Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the
Chhittar Palace because 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.
It is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30s. The construction
of this palace is certainly unique and it took almost 5000 men to build this massive
structure. The most fascinating thing about its construction is that there has been
no use of cement or mortar. Instead, carved stones have been conjoined by a unique
technique of interlocking positive and negative pieces. The sandstone that has been
used to construct it is also very unique, as it does not weather with time.
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.
On display, in the museum, are an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and
a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.
The attractions of the palace include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana
murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards
room, tennis courts and marble squash courts.
Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs
Entry fee: Rs 40/-
