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 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.

Location & How to get there

Hotel
24 hour Room Service , Billiards, Tennis, Squash, Croquet & Jogging Track
Credit Cards & Money Exchange , Doctor and Beautician on Call, Fitness Centre
Golf, Horse Riding & Polo arranged on request, 'Jawaharat' Boutique for ethnic jewellery, garments and souvenirs, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Mini Refrigerators, Palace Museum & Library, Palmist/Astrologer, Private Auditorium / Home Theatre , Shopping Arcade - Books, Garments, Antiques, Televisions with satellite channels, Temperature-controlled indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Travel Counter, Two restaurants and the Trophy Bar, Business Centre

Additional Information

Environment
In an endeavour to reinstate its vision and efforts to boost sustainable tourism and integrate environment management in all business areas, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces presents EARTH (Environment Awareness & Renewal at Taj Hotels), a project which reiterates the conscious effort of one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels to commit to energy conservation and environmental management. EARTH has received certification from Green Globe, the only worldwide environmental certification program for travel and tourism.

Taj Hotels has joined the internationally-recognised Green Globe benchmarking and certification system as an extension of its existing environmental policies. Taj Hotels has long recognised that as a leader it has an important contribution to make and a responsibility to demonstrate to others how they can be part of the fight against climate change.

Recognition
Travel + Leisure – No.13, Top 15 to Watch - 2008
Conde Nast Traveler UK - Reader's Travel Awards, Romantic Retreats Hotel - 20

STYLE

Palatial Grandeur

SETTING

Garden & Desert

ROOM RATES

From US$ 375/Night

YEAR OPENED

Built 1943

ENVIRONMENT RATING

SIZE

64 Rooms & Suites

ARCHITECT

Henry Lanchester

GREAT FOR

Grandeur, Historic Building,

BEST ROOM

Maharani Suite
Designed for and graced by Umaid Singhs' Maharani, is aptly dominated by a Norblin mural of the Goddess Kali etched on shining black glass.

PAMPER

The Jiva Grande Spa

Offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies

EXPERIENCE

The Sand Dunes Experience

SHOP

Jodhpur

Some of India's most innovative designers have their ateliers and exclusive boutiques in Jodhpur.

DISCOVER

Girdikot and Sardar Market

These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city.

EXPERIENCE

Village Safari

Organise by the Hotel concierge.