or her favourite opponent on one of our marble-floored squash courts. Horseback riding or a friendly game of polo can be arranged upon request.

Vintage Car Rides

When one is living the life of a king, there is only one way to explore the surrounding scenery - seated inside a vintage car that was once in the possession of an Indian royal family, a faithful butler at their side.

Architectural marvels, majestic gardens, postcard-perfect landscapes, the vibrant hues of local life - they pass by in a rainbow stream as the butler spills the secrets of each wondrous sight and site. Vintage excursions can be arranged by Palace Services.

Local Shopping

No trip to Jodhpur is quite complete without a visit to the charming bazaars that line its streets.

Throbbing with activity, the Girdikot and Sardar Market is a colourful bazaar near the Clock Tower. Roam the narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling exquisite Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, clay figures of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite Rajasthani silver jewellery. Go happily around in circles, soaking in the sights and sounds of the market - the gems and jewellery haunt, to hunting down local crafts, to rows of fabric, silver jewellery and bangles.

Other shopping options include Sojati Gate, a gift shop full of tie-and-dye saris; Station Road, which carries leather and embroidered shoes and utensils; and Tripolia Bazaar, where one will find local handicrafts and textiles.

Mehrangarh Fort

Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain, and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within have their own magic - the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana contain rich and varied collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles miniature paintings of various schools, folk music, instruments, costumes, furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda temple is among the rarest in India. As you climb up, folk musicians revive the grandeur of a bygone era. An excursion to Mehrangarh Fort can be arranged through Palace Services.