Umaid Bhawan Palace
Maharaja Umaid Singh commissioned the palace in 1929, partly to give work during a famine, and it took around 14 years to build from local Chittar sandstone. The style mixes Art Deco with Rajput and European ideas, and the central dome rises over a rotunda that is one of the most striking interiors in India. The family lives in one wing; the museum occupies another.
Rooms and suites face either the gardens or the city and Mehrangarh in the distance. We book historical suites for guests who want the full palace, and palace rooms for most stays. The gardens, the underground pool and dinner on the terrace are reasons to keep at least one evening free. The palace is outside the old city, so plan a car for the bazaars.
Why we book it
- A living royal residence with Art Deco interiors
- Views to Mehrangarh from the gardens and terraces
- Museum and family history under the same roof
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Does the royal family still live at Umaid Bhawan Palace
Yes. The palace is divided between the royal family's private residence, a museum open to the public and the hotel run by Taj. Hotel guests use their own wing and gardens. The museum covers the history of the palace and the Jodhpur royal family and is worth an hour, ideally before or after lunch.
How many nights at Umaid Bhawan Palace
Two nights is right for most journeys: one full day for Mehrangarh, the old city and Jaswant Thada, and time to enjoy the palace. Add a third night for a Bishnoi village morning or the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. One night feels rushed for a hotel of this scale.
How far is Umaid Bhawan Palace from Mehrangarh Fort
About 5 km, usually 15–20 minutes by car through the city. The fort is clearly visible from the palace gardens. We drive guests to the fort gate early, then walk down through the old city lanes to the clock tower market, where the car waits.
Journeys
Routes that stay here
Also in Rajasthan
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