Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest residential palaces belonging to the royals of Rajasthan. The present owner of the palace is Gaj Raj Singh, a descendant of Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is sited on Chittar hill on the outskirts of Jodhpur city. Interestingly, it is the only palace built in the 20th century. A large part of it is converted into a Heritage hotel which is also awarded as the World's best hotel at the Travelers’ Choice Award, organized by TripAdvisor.
In the 1920s, Jodhpur suffered adverse drought and famine for three years in a row. The farmers went to King Umaid Singh, the 37th Rathore ruler of Marwar at Jodhpur for seeking help. In order to help them, the king ordered the construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace for providing them employment. He commissioned Henry Vaughan Lanchester as the lead architect. The construction was deliberately done at a slow pace to serve the main purpose. The construction of the palace started in the year 1929 and continued till 1943.
The palace is a majestic blend of Western technology and Indian architectural features. It extends in an area of 26 acres of which 15 acres are covered by beautifully maintained gardens. It also houses a museum where you can take a peek at the history relating to the 20th century of the royal family. With an estimated cost of approximately 11 million rupees, it was opened in 1943 as one of the world’s largest private residences. It comprises of 347 rooms, courtyards and a large banquet hall which could accommodate 300 people. Dun-colored sandstone, makrana marble and Burmese teak wood were used in making of the structure. It represents a magnificent amalgam of Indo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles.
In 1971, Gaj Singh II decided to convert a part of the palace into a hotel. Today, it is categorized into three parts - private residence of the royal family, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel and a museum. Maharaja Gaj Singh, also known as ‘bapji’, lives in a part of the palace. One of the striking features is 103 ft. high inner vaulted dome covered by another 43 ft. high dome. The hotel part of the palace is administered by the Taj Group of Hotels and is called the 'Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur’. The museum is themed on the 20th-century history of the royal family. You will see exhibits like a huge symbolic flag given to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877, lighthouse shapes, even the vintage cars used by Maharajas.
We are 4 persons from Italy...we spent a lovely trip in Delhi and Ladakh...even if the weather couse us little problems the Caper Travel has solved it modifing the tour immediatly. Thanks Caper's staff!!!
Caper Travel designed a three week tour to Rajasthan and Goa for four of us in a private car during March. The driver, guides and everyone associated with the organisation were professional, reliable and punctual! We had an amazing time, made even better because of the good accomodation choices and extra additions, such as elephant and camel ride.
Thank you so much Caper for giving us a truly memorable experience of your beautiful country!
Just come back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience. All the cities were wonderful. In mumbia we done a city tour and ended our trip in the taj for afternoon tea another must. They really looked after us thank you all.
I had memorable and incredible stay at Kerala. Caper Travel Agency - Hi life Tour arraigned everything more than perfect - transfers, transport, hotel accommodation, entire trips in Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Trivandrum.All of my inners tours were more than fantastic. The Agency also arranged my additional request to participate in Holi celebration (Festival if colors).
I truly recommend Caper Travel. I trusted them and they fully deserved it.
This is my third trip with Caper Travel to India (from Canada). Again, they did not disappoint! I travel solo with just the Caper car and driver, and guide. Your trip is up to you if you want it to be and Caper will make it happen.
I will go again and again to India, and I will always choose Caper Travel.
Explore the most sought after destinations and attractions with our best selling tour packages
Celebrating
25 Year's of Excellence
Eight Times National Tourism Award Winner
Maharaja Express Preferred Sales Agent (PSA-IA)
Recognized by Ministry of Tourism Government of India