Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace

About the Umaid Bhawan Palace
Located deep in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions, of which Umaid Bhawan Palace has gained a remarkable name in the history of the region.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, also called the Chittar Palace by the local public can qualify for several firsts. Most impressive for its size and dimensions, the palace is the largest private residence in the world with finest exceptional example of art-deco. Only palace to have paintings from the Ramayana, painted by a Polish artist, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is also the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators. The designer of the palace, H.V. Lancaster, wanted it to rival the Viceregal Lodge (now Rashtrapati Bhawan) then being planned by Sir Edward Lutyens in the new capital at New Delhi, also then under construction.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years. The brilliant monument built in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part as a museum.

Other Attractions Near Umaid Bhawan Palace

Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high elevated land is one of the most impressive and formidable structure in Jodhpur. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some awesome palaces with interestingly carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names.

Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

Getting There
Air : Jodhpur has its own airport, which receives flights from major cities of India.
Rail : Jodhpur is on the Western Railway's broad-gauge network and is linked to various centers in the region by express and passenger trains.
Road : Jodhpur is well connected by luxury and deluxe coachers, overnight connections. Several coach operators run buses between Jodhpur and other major centers in the regions.