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.

Getting There

By Air : Jodhpur has airport that links it with major tourist destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

By Road : There are well-maintained roads connecting Jodhpur to tourist destinations like Delhi (597 km), Udaipur (260 km) and Jaipur (336 km).

By Rail : The railway network connects Jodhpur with Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.

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.

Attractions

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.

Location

The desert city of Jodhpur houses the enchanting Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Best Time to Visit

October to Ferbruary is an ideal time to visit this desert city.