Winner of Rajasthan’s Leading Palace Hotel 2024 and 2025 by World Travel Awards
Awarded the Hotel of The Year 2024 by The Gallivanter's Guide
Recognized by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for its historical and architectural importance
Counting itself among Jodhpur's many grand royal palaces, Umaid Bhawan Palace exudes an air of elegance and grandeur. Constructed from 1929 to 1943, as ordered by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it opened three decades later as a public accommodation by Maharaja Gaj Singh II in 1971. The Royal Family of Jodhpur continues to officially reside in the palace, while also providing regular guests at the hotel, now managed by the Taj Hotels brand, with a luxurious regal stay experience. Another section of the palace is designated as a museum, featuring items from the royal collection, including portraits, armaments, trophies, and vintage luxury cars. The palace gives its guests a well-rounded taste of Rajasthani luxury and heritage.
Palace Road, 342006 Jodhpur, India
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.
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.
Mick Jagger - British singer of the famous band, the Rolling Stones.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla - British king and queen, visited the palace during Charles's time as prince
Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar - Celebrity couple, married at the palace
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas - Celebrity couple, married at the palace
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.
Massive fortress built throughout the 15th to the 17th century, featuring multiple well-maintained exhibits, artifacts, and natural features. (21-minute drive)
A scenic garden park featuring a collection of historic temples, high rock terraces, and heritage buildings. (28-minute drive)
An elaborately designed stepwell commissioned by Queen Raani Tawarji and features similar designs and aesthetics with structures from the queen's homelands in Gujarat. (18-minute drive)
The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is a 10-minute drive away.
The nearest railway station is Raika Bagh Palace Junction, is an 11-minute drive away.