Description
Set amidst 26 acres of beautiful gardens and just outside Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is an incredibly impressive royal retreat. The current Maharajah of Jaipur still has his own private wing and grounds here. The palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences with its Rajput traditional exteriors and art deco interiors.
Everything about the property represents grandeur and elegance, with the large hallways, high ceilings and marble staircases. There are 75 rooms and suites offering fabulous views over the immaculate palace gardens and the Mehrangarh Fort in the distance. Suites are adorned with frescoes of leopards, tigers and horses and some feature spa therapy rooms and baths carved out of single pieces of pink Italian marble designed by Norblin.
The 'Risala' restaurant offers an exquisite a la carte menu and the 'Sunset Pavilion' provides al fresco dining, specialising in delicious BBQs. Outdoor dining experiences can be arranged by the hotel including dinner at the Mehrangarh Fort and sundeck lunches under maharaja tents. Other facilities include a huge swimming pool, tennis courts, a health club and spa offering aromatherapy massages and ancient Indian therapies.
Accommodation
The hotel offers 75 rooms and suites, consisting of: Palace Rooms, Historical Suites, Royal Suites, the Maharani Suite and the Maharaja Suite.
Childcare
Children are accepted but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities include billiards, tennis courts, croquet, swimming pool, library, 3 restaurants, bar and a spa featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, Yoga studio, gymnasium, relaxation lounge and a squash court.
Activities
The hotel offers complimentary swimming, tennis, squash and croquet. Use of the health club is charged at an additional cost. The hotel can also arrange sand dune experiences and village safaris.
When to travel
Jodhpur's climate is of an extreme type, with the variations in temperature range being very high. Weather in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is dry and hot, a typical desert weather. The average annual rainfall is approximately 32 cm. In summer, the maximum temperature is around 42°C and the minimum temperature is around 37°C. In winters, the maximum is around 27.5°C and minimum temperature is around 15.5°C. Jodhpur is bright and sunny throughout the year. The best season to visit is between October and March, when the climatic conditions are the best.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Jodhpur, India
Umaid Bhawan Palace is perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. It is one of the world's largest private residences, and counted amongst the last great palaces of India.
How to get there
9-hour international flight to Delhi Indira Gandhi International followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Jodphur. It's a 15-minute drive from Jodphur airport to Umaid Bhawan Palace.
