By Somrita Ghosh

Jodhpur

The city’s blue-painted walls, the dark golden-yellow Mehrangarh Fort basking in the sun as it kisses its walls, the beginning of the Thar desert, the land of chivalrous Rajputs and Jodhpuri pagris — welcome to Jodhpur.

In this historic city stands Umaid Bhawan Palace, perhaps the last of India’s great palaces to be built and arguably one of the largest “royal” residences in the world. Over the years, it has been run by various hotel chains and is now managed by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces group.

The palace opened its gilded doors as a Taj property in 2006 and has since become a favourite destination for tourists across the globe. Recently, TripAdvisor awarded Umaid Bhawan Palace the annual Travellers’ Choice Award for Best Hotel in the World.

“We are extremely proud to have been recognised as the best hotel in the world. There are no other hotel palaces that have kept their art décor alive. People who are really keen on art go gaga over this place,”
— Vincent Ramos, General Manager of Umaid Bhawan Palace

A Palace of Grandeur

Spread across 26 acres of lush gardens, the palace was built between 1928 and 1942 as a larger residence for the then-ruling family, whose numbers had outstripped Mehrangarh Fort. Designed by well-known Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the palace showcases a blend of eastern and western architectural influences with traditional Rajputana style.

“The sandstone structure is built in the Indo-European architectural pattern that showcases the art deco style,”
— Gaj Singh II, current head of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family

“Umaid Bhawan Palace specialises in the luxury of a bygone era that is rare to find today. And that is the secret of this place. Guests pay so much that we have to meet their expectations. We need to provide value for money,”
— Vincent Ramos

Interiors and Suites

The lavish interiors are like a mini-art gallery that transports you to the era of the maharajas. Family portraits adorn the walls, complemented by large Belgian glass mirrors bordered in gold. The furniture — unchanged since 1949 — adds a vintage charm to the palace.

The property encompasses 64 suites divided into three major wings — Mardana, Zenana and Royal. These suites are further classified into five categories:

• Palace Rooms
• Historical Rooms
• Royal Suites
• Grand Royal Suites
• Presidential Suite (Maharaja and Maharani)

Each suite has its own speciality, offering contemporary luxury with generously scaled furniture, opulent fabrics and glimpses of the Rajputana lifestyle.

Grand Royal and Presidential Suites

The Grand Royal Suites, once the private chambers of the royal family, are true to their art deco style. They have spacious living rooms and bedrooms that open out to sweeping views of the lawns and Mehrangarh Fort.

If you seek even greater luxury, opt for the Maharaja and Maharani Suites:

• The Maharani Suite features dramatic gold and black murals, mirrors, a drawing room, dining room, kitchenette, spa and a large balcony.
• The Maharaja Suite exudes masculine style, with dramatic frescos of leopards, tigers and horses by French artist Jean-Pierre Norblin de La Gourdaine. It includes a private dining area, bar, spa, luxurious bathroom with steam room and large verandah.

Culinary Experience

Umaid Bhawan Palace offers an unrivalled culinary experience, specialising in both European and Indian cuisine. Guests are served whatever they ask for — even if it is not on the menu.

The palace features three restaurants:

• Risala: Imaginative fusion of Indian specialities with fine wines.
• Sunset Pavilion: Rooftop grills, regional barbecue dishes, hot bakes and flamed desserts with breathtaking city views.
• Pillars: Adorned with frescoes, serving breakfast and European dinners.

Recreation and Wellness

Facilities include:

• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• Billiards room
• Four tennis courts
• Two squash courts
• Chef’s studio
• Fitness centre

Guests can also experience the ancient Indian art of healing at the Jiva Grande Spa, which offers Ayurvedic treatments.

Plan Your Visit

Head towards Umaid Bhawan Palace and treat yourself to a royal experience.

FAQs

How to reach:
Jodhpur is well connected to major Indian cities by air, rail and road. It is 585 km from New Delhi and 335 km from Jaipur by road.

Tariff (per night, plus 18.7% tax, no complimentary breakfast):

• Palace Rooms: ₹66,000
• Historical Suites: ₹1,70,500
• Royal Suites: ₹3,30,000
• Grand Royal Suites: ₹4,40,000
• Presidential/Grand Presidential (Maharaja/Maharani): ₹8,80,000