Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
At a Glance
A unique palace experience - the art deco style of the palace is completely incomparable to other palaces in Rajasthan
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace has some great views and impressive large gardens to wander in
The palace has a lot of history there are so many different rooms to be explored - those with a keen interest in history will find this hotel most fascinating
The hotel has a great restaurant showcasing some excellent Rajasthani cooking
Be aware that the hotel is quite large so sometimes the atmosphere can be quite quiet
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Rajasthan is known as the desert state. It is largely hot and dry throughout the year, making it a great destination to get away during cold winter months.
Summer in Rajasthan extends from April to June. It’s the hottest season so not ideal for travel, although early April is a good time to get great value for money if you don’t mind the heat. In western Rajasthan temperatures may soar, particularly in May and June, so we'd suggest avoiding Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert at this time.
The monsoon season usually runs from July to September. The temperature drops slightly, and humidity increases. During this period 90% of the rain Rajasthan occurs, although in reality Rajasthan never receives much rainfall. Lakes and rivers will be higher and there's more colour to the landscape.
October to March is the best time to travel to Rajasthan. Expect warm and sunny weather, perfect for exploring and relaxing. Please note that hotels are at their busiest over the Christmas and New Year period. December and January can have very cool mornings and evening and we suggest taking some warm clothing. Whilst temperatures in the desert areas are always hot in the daytime, they become some of the coolest areas of the state once the sun goes down. It’s also normal to expect some fog in the major cities of northern Rajasthan in December and January.
Insider's View
Did you know Umaid Bhawan was commissioned by the Maharaja of Jodphur in 1929 as a famine relief project to provide work for labourers. Watch out for the current Maharaja- who’s home is still at the palace. He often holds banquets in the palace and can often be seen around the grounds.
Take a stroll with a glass of champagne, through the fabulous Palace Museum, home to a fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian timepieces, porcelain and objects d’art, 19th and 20th century weapons, royal miniature paintings, models of aeroplanes and exquisite crockery from the Maharaja’s personal collection
Ride one of the Maharaja’s own horses, even if you’re a beginner you can take a lesson at the riding school.
While living the life of royalty why not take an excursion in one of the Maharaja’s vintage cars with your own butler on hand to spill the secrets of the city’s history.
Experience the royal palace walk to get an understanding of the history of the famous 'Blue City'
To start planning your holiday to Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace
Description
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is a stunning example of a bygone royal era, perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur. The hotel was designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and offers guests the ultimate in luxury.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is an incredibly impressive royal retreat set amidst 26 acres of beautiful gardens and just outside Jodhpur. 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 barbeques. 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 Jiva spa offering aromatherapy massages and ancient Indian therapies.
Accommodation
There are twenty two rooms and forty two suites at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. All the rooms are in the style or Art Deco and are luxuriously comfortable to give you a restful sleep.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. However, please be aware there are no specific facilities available for them at the hotel.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel for guests to enjoy include a billiards table, tennis and squash courts, a large swimming pool and library. There are three restaurants, a bar and a spa.
Activities
The hotel offers complimentary swimming, tennis, squash and croquet. Use of the health club is charged at an additional cost. Outside of the palace, explore Jodphur which is also known as the Blue City. With your local guide, make sure to visit Mehrangarh Fort, steeped in history.
Reviews
Susie Reynolds (Staff)
This was an absolute highlight for me. The Palace is mind numbingly stunning, huge and I cant believe does not fail to blow away anyone who even sees it, yet alone steps inside away. A relatively new building in the grand scheme of things, the blend of English and Indian architecture is utterly beautiful and the art deco influence inside is utterly divine. The Maharajah still lives in one of the wings so you really are staying in his home and welcomed in like royalty yourself surely the ultimate Rajasthan experience.
Emma Neale (Staff)
For me, architecturally Umaid Bhawan is perhaps one of the most impressive Palaces in Rajasthan, perhaps because of its sheer scale and positioning. I particularly liked the fact that the interior of this palace is art deco in style and unlike any other of the palace hotels in Rajathan.
Experiences
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Jodhpur - A Walk through Jodhpur
Take a walking tour through Jodhpur beginning at Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 by Rao Jodha after whom Jodhpur was founded. Continue to the Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph, before having a walk through Ghantaghar (Clock Area), Jodhpur's busiest market.
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Jodhpur - Mehrengarh Fort
Evening private tour of Mehrengarh Fort with Museum curator, dinner is included.
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Jodhpur - Sites of Jodhpur
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Udaipur - Meal at Bhairo (Taj Lake Palace)
Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at Bhairo on the rooftop at the Taj Lake Palace.
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Udaipur - Meal at Bhairo (Taj Lake Palace)
Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at Bhairo on the rooftop at the Taj Lake Palace.
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Udaipur - Vintage Car Ride
Explore the labyrinthine streets of this Rajasthani town and the surrounding countryside by vintage car up into the hills to enjoy dinner (inc) on the Open Terrace Restaurant at Chunda Palace which has amazing views down into Udaipur and the Lake Palace.
Location & directions
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Taj 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
Fly into Delhi's Indira Gandhi International followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Jodphur. It's a 15-minute drive from Jodphur airport to Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace.
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