Umaid Bhawan Palace
About the Umaid Bhawan Palace
Located deep in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its
impressive fortified bastions, of which Umaid Bhawan Palace
has gained a remarkable name in the history of the region.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, also called the Chittar Palace by the
local public can qualify for several firsts. Most impressive
for its size and dimensions, the palace is the largest
private residence in the world with finest exceptional
example of art-deco. Only palace to have paintings from the
Ramayana, painted by a Polish artist, the Umaid Bhawan
Palace is also the first to use air-conditioning,
electricity and elevators. The designer of the palace, H.V.
Lancaster, wanted it to rival the Viceregal Lodge (now
Rashtrapati Bhawan) then being planned by Sir Edward Lutyens
in the new capital at New Delhi, also then under
construction.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the only 20th century palace
built under the famine relief project that gave employment
to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16
years. The brilliant monument built in sandstone is still
the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running
as a hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Other Attractions Near Umaid Bhawan Palace
Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high elevated land is
one of the most impressive and formidable structure in
Jodhpur. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has
four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are
some awesome palaces with interestingly carved panels,
latticed windows and evocative names.
Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899
A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main
cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Getting There
Air : Jodhpur has its own airport, which receives flights
from major cities of India.
Rail : Jodhpur is on the Western Railway's broad-gauge
network and is linked to various centers in the region by
express and passenger trains.
Road : Jodhpur is well connected by luxury and deluxe
coachers, overnight connections. Several coach operators run
buses between Jodhpur and other major centers in the
regions.
Rajasthan Travel
Guide
