Umaid Bhawan Palace: A Royal Residence And A Historical Landmark
When planning your Rajasthan trip package, don’t miss the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur. This museum is part of a grand palace where the royal family of Jodhpur still lives today.
It is a special place that shows visitors how kings and queens used to live. The museum is in a beautiful part of the palace, surrounded by pretty gardens where you can walk and relax. Inside, you will see many old and fancy things that belonged to the rulers of Jodhpur.
It is like stepping into a fairytale, with everything kept neat and clean for visitors to enjoy. The museum lets you learn about the rich history and luxurious lifestyle of Indian royalty.
Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur History
The story of Umaid Bhawan Palace started back in 1459 when they made the Mehrangarh Fort nearby. Interestingly, while Mehrangarh Fort in Umaid Bhawan Palace is often mentioned together, they are separate structures with their unique excellence.
A saint said that Jodhpur would face severe drought under the rule of the Rathore dynasty. In the 1920s, Jodhpur faced severe drought and famine for three years in a row.
Hence Maharaja, Umaid Singh decided to employ farmers by building a big, fancy palace. In 1929, he started the work himself by crushing the ground where the palace would be built.
They say about 2,000 to 3,000 people worked on building the palace. They built it slowly on purpose to give people jobs for a long time. It took until 1943 to finish the palace and make it ready to live in. When it opened, Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the biggest royal homes in the world.
Umaid Singh only lived in the palace for four years before he died in 1947. His son, Hanwant Singh, became the new king but only lived for five years there. Then, Hanwant’s son, Gaj Singh II, took over. Gaj Singh decided to change part of the palace into a hotel and a museum for people to visit.
The Architecture Of Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum is situated on Chittar Hill. It is a blend of Indian and European building styles. Maharaja Umaid Singh asked an English architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester to design it.
Lanchester worked with an Indian architect Budhmal Rai to make the final plan. Two other important architects, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and S.S. Jacob, helped finish building the palace by combining Indian and Art Deco designs.
The palace is made of golden yellow sandstone. It has big, pretty gardens all around it, covering 26 acres. Inside, they used special marble called Makrana marble and fancy wood called Burmese teak.
With 347 rooms, including special rooms for private meetings and dining, there are also many big halls and open spaces called courtyards in the palace.
The main dome on top resembles the Renaissance style and the towers look like old Rajput buildings. This palace is an architectural marvel even today!
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Best Things To Do At Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur
- Appreciate The Architecture: Umaid Bhawan Palace showcases stunning architecture. One of the best options to make the most of this exploration is to hire a guide. Don’t forget to ask about the connection between Mehrangarh Fort in Umaid Bhawan Palace, as both are significant historical landmarks in Jodhpur. Observe the detailed carvings, the impressive dome, and the grand staircase.
- Take A Stroll In The Garden: The well-maintained gardens are accessible to visitors. Enjoy the lush greenery, and capture images of the fountains.
- Experience A Royal Stay: If feasible, reserve accommodations at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, managed by the Taj Group. Indulge in royal dining and rejuvenating spa treatments.
Best Time To Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur
The best time to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum is in the winter months from November to February. During these months, the weather in Jodhpur is pleasant making it comfortable to explore the palace.
How To Reach Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is 10 km from the Jodhpur City Centre, 5 km from the old town, and 4-5 km from the train station, bus stand, and airport.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur Entry Fee
- Indians: Rs 30/- each
- Foreign tourists: Rs 100/- each
- Kids aged 5-11: Rs 10/- each
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur Timings
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on all days of the week.
Tourist Places Near Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur
Top 5 places to visit near Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur:
- Mehrangarh Fort
Visiting Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best things to do in Jodhpur. It is a huge fort situated on a hill 410 feet high. Built by Rao Jodha, the fort has thick walls that have seen many battles. These walls tell stories about times long ago.
- Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a beautiful building in Jodhpur. It is a special monument built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 to remember a former ruler named Jaswant Singh II. The building is famous for its thin marble walls. This makes Jaswant Thada look quite magical.
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is a special place in Jodhpur. Before the park was made, this area was just empty, rocky land that wasn’t being used. The park is quite big, covering 72 hectares.
The main goal was to bring back the natural plants that should grow in this dry, desert-like area. Now, visitors can see what the natural landscape of this area really looks like.
- Mahamandir Temple
Mahamandir Temple is a beautiful religious building constructed in 1812. The temple is famous for two main things: its detailed carvings on stone and its many pillars. When people visit, they are often amazed by how the temple looks.
- Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji Ka Jhalra is an old stepwell in the middle of Jodhpur. This one was built in the 1740s by a king but by a queen – the wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh. The well is famous for its beautiful design.
It has many detailed carvings and decorations that show how skilled the builders were back then. People admire it as an example of clever and pretty architecture from that time.
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Top 5 Hotels Near Umaid Bhawan Palace
Along with Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, providing a royal stay, explore the best hotels near Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum.
- Devi Bhawan – A Heritage Hotel
- Ratan Vilas
- Daspan House
- Hanuwant Niwas Jodhpur
- RAAS Jodhpur
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Umaid Bhawan Palace?
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a famous landmark built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is one of the few huge royal homes still standing in India.
What are the visiting hours for Umaid Bhawan Palace?
The visit timing of Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur is from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
What is the entry fee for Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum?
The entry fee for Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is Rs 30/- per person for Indian Adults, for foreign tourists it is Rs 100/- per person and for kids it is Rs 10/- each.
