A LIVING HISTORY
THE LAST OF THE GRAND PALACES OF INDIA WITH ENDLESS STORIES WAITING TO BE TOLD
An epitome of Rajasthan's royal heritage perched on Chittar Hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with majestic domes and splendid views of the Blue City of Jodhpur and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.
SYMBOL OF NOBILITY
The grandest of 20th century Rajput palaces, Maharaja Umaid Singh of the Marwar-Rathore Dynasty generously commissioned the palace to give employment to his famine-stricken people. When it opened in 1943, it was considered as one of the largest royal residences in the world.
AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Designed by British architect Henry Lancaster, using interlocked golden Chittar sandstone for the outer structure, the inner architecture is a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Western Art Deco styles designed in Makrana marble and Burmese teak wood. Stefan Norblin, a Polish artist, designed the rooms and painted the exotic frescoes in the Palace.
PADHARO MHARE DESH
...means welcome to my land! A welcome experience that befits the victorious Rajput warrior! Royal Guards hold ornate canopy, sword, trumpets and nagadas (ceremonial drums) complete with a rose petal shower. The fanfare continues with ghoomar dance and langa folk music performances at the central dome, with a toast of champagne.
B(OLD) AND BEAUTIFUL
The 347-room palace hotel in Jodhpur reigns over the lush and expansive 26-acre garden, replete with a throne chamber, Durbar Hall, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining areas, library, two swimming pools, a Jiva Spa, billiards room, four tennis courts, a marble squash court. Peacocks roam freely in the beautiful landscaped garden at the Baradari (marble pavilion)
A DATE WITH HISTORY
The Heritage Walk with the Palace Butler is laden with valour of the Rajput warriors and many captivating stories. Like this one for instance - the gilt furniture that remains unchanged since 1949 was designed by Stefan Norblin, after the original furniture meant for the Palace went down when the ship transporting it to India was torpedoed in 1942.
SERVING THE LEGACY
The war-centred lifestyle of the Rajputana and the limited local ingredients available in the arid region, led to the invention of simple, rustic and flavoursome Marwar cuisine. Risala, meaning 'cavalry' offers signature Marwar dishes from the royal kitchens. Savour the signature Jodhpur Martini at The Trophy Bar, unique for its hunting-theme décor. A 1940's elevator takes you to Sunset Pavilion for a view from the highest dining point in Jodhpur.
PRESERVING THE GLORIOUS PAST
The Palace and the Museum hold a large private collection of the royal family, which includes elegant object d'art, antique clocks, banners gifted by Queen Victoria, murals, trophies and weapons. Visit the vintage car museum for the classic car collection of the Maharajas including the 1927 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce.
The whole experience is built around the core elements of Jodhpur - heritage, folk and culinary art. And every corner has a tale to it!
So the next time you are visiting Jodhpur, stay like royalty at the Umaid Bhawan Palace or perhaps enjoy a romantic dining experience served in a fairy tale setting.
And while you are there, discover something new, something old and share it with us at #UmaidBhawanPalace.