The stunning Umaid Bhawan Palace, was built in the early 20th-century with a purpose; to give employment to the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s famine stricken populace and to build a landmark in Jodhpur. Today, Umaid Bhawan is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. And, though the Maharajah, still has his own private wing and grounds, the rest of the imposing royal residence is turned into a luxury hotel. You can now enjoy the luxuries once exclusive for the royals.
There are 74 rooms and suites at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. The Royal Suites have private sit outs with spectacular views of the Baradari Lawns or the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. All the Royal Suites are luxuriously decorated in Art Deco style and include large sitting areas, overlooking the palace lawns and the fountain courtyard. Some feature spa therapy rooms and baths carved out of single pieces of pink Italian marble.
The Umed Bhawan palace has three main restaurants. Risala, offers an exquisite a la carte menú, The Pillars is an open-air cafe and the Trophy Bar. Take a tour of the on-site museum, filled with photos and memorabilia cataloguing the bejeweled lives of Jodhpur’s elite. Facilities include a huge swimming pool, a health club and spa. One day take an exhilarating drive through the city of Jodhpur in the hotel’s vintage car.
Stay Umaid Bhawan Palace has 74 sizable rooms with round the clock butler service. The high-ceilinged rooms and suites are lavishly furnished in Art Deco style with king-size beds and picturesque views. These range from lead in Palace Rooms to Historic Suites the overlook the lawns or courtyard. Some deluxe suites come with balconies that are ideal for breakfast or drinks in the evening. The lavish Maharaja and Maharani Suites, are enormous, or rather too enormous for most tastes.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace but there are no specific facilities available for them at the hotel. Babysitting service can be arranged on request.
Dine The Umed Bhawan palace has three main restaurants. Risala, meaning "cavalry", restaurant with spectacular views of the garden and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, serves Continental and Indian cuisines. The Pillars, the charming open-air cafe offers a perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacks and serves a wide selection of pre-plated meals and teatime delicacies. And the Trophy Bar is perfect to unwind if you don’t mind looking at elephant tusks, buffalo horns and tiger heads displayed alongside photos of the hunt.
Relax Not-to-be-missed during your stay at the Umed Bhawan palace is the experience of the Jiva Grand Spa. It offers an array of treatments using essential oils extracted from Indian herbs once used for the maharajas and maharanis. Try traditional Indian treatments such as the ancient art of Indian cupping (heat in glass cups used as a vacuum on the skin) or an Indian head massage for deep relaxation. The palace also has a swimming pool and squash courts.
Experience Umaid Bhawan Palace was built to be a prominent landmark in Jodhpur and it remains today a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage and a symbol of new Jodhpur. It is home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence. Join the hotel’s insightful and entertaining walk around the palace. Also visit the museum and a collection of vintage cars.
Oct-Mar
32°C
JDH
GMT+ 5.3
Indian Rupees (INR)
Location Taj Umed Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India located just outside Jodhpur. Set amidst 26 acres of beautiful gardens, this magnificent sandstone edifice is an epitome of luxury and elegance.
Getting There Most major airlines fly to India’s main airports. Delhi is the best point of arrival for Rajasthan and north India. Jodhpur Airport (JDH) is a small facility that is serviced only by domestic flights. There are regular scheduled flights between Jodhpur and Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Udaipur. Umed Bhawan Palace is a 40-minute drive from the Jodhpur airport.
When to go Rajasthan, the desert state of India is largely hot but unlike the rest of India, has a much longer tourist season. Summer in Rajasthan extends from April to June and is the hottest season. Monsoon arrives in July and extends until September, is a good time to travel to Rajasthan, since it never rains there. Post monsoon, October to November and right through winter months of December to March are perfect for travelling through Rajasthan.
Destination
Rajasthan, IndiaHotel Type
HistoricLocation Type
City/Town
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