North India Holidays » Ayurveda Resorts in North India » Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world – set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943 – and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.

Facilities and Services
Business Centre
Laptop/pagers/cellular phones/computers on hire
Library
Multimedia computers
Secretarial services
Telephones with international direct dialling
Workstations
24 hour Room Service
Billiards, Tennis, Squash, Croquet & Jogging Track
Credit Cards & Money Exchange
Doctor and Beautician on Call
Golf, Horse Riding & Polo arranged on request
Health Club & indoor Swimming Pool
'Jawaharat' Boutique for ethnic jewellery, garments and souvenirs
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Mini Refrigerators
Palace Museum & Library
Palmist/Astrologer
Private Auditorium / Home Theatre
Shopping Arcade - Books, Garments, Antiques
Televisions with satellite channels
Three Multi-Cuisine Restaurants, Bar and Coffee Shop
Travel Counter

Rooms & Suites
Guests step into a royal world and lifestyle equipped with luxurious amenities. Each room and suite showcases the Art Deco style with a distinct ambience.

Maharani Suite
The Maharani Suite, originally designed for and graced by Umaid Singhs' Maharani, is aptly dominated by a Norblin mural of the Goddess Kali etched on shining black glass. All in pink, black, chrome and mirror, the suite includes spacious private drawing and dining rooms with an attached kitchenette, a large balcony with a spectacular view of the palace gardens and the Mehrangarh Fort, a dressing room with a wardrobe, and a bath carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble designed by Norblin.

Maharaja Suite
The Maharaja Suite, once Maharaja Umaid Singh's own suite just across the crystal fountain courtyard, exudes an earthy and masculine ambience. It bears murals of leopards from Africa, tigers and horses, and even of the famed Jodhpur sport, pig-sticking by Norblin that are magnificently complemented by flaming torch lamps in chrome, plush Ruhlmann sofas in faux leopard skin and a delightful secret bar in the drawing room.

Regal Suites
The hotels Regal Suites, designed in Art Deco style, were once reserved for visiting royalty. Each suite is different, with subtle underlying themes of a favourite colour or princely passion.

Deluxe Rooms
Embellished with Art Deco interiors and equipped with modern conveniences, these rooms meet the expectations of the modern traveller even as they offer a glimpse into a privileged bygone lifestyle.