Umaid Bhawan Palace - A Marvel In Yellow Sandstone

Umaid Bhawan In Jodhpur Rajasthan Is One Of India's Great And Largest Palaces And A Heritage Hotel. It Is A Grand Monument Made Of Golden Yellow Sandstone. It Is Also One Of The Most Well Known Icons Of India's Tourism And Hotel Industry.

Located on the Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, it has a bird's eye view of the desert town. Set amidst 26 acres of beautiful gardens, construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace was started in 1929 by Maharaja Umed Singh to provide employment and relief to the drought hit poor. Its construction took sixteen years to complete for 5000 men. Designed by Henry Lanchester, an Edwardian architect of repute, this grand palace has 347 rooms. The architecture is according to Rajput tradition and also has renaissance influence, as can be seen in its 105 feet high cupola. The elegant interiors are done in Art Deco style. The ship transporting the objects for the decoration of the palace was sunk by the Germans in 1942. Subsequently, the Maharaja employed the services of the exiled polish designer Stefan Norblin.

This palace is one of the world's largest residences. Sectioned into three parts by its present owner Gaj Singh, the descendant of Maharaja Umaid Singh, one section is a royal residence, one a heritage hotel and the third is a museum.

The attractions for a visitor to the Umaid Bhawan Palace are its Throne Room with Ramayana Murals, a wood panelled library and its museum housing an array of weapons, clocks stuffed leopards, and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.