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Umaid Bhawan Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji, Grand Father of the present Maharaja, who had benevolently commissioned a new palace in 1923 to replace Mehrangarh Fort as the symbol of a new Jodhpur and to give employment to the people of Marwar during the period's significant droughts and famines.

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of India's grand palaces and one of the largest private residences in the world – set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

History

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 of construction, the 347-room Umaid Bhawan Palace was finally completed in 1943 – and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

Design

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. The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, one of the world's largest private residences, is a golden-hued desert sandstone monument set amidst acres of verdant gardens. An imitable tribute to art deco, the Palace has in its luxurious fold 64 rooms and suites. Stroll through the private museum, test your skills on the marbled squash courts or enjoy a game of billiards in the paneled recreation room. Take an exhilarating drive through the enchanting city of Jodhpur in a vintage car, accompanied by your royal butler. Stop beneath the starry night sky for a divine grilled feast accompanied by the music of the desert. Finally, experience the art of India's ancient healing wisdom in the romantic new setting of the Taj Spa.

When architect Lanchester designed the Palace, he created not just a royal residence but a pleasure den. There is a billiards room, heated underground and outdoor pool, marble squash courts, tennis courts, and croquet lawns. There's a whispering gallery, turret rooms and terraces with glorious city views, secret rooms yet to be discovered, hidden gardens, and stables. There's the clan museum, a boutique filled with treasures, Jodhpur's royal train, and the Palace garage that boasts an incredible collection of vintage cars, including a Silver Ghost Rolls Royce.

Rooms & Suites

The 22 Palace Rooms offer princely comfort and Art Deco-inspired décor. These rooms still retain antique Furniture belonging to the Royal Family.

24 Historical Suites offer an eclectic mix of Art Deco and Neoclassical themes. The historical suites feature stunning Palace views of the panoramic lawns and courtyards. Royal Suites - 10 A Luxurious Art Deco style, the suites future a large bedroom and sitting area. These rooms overlook the Palace lawns and courtyards.

The 6 Grand Royal Suites are designed in Art Deco style and were once reserved for visiting royalty. Each Suite is different, with subtle underlying and unique themes of a favorite color or princely passion. Maharaja Suite - 1 A much earthier and more masculine mood prevails in Maharaja Umaid Singh's Suite of rooms just across the crystal fountain courtyard.

The Maharani Suite is a pink, black, and chrome suite that was initially designed for, and indeed once graced by Umaid Singhs' Maharani, the beautiful and charismatic Badan Kanwar.

Restaurants & Dining

Dining at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, just like everything else, is a glorious indulgence. Fine restaurants, charming lounges, and a slew of fairytale dining experiences satiate the palate and the spirit.

Risala - This superb restaurant is named and outfitted after Jodhpur's valiant cavalry regiment and their legendary leader -Lt. General H.H. Maharaj Sir Pratap Singhji G.C.B., G.C.S.I., hero of the Battle of Haifa (1918). Artwork evoking the gallantry of the famed Jodhpur Lancers forms a dashing backdrop to the delicious array of Continental and Indian fare and the intoxicating wine list.

Pillars Pillars - The all-day dining restaurant looks out on spectacular views of the city, the sweeping Baradari lawns dotted with dancing peacocks, and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in the distance. There's birdsong at breakfast, stunning sunsets and sundowners in the late evening, and a canopy of stars over the verandah at dinnertime.

The Trophy Bar - This unique watering hole beckons you back to the days when the maharajahs indulge in their favorite sport - hunting. Wildlife trophies, hunting, fishing, pig-sticking memorabilia, and cozy interiors make a wonderful setting to enjoy the fine selection of single malts, wines, liqueurs, and Cuban cigars. If you're up to it, the not-for-the-faint-hearted regiment is also on offer, as is a delightful array of accompanying snacks and finger foods. Sunset Pavilion This is the brainchild of H.H. himself, and his inputs have been incorporated into the look and feel.

The Guests are taken in a 1940s elevator with carved wood interiors, and they go through the "Whispers" gallery to begin their journey. The walls have unique and never before seen picture frames of Royal Family, Hunting Tradition, Vintage Cars, Jodhpur Flying Club, etc. This Umaid Bhawan Palace restaurant is the highest Dining Point in Jodhpur …. Done up with all embellishments and motifs from Jodhpur city.