2008 November 01

Archive for November 1, 2008

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan - An Amazing Palace Hotel

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur, a gateway to the Thar desert towns, is the second largest city of Rajasthan and for almost five centuries it was the capital of Marwar. Historically too this region was important for being a part of major trade route caravans loaded with the most precious merchandise made their way here from the ports of Gujarat. This Blue City seems to have been put together for the benefit of the tourist.

Some of the very famous places of interest of Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore, Mahamandir Temple, Jaswant Thada, Kailand Lake, Balsamand Lake, Gardens, Osian, Dhawa and Luni Fort.

About Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Umaid Bhawan Palace constructed with marble and pink sandstone is also known as the Chhittar Palace as it uses local Chittar sandstone.

Begun in 1929, it was designed by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to complete.

Probably the most surprising thing about this grandiose palace is that it was built so close to Independence, after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances were a thing of the past.

Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions in Rajasthan. The building stands as a grand palace and features gardens, palace halls, balconies, terraces and more. The palace is built in the sandstone and highlights the typical Rajputana style.

The complex is divided into three main segments - the heritage hotel, private residence and the museum. The whole palace complex has as many as 347 rooms. The palace stands grounded in an area of about 26 acres. Out of these 15 acres are occupied by palace lawns.

The heritage hotel is a popular venue for some of the most talked about weddings of film stars to business barons. It’s a magnificent structure that uses local stone and is representative of the Indo- Saracenic style of architecture.

Some sections are not open to the public, but one can still visit the palace to see the museum. To see the collection of old watches here is a sheer delight.

A Tip

If you really wish to spend a luxirious holiday, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the place. I have personally been there and frankly speaking I have never seen a more grandiose palace hotel than this one.

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