Introduction

India, especially Rajasthan, is known for its grandeur and the allure of its rich, regal architectural history of palaces. Let’s explore Umaid Bhawan Palace in this article. One of the lasting palaces built before Independence lies southeast of the blue city, Jodhpur. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the city enjoys a delightful climate, with temperatures varying from a cool 7°C to a warm 25°C, making it perfect for exploring the beauty of the magnificent palace.

Although, boasting marvelous Indo-Sarcenic Architecture in golden yellow hues, the Palace is the former royal house of Jodhpur’s former king, Maharaja Umaid Singh. He built the palace in 1943 on Chittar Hill. The palace is now the residence of his grandson, Maharaja Gaj Singh II.

The Regal Architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

Let’s dive deeper into the enriching heritage and spectacular features of the palace.

History of Umaid Bhawan Palace Rajasthan

Let’s talk about when was it built. The origins of Umaid Bhawan Palace date back to the 20th century, when the palace was built in late 1943. A saint’s curse uttered ages ago, he had told a devastating drought that would one day occur at the land of Jodhpur. And so, in the 1920s, the city faced a severe drought and famine for three consecutive years.

In their odd hour, the residents of the village approached their beloved Maharaja, Umaid Singh, for salvation. Being a generous king, he vowed to build a Palace that would bring livelihood to his people. So, in 1929, the foundation of Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur in India was laid, as a symbol of hope in their darkest hour.

Around 2000-3000 workers worked tirelessly, their labor a testament to the maharaja’s unwavering commitment. The Palace was one of the world’s largest royal residences, but after four years of building the home, Maharaja Umaid Singh died.

Following the brief residencies of Umaid Singh and his successors, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, as years passed, he turned the palace into a hotel and museum, breathing new life into his unparalleled home.

Unfolding Architecture Marvels of Palace

The final layout of Umaid Bhawan Palace was designed by Architects Henry Vaughan Lanchester and Budhmal Rai. It was mainly completed in the Indo-Saracenic style under the guidance of chief architects S.S. Jacob and Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.

A golden-yellow sandstone Palace complex is built on 26 acres of land with 15-acre lush green gardens. The sandstone monument features two wings: one a private residence for the Rathore Dynasty’s descendants, where they enjoy a life of luxury and seclusion, and the other, a beautifully converted hotel.

The lush green garden spread over 15 acres of land

Keeping the royal heritage of Rajasthan alive, Umaid Bhawan Palace features an impressive array of opulent spaces, including 347 rooms with several courtyards, a majestic throne chamber, a beautiful banquet hall that can nearly accommodate 300 people, a private meeting hall, a grand Durbar Hall for public audiences, multiple private dining halls, a comprehensive library, a lavish ballroom, a luxurious indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, two exquisite marble squash courts, four tennis courts and long passage-ways.

Maharaja Gaj Singh, affectionately known as ‘Bapji’, stays in a private wing of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which showcases a stunning blend of architectural styles, combining the ornate grandeur of Indo-Saracenic, the timeless elegance of Classical Revival, and the sleek sophistication of Western Art Deco.

Passages connecting gardens to the Palace

A long passage-way with a beautiful array of trees connecting the Palace

The Umaid Bhawan Palace combines Renaissance-inspired domes with majestic Rajput-style towers. Throughout the palace, numerous elements pay homage to Hindu architectural traditions, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage. Its entrance is adorned with the majestic Coat of Arms of the Rathore Royal family, adding a touch of nobility and heritage.

Makrana marble and Burmese teakwood have been prominently used in interiors. Bhawan’s major architectural attraction is the inner sky-blue dome with caricatures, which soars to an impressive 103 feet (31 meters) within and is surmounted by an outer dome reaching 43 feet (13 meters) in height.

Entrance hall of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The entrance hall under the central cupola of Bhawan

J.S. Norblin created astonishing fresco paintings in the east wing of the palace with great precision and fineness. The palace is completely designed in an art-deco style.

Magnificent Venues of the Bhawan

Since reaching the Palace only requires flying to the nearest airport it becomes ideal and beautiful venue for holding events or to get a picturesque scene. These are:

Marwar Hall – a luxurious banquet with elegant furniture and lighting
Rathore Hall – Majestic hall with dazzling chandeliers for grand celebrations
Baradari Lawn- The lawn under the open sky offers a lush green view and the utmost solace. The Lawn is used for wedding or corporate retreat events in a setting of timeless charm.
Fountain Courtyard – An oasis where a grand fountain meets Jharokhas. The venue is used for ultimate cultural events.

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s Royal Wedding

There’s no doubt about the royal ambiance of the old-charm era of India, the moment one steps into Umaid Bhawan Palace. The gorgeous fort has seen many grand events including the famous wedding. On 1 December 2018, Bollywood actress- Desi girl, Priyanka Chopra, and popular sensation American singer, Nick Jonas read the vows under regal embroidery of Jodhpur. The place was slated to serve as the couple’s wedding venue, which is a beautiful blend of Indian and Western architecture.

Jose Villa shoot for Priyanka and Nick’s White Wedding

The duo’s wedding ceremonies stretch across three days with both Hindu and Christian ceremonies taking place. A Mehendi ceremony, a Hindu ceremony, and a Christian ceremony are all held at different locations within the palace. Umaid Bhawan Palace location held a grand reception on the palace’s lawns, with decor of intricate floral arrangements, candles, and traditional Indian elements. The wedding foresaw families, close relatives, and friends of the couples including some known personalities such as celebrities like Parineeti Chopra, The Ambanis, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Hotel

A beautifully converted hotel, out of some part of Bhawan, is kept away from the lavish and imperial lifestyle of royal residents of the palace. There are exuberant tales from the tourists about the hospitality of the Taj Group. The hotel is used by tourists to experience royalty and the luxurious life of the palace, it offers a glimpse of the royal life.

The hotel offers restful slumber in Lavish accommodations, grand dining halls, rejuvenating spas, and wellness sessions. The Hotel consists of 70 rooms and suites. There are many types of suites such as Royal Bedroom Suites, Grand Royal Bedroom Suites, and Maharaja and Maharani Suites.

Each hotel suite is designed in a remarkable Jodhpuri style to embark rich culture and tradition of Jodhpur. Makrana marble is used in Bathroom interiors with blue and white tones.

Royal Bedroom Suite at Indian royal residence turned part hotel

Hotel Rooms and Suites’ of Umaid Bhawan Palace cost starts from ₹37,000-40,000, inclusive of food, accommodation, and wifi. It’s a perfect holiday spot for 1-2 days where people can experience a new world as Taj Holidays offers Romantic evening offers, Spa treatment, and wellness sessions.

Restaurants at Umaid Bhawan

The hotel has two restaurants- Risala and Pillars and a bar- Trophy Bar.

Risala

Risala offers a fine dining experience with authentic Rajasthani Cuisines, Indian, and Continental Cuisines. Its opens from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the morning. It again opens in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM and in the evening from 7:30 PM to 10:30 pm.

Risala- restaurant at Umaid Bhawan in old-world charm style

Pillars

The restaurant offers different multinational and Indian Cuisine. It is an open-air café on a colonnaded terrace with a panoramic view of the Palace Gardens. Its opens from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM and in the evening from 7:30 PM to 10:30 pm.

Pillars, an open air café at Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur

Trophy Bar

An aesthetic sports-themed bar with hunting artifacts, Trophy Bar has a vintage wine collection. Its opens from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Trophy bar- authentic sports-themed bar at Umaid Bhawan

The palace has scenic surroundings and so much to explore and unwind with a stroll through the palace’s lush gardens, with an array of birds, and picturesque fountains, The beautifully manicured green oasis is open to visitors, inviting them to relax, recharge, and capture memorable moments amidst nature’s splendor.

Retreat of Well-Being

J Wellness Circle at Umaid Bhawan practices Indian healing methods enrouting five sacred elements – Water, Air, Fire, Earth, and Ether for rejuvenation of body, mind, and spirit. Guests will discover a wide menu of unique regimens and holistic remedies such as Yoga, meditation, and signature massages.

Some Indian Therapies are practiced that are fit for royalty such as Pehlwan Malish, Pada Mardana, and Champi. Their Signature therapies include Shringaar (bridal experience), Nawab-e-Khaas (regal splendor), Vishraam, Vishuddhi, Chandana, etc. Using fresh and natural ingredients, the Centre provides enriching personal experiences for beauty therapies – Pedicure, Manicure, and facials. The Palace has a large outdoor and indoor pool decorated with Handmade tiles and painted frescos.

Subterranean Zodiac Indoor Pool for Maharaja

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur

The historic Blue City itself has many wonderful things to explore and preserve. The Museum holds a collection and perseverance of extraordinary items and historical references. The Museum has a symbolic flag given by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1877 and magnificent collections. These are:

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Jodhpur

Classic Cars Collection

It features a stunning collection of vintage cars, a pride to Maharaja Umaid Singh’s passion, with beautifully conserved vintage models from the early 20th century that reveal the royal family’s rich history and culture. Vintage Treasures of Cadillac Series 75(1939), Rolls-Royce Phantom II(1934), Austin Martin, V12 Lincoln Continental(1946), and more.

Cutlery Collection

The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum displays personal items of the Maharajas and the royal family’s collection of:

Cutlery
Glassware (plates, wine glasses, etc.)
Porcelain items (crockeries)

Weapon Collection

The Museum is full of a variety of weapons such as swords, armory, and shields of the royal family. There are also some rare guns and pistols from the past carefully preserved in the museum.

Trophies, Clocks, and Paintings Collection

There is a unique collection of royal family trophies such as Tiger skin cushions, elephant feet stools, and many more astonishing pieces. Antique clocks in different shapes and sizes from all over the world preserved by them can be seen here. The museum’s major attraction is its paintings- fresco, royal family portraits, and miniature paintings.

Textile and Royal Wardrobe

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur also features an impressive textile collection, showcasing:

Shawls (made of wool, silk, or cashmere, often embroidered or adorned with precious stones)
Turbans (made of silk, cotton or wool)
Royal garments such as Achkan, Sherwani, Dhoti, Sarees, Lehengas
Mojari

The lavish handwork embroidery on these wearable items, crafted by skilled artisans, is truly breathtaking and a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to reach Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur?
The Palace is well-connected to the city center. It is 10 Km away from Jodhpur City Centre. Bhawan has good transport connectivity, and it can be reached by Auto-Rickshaws, Taxis/Cabs. Jodhpur Railway Station is 4 km away from the palace. Also, the nearest local airport is 5 Km away.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The Museum is best to visit in the Winter season as Jodhpur has the best weather during the winter season. Umaid Bhawan timings for the museum are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm every day except for government holidays.

The Museum entry fees (per person) for nationals:

Kids (5-11 years old) – ₹ 10

Adult – ₹ 30

For Foreign Nationals:

Per person – ₹ 100

Hotels near Umaid Bhawan

There are more than 300 hotels for staying and living in the beautiful heritage of Jodhpur. These hotels provide accommodation with food and ample services such as massage, Spa, free wi-fi, romantic dinner dates, and tour guides to Jodhpur and nearby places. The hotels on the list are: