Umaid Bhawan Palace was a project of the Maharaja Umaid Singh, who wished to provide jobs to villagers affected by droughts during the 1920s. The construction process lasted 15 years, from 1929 to 1943, as the Maharaja ensured that the 2,000 to 3,000 people working on its construction would have continued employment. Upon its completion in 1943, it was one of the largest royal residences in the world at that time. Passing the property down to his descendants, Umaidh himself passed away in 1947, and Umaidh's son Hanwant followed shortly after a plane crash in 1952. The property then became owned Hanwant's son, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, who opened parts of the palace to the public as a luxury heritage hotel and museum in 1971.

Design and Architecture

Built gradually and carefully over 15 years, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an architectural wonder of the 20th century. Maharaja Umaid Singh commissioned English architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester to design the palace. Lanchester then drew inspiration from his peer Edwin Lutyens, who designed much of New Delhi's government buildings and spaces. Blending Western influences and traditional Indian Mughal design, the style is now known as Indo-Deco.

This combined design is apparent in terms of the overall structure, with its use of lavish domes, ornately decorated surfaces and fixtures, and the use of geometric and symmetrical patterns in floor plans and designs. Standout locations of the palace include the opulent Maharani Suite, which was personally designed to the tastes of Maharani Badan Kanwan, wife of Maharaja Umaid. The centerpiece of the palace structure is the massive 103-ft (31.39-m) inner dome.

To accommodate guests with accessibility needs, the hotel has designated accessible rooms with useful features. These come with wheelchair-friendly bathrooms that have lowered sinks and raised toilets. They also have visual aids such as tactile and Braille signs for vision-impaired guests.

Risala

At Risala, you won't just be served like a king, you'll also be dining on cuisine cooked in the Maharaja's royal kitchens. Savor every bite of Rajasthani and Indian cuisine prepared using both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes formulated for the royal family.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - Breakfast; 12:30 pm - Lunch; 7:30 pm - Dinner

Pillars

Treat yourself to a refreshing alfresco dining experience at the Pillars cafe. Enjoy various delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian European and Asian dishes while viewing the sights and sounds of Jodhpur.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - Breakfast; 7:30 pm - Dinner

Trophy Bar

Reminiscent of the hunting lodges and exclusive clubs of Victorian England, the Trophy Bar provides a space for guests to savor various dishes such as kebabs, chicken, tortillas, togarashi fish, crostini, and various other dishes from all over the world.

Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

Reservations: Guests can contact the hotel via email to make reservations at their desired restaurant.

If you're planning a dream destination wedding in India, then Umaid Bhawan Palace deserves a top spot on your list. You'll have several venues to choose from, ranging from spacious courtyards to lavishly decorated halls.

Baradari Lawn
Venue type and style: Expansive courtyard lawn with scenic views
Capacity: 1,500 guests

Marwar Hall
Venue type and style: Stylish banquet hall adorned with pillars and chandeliers
Capacity: 150 guests

Rathore Hall
Venue type and style: Regal gathering hall adorned with pillars and chandeliers
Capacity: 150 guests

Fountain Courtyard
Venue type and style: Enclosed fountain courtyard under an open sky
Capacity: 75 guests

Cultural Experiences

Whatever cultural experience you have in mind, the concierge of Umaid Bhawan Palace will be happy to help arrange it for you. Sign up for a palace tour and learn about the history of Jodhpur and its royal family. You can also see the royal collection at the Palace Museum , which includes armaments and luxury vintage cars.

And don't forget the extravagant Indian festivals! If your holiday coincides with their celebrations, make sure to join in, especially for a colorful Holi and dazzling Diwali.

Other Celebrations

If you're planning for a personalized birthday or anniversary , let the concierge and management know so they can assist with coordinating and preparing for that special moment, as well as pick palace venues for holding such events.