Umaid Bhawan Palace
The Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh ji, Grand Father of our 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 great droughts and famines.
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 private 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.
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 panelled 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. 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 views of the city, 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.
Dining at the 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. RisalaThis glorious 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, 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.
This unique watering hole beckons you back to the days when the maharajahs would indulge in their favourite sport - hunting. Wildlife trophies, hunting, fishing and pigsticking memorabilia and cosy interiors make a wonderful setting in which 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 special is also on offer as is a delightful array of accompanying snacks and finger foods.
This is brain child of HH himself and his inputs have been incorporated in the look and feel. The Guests are taken in 1940s elevator with carved wood interiors and they make their way through the “Whispers” gallery to begin their journey , The walls have some unique and never before seen picture frames on Royal Family, Hunting Tradition,Vintage Cars, Jodhpur Flying Club etc. The restaurant is the highest Dining Point in Jodhpur …. Done up with all embellishments and motifs from Jodhpur city.
Jiva Grande spa at Umaid Bhawan palace is created under a romantic heritage structure. Spa suite architecturally reflects the glory and heritage of India and offers a serene space for you to retreat and connect within the stillness within .Jiva treatments have been carefully recreated from the fabled lifestyle and culture of Indian Royalty and the healing therapies that embrace Indian spirituality. Using the purest precious essential oils extracted from Indian herbs and pharmacopeias we have created unique Indian aromatherapy massage oil blends. All products including the linen are 100% organic and natural. Healing hands of therapist offer a range of Indian body therapies including signature treatments.
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