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.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943 – and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.

Rooms & Suites

Guests step into a royal world and lifestyle equipped with luxurious amenities. Each room and suite showcases the Art Deco style with a distinct ambience.

Maharani Suite
The Maharani Suite, originally designed for and graced by Umaid Singhs' Maharani, is aptly dominated by a Norblin mural of the Goddess Kali etched on shining black glass. All in pink, black, chrome and mirror, the suite includes spacious private drawing and dining rooms with an attached kitchenette, a large balcony with a spectacular view of the palace gardens and the Mehrangarh Fort, a dressing room with a wardrobe, and a bath carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble designed by Norblin.

Maharaja Suite
The Maharaja Suite, once Maharaja Umaid Singh's own suite just across the crystal fountain courtyard, exudes an earthy and masculine ambience. It bears murals of leopards from Africa, tigers and horses, and even of the famed Jodhpur sport, pig-sticking by Norblin that are magnificently complemented by flaming torch lamps in chrome, plush Ruhlmann sofas in faux leopard skin and a delightful secret bar in the drawing room.

Royal Suites
Luxurious Art Deco style offering with mirror finished terrazzo and large bedroom and sitting area, overlooking Palace Lawns and fountain courtyard. These are extremely spacious with a living room (area), a bedroom, bathroom, dressing area and a broad balcony. These suites overlook the well-laid out gardens of the palace (in the mornings peacocks strut on the lawns); and in the distance the city and the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a hill. Since the palace is built with a melding of Art Deco and Indian elements, these design styles run through these suites.

Paintings of Marwar/ Jodhpur royalty and nobility adorn the walls and herald a regal welcome for those entering this space. A mock fireplace adds to the sense of drama of these suites.

Regal Suites
The hotels Regal Suites, designed in Art Deco style, were once reserved for visiting royalty. Each suite is different, with subtle underlying themes of a favourite colour or princely passion. These suites have a private sit-out with stunning palace views of the panoramic lawns or courtyards.

Deluxe Rooms
Embellished with Art Deco interiors and equipped with modern conveniences, these rooms meet the expectations of the modern traveller even as they offer a glimpse into a privileged bygone lifestyle.