A traveller’s guide to Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur in India, Umaid Bhawan Palace attractions and more
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Fact File
Palace was built under the famine relief project to give employment to
famine struck people. It took 16 years to complete, stones were joined by
interlocking and no cement or mortar was used in making this grand palace.
Overview
Most popularly known as the Chittar Palace, it was built by Maharaja Umed
Singh. Made of golden yellow sandstone this palace was designed by Henry
Lanchester, an Edwardian architect The palace spreads on an area of 26
acres. It is divided into three parts, the royal residence, the museum and
the heritage hotel. In the musuem, visitors can see waapons, antique clocks,
miniature paintings and many other rare things belonging to the royal
families. Beautiful balconies, courtyards, terrace, gardens, royal rooms all
pull in tourists to this marvelous palace.
By Air : Jodhpur has airport that links it with major
tourist destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
By Rail : The railway network connects Jodhpur with
Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
By Road : There are well-maintained roads connecting
Jodhpur to tourist destinations like Delhi (597 km), Udaipur (260 km) and
Jaipur (336 km).
Did You Know?
- Umaid Bhawan Palace was earlier called as Chittar Palace, due to its
location on Chittar Hills.
- Umaid Bhawan is said to be one of the last royal constructions made
for providing work and drought relief to the poor.
- It took about 6 years and 5000 labour force in the completion of
Umaid Bhawan Palace.
- The Umaid Bhawan Palace was designed by architect HV Lanchester.
- The making of Umaid Bhawan costed around Rs. 94,51,565.
- The Umaid Bhawan Palace maintaining the traditions of the medieval
period has separate entrances for the males and females.
- Gaj Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur is the present owner of the Umaid
Bhawan Palace.
- There is a small museum in the Umaid Bhawan Palace that dispalys
pictures, arms, swords and other items of representing Jodhpur's royal
heritage.
- The Bhawan is open from 10 am to 4 pm and is closed on Sundays.
- The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the most expensive hotel of Jodhpur and is
also one of the largest private houses of India.
Mehrangarh Fort
Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the largest forts in India.
Situated atop the hill, covering 5km, it houses some of the impressive
palaces and apartments like, the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh
Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. Fort musuem in these palaces
has on display a collection of palanquins, howdahs, miniatures, musical
instruments, costumes and furnitures.
Balsamund Lake and Palace
Built in 1159 A.D. this beautiful lake is 7km away from Jodhpur. Surrounded
by lush green garden, the Balsamund Palace is one of the major attractions
of this lake . The palace stands over the lake and is known for the European
architecture. It was onstructed in 1936 and is made of red sandstone. The
lake also has a public park and the bird sanctuary.
Jaswant Thada
This elegant monument is close to Mehrangarh Fort and lies amidst the
sandstone hills. It was construted by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of
great Rajput warriors and kings including Maharaja Jaswant Singh Ji. Built
in 1899 A.D. it is known for an excellent Rajputana architecture and is made
of marble sheets. Sculptures, domes, pillarsall are attractive.
Government Musuem
The musuem has on display collection of weapons, miniature portraits,
images of Jain Tirthankaras and many other artifacts which must be seen.
The desert city of Jodhpur houses the enchanting Umaid Bhawan Palace.
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October to Ferbruary is an ideal time to visit this desert city.
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