Covered
in this Section : Fast Facts, Brief history, Umaid Bhawan Overview,
Speciality, Accessibility and Tour Packages.
Fast Facts
District : Jodhpur, West of Rajasthan
Distance : 352 kms from Jaipur
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Umaid Bhawan - Overview
Umaid Bhawan stands on the Chittar Hills in the south eastern part of the
city. The palace as such is often referred as Chittar Palace by the local
population. The palace has been built in traditional architecture style and
features many of the attractions of ancient Rajasthan monuments. Umaid
Bhawan reveals a fusion of the traditional and Western styles of
architecture. However, the outlook is predominantly traditional. The palace
features three segments - Heritage Hotel, Private Residence and the Museum.
There are beautiful balconies, courtyards, terraces and rich palace halls.
Brief History
Umaid Bhawan, a grand heritage hotel in the present era, was founded by
Maharaja Umed Singh and the date was 18 Nov, 1929. A firm from London -
Lancaster and Lodge was commissioned to build the castle. The palace,
considered as one of the most expensive private properties has now been
serving for almost 30 years. A lot of manpower and resources were employed
in erecting this mega structure. The place took almost 16 years to complete.
An amount of one crore and twenty one lac rupees were spend on the
construction purposes, which by Indian standards at that time meant quite a
big sum.
What's So Special
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 open for the public
and tourists. The complex comprises of two wings that are topped by a double
dome 185 feet tall. The hotel provides all the facilities as does a luxury
hotel. There are about 98 spacious and richly furnished rooms and provided
with all modern means of comfort. The royal suites, fountains and more than
that food and hospitality are the best to be offered. Provided in one of the
courtyards is the swimming pool. The interiors are laid down with antique
furniture and priceless decorations.
The main entrance of the palace is marked by the presence of sacred kite
(bird) which is symbolic of the family goddess. Rajmahal houses many banquet
halls and ball rooms. It may be worth telling you here that the palace
served as a millitary base during the World War II. The allied forces, on
many occasions have enjoyed the luxury in various parties held in these
banquets. Also housed in the complex is an underground hospital and a
theatre.
One amazing fact of the palace is that the building construction does not
use any binding material, like mortar. Stones used in the construction are
bound together by interlocking and the pattern has been multiplied for the
whole of the structure.
Reaching Umaid Bhawan
There are a number of options available to access the palace. Located in
the city of Jodhpur, the place can be accessed by travelling in a bus or
train or by boarding a flight for the same city. Roads, railways and Jodhpur
airport connects the city with the rest of the Rajasthan and to many other
popular Indian cities.
