Umaid Bhavan Palace And Museum
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Umaid Bhavan Palace, Circuit House Road, Jodhpur 
0291-2510101
Description
A former palace and one of the most extravagant residences of the world, this palace is situated atop a hill and is also called Chittar palace because of the extensive use of the Chittar stone in its construction. Built during the early 20th century over a period for 15 years will marvel you with the Indo-Saracen architectural style and grand décor like none other.
With 347 rooms including a cinema, this was the largest private residence in the world at that time designed by Henry Lanchester and decorated by English and polish designers. After the spectacle of the 32m (105-ft.) central dome in the Palm Court (where you really need to pause and let your eyes drink it all in), you'll want to spend some time exploring the various public spaces (decorated in Art Deco furniture and fittings), swamping up and down the sweeping marble staircases, and heading down to the spa and hypnotic indoor pool -- which will transport you back to the 1940s with its bold blue zodiac-sign mosaics. The construction of the building is mortar less and incorporates 100 wagon loads of Makrana marble and Burmese teak in the interior.
One third of the palace is held by the royal family as a residence and the rest is converted into a grand hotel, one of the finest in Jodhpur. A small part is converted into a museum which displays the collection of photos showing the elegant art Deco design of the palace interior. The museum also has beautifully crafted weapons; an array of stuffed leopards; an enormous banner presented by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in 1877; and a fantastic clock collection, including specimens shaped like windmills and lighthouses. Look out for some of the maharaja’s highly polished classic cars displayed on the lawn in front of the museum and ask the attendants to show the Raja Rani suit which are an example of the burlesque lifestyle of the Rajput royals.
Last verified on 10 August 2014
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