Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is located in Jodhpur city, Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the world’s largest private residences. The palace is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh. The present owner of Umaid Bhawan Palace is Gaj Singh, grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh.
About Umaid Bhawan Palace
The palace is divided into three functional parts: the residents of the royal family, a luxury hotel- Taj Palace hotel and a museum. The foundation to the palace was laid on 18th November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction was completed in 1943. The palace has 347 rooms. This palace is also called ‘Chittar Palace’ as it is built on a hill called ‘Chittar’, using red sandstone. This is the only palace built in the 20th century which was constructed during famine . The reason behind the construction of this palace was to give a livelihood to around 3000 workers. In 1929, when there was a great famine, Maharaja Umaid Singh thought to help the people by giving them jobs, so that they could survive on this money as they could not work in their fields.
History of Umaid Bhawan Palace
The history of Umaid Bhawan Palace is linked to the curse of Chidiyanath Baba. The story goes back to the year 1459 when the King Rao Jodha planned to construct Meharangarh Fort on the hill ‘Chidiya Tuk’ where Chidiyanath Baba, a yogi lived. Chidiyanath Baba had cursed Rao Jodha for forcefully occupying his place to construct the Fort. Chidiyanath Baba had cursed that a period of drought would follow the Rathore dynasty. Jodhpur faced severe drought and famine in 1920 for a period of 3 consecutive years. The farmers of the area faced hardship and sought help of Maharaja Umaid Singh. Maharaja Umaid Singh was the 37th Rathod ruler of Marwar. Maharaja in order to help the farmers decided to build a lavish palace.
Architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace
The palace was designed as a blend of Western technology and Indian architectural features. Henry Vaughan Lanchester was the architect of Umaid Bhawan Palace. He was a contemporary of Edwin Lutyens who had planned the buildings of the New Delhi Government Complex. Lanchester adopted the theme of domes and columns from the Government Complex designed by Edwin Lutyen. The foundation stone was laid in 1929 and the palace was built at a slow pace to provide employment to the famine stricken farmers in the area. Around 3000 people were employed in its construction. The completion of the palace was in the year 1943, after 14 years at a cost of Rupees 94,51,565. When completed, the palace had 347 rooms, several courtyards and a large banquet hall which could accommodate 300 people. Umaid Singh who stayed in the palace for only 4 years died in 1947. Hanwant Singh who succeeded him also died at a young age in a plane crash. Gaj Singh II who succeeded his father converted a part of the palace into a hotel in 1971.
Umaid Singh Palace Museum
The Museum houses artistic murals, miniature paintings, vintage clocks and pictures of art deco interiors. There is also a Vintage car Museum at the front garden of the Bhavan.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Entry Fees
Indians: ₹50/-
Children 5 – 11 Years – ₹20/-
Foreigners : ₹200/-
Elevator charges: ₹150/-
Camera fee: ₹100/-
Guide charges: Indians: ₹600/- ; Foreigners: ₹1200/-
Umaid Bhawan Palace Timings
Monday to Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Best time to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace
October to March,
Summer are very hot.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Website
Taj Hotel
Palace Email
umaidbhawan.jodhpur@tajhotels.com
Minimum time required to see the palace
1 hours
Palace Phone Number
Landline +91-0291 251 0101
Umaid Bhawan Palace Address
Circuit House Rd,
Cantt Area, Jodhpur,
Rajasthan 342006
Umaid Bhawan Palace Accommodation
There is Taj accommodation inside the palace.
Taj Hotel
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage
Umaid Bhawan Palace Distance
From Jodhpur City – 10.5 kilometres
From Ajmer- 201 kilometres
From Jaipur – 330 kilometres
From Udaipur – 255 kilometres
From Sirohi – 187 kilometres
Places to Visit Near Umaid Bhawan Palace
Mehrangarh Fort
Jaswant Thada
Mandore Gardens
Kaylana lake
Rao Jodha desert Rock Park
Chamunda Mata temple
Balsamand lake
Clock Tower
How to reach Umaid Bhawan Palace
RSRTC (Bus)
Direct buses to Jodhpur are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Sirohi and Jaisalmer.
On Reaching Jodhpur City you can take Government Buses or take shared auto rickshaw (Tuk-Tuk) to the palace which is 10 kilometres, ₹10/ Person per Km
Private auto rickshaw – ₹150/One way, ₹250 both ways
ISRTC(Train)
The city is well connected from all sides, you can take auto rickshaw or taxi from Jodhpur Junction railway station. it is is 3.5 kilometres from here.
Air
Nearest Jodhpur International Airport (International / Domestic Airport) is 4.5 kilometres from the Palace. Drive-time approximately 20 Min
Bike / Car
Sushil Nagar – Ratanada – Rana Road – Umaid Bhawan Palace
NOTE – Information mentioned above is completely based the information that i received from the tourist guide