Introduction

Umaid Bhavan Palace ranks among the well known specimens of Rajput architecture and cultural heritage. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Jodhpur. It is one of the largest private residences of the world and is named by Maharaja Umaid Singh. There are 347 rooms in the Umaid Bhavan Palace. The palace serves as the royal residence of the royal family of Jodhpur.

The Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur was formerly known as the Chittar Palace and is located on the Chittar Hill, which is the highest point in the city. The older building was renovated in the year 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction of the new building concluded in the year 1943.

The Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur is spread over an area of around 26 acres and is surrounded by a sprawling lawn and garden. The palace was designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and is made with a blend of eastern and western architectural styles. The important part of the palace is the magnificent cupola with a blend of Renaissance and Rajput styles. The interior of the palace is decorated with lavish furniture and elegant artwork according to the Art Deco style.

A part of the Umaid Bhavan Palace has now been transformed into a hotel managed by the Taj Group. The palace consists of three parts namely, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, the residence of the royal family, and a public viewing area where there is a museum. The museum stores various artifacts of the royal family.

The Umaid Bhavan Palace is easily accessible. One can also come to Jodhpur from various parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and other places by roadways. The palace is very close to the main city center.