# Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Royal Rajasthan Residence Turned Hotel

> Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur welcomes guests like maharajas: royal service, Indian character and a rich history. Discover what makes it so remarkable.

- URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/dvorets-tadzh-umayd-bkhavan-korolevskaia-rezydentsyia-radzhastana-prevrashchennaia-v-otel/
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-01-16
- Categories: Culture, Historic Sites, Museums, Hotels, India, Relaxation

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Known as the "Land of Kings," the northern Indian state of Rajasthan is steeped in history.

And it still shows today. From museums and temples to forts, markets and palaces, the region's treasures are beautifully preserved, and there's a good chance your hotel room has royal roots.

The lavish Umaid Bhawan Palace, rising above Jodhpur's "Blue City," is a striking example.

Built in 1943 by Maharaja Umaid Singh as a private residence, the hotel immerses guests in a grand and glamorous atmosphere.

"It's one of the last great palaces \[of India\] to have been built," says Gaj Singh II, Singh's grandson.

"I want travelers to experience the Indian way of life, so we have Indian food, Indian music and staff whose families have been with us for generations. The warmth and the local color are what people really appreciate."

## A symbol of hope

![](https://test.langandtrip.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/de_import_uploads/june-article-image-244-1-2025.jpg)

Umaid Bhawan Palace has long stood as a symbol of prosperity in Jodhpur. Yet it was financial hardship that inspired the project. In the 1920s, the region was gripped by severe drought and famine.

The ruler at the time, Maharaja Umaid Singh, saw an opportunity to support the economy and drew up plans for an ambitious building project that would stretch across 15 years.

Using his own personal funds, Singh hired around 3,000 people to build what was then the largest private residence in the world, set on Chittar Hill, the highest point of the Blue City.

Singh then invited a respected British architect named HV Lanchester to design the building, which is made of pink Chittar sandstone and palm-court marble (the same used in the Taj Mahal).

The Art Deco facade blends in traditional Indian accents, while the interiors showcase incredible Polish frescoes, marble and an enormous central dome.

The royal family lived in the palace for just a few years before India declared its independence from Britain. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi then stripped Rajasthan's rulers of their power, their annual allowances and their titles.

Over time, many of the old palaces fell into disrepair, but Umaid Bhawan has been beautifully preserved. That's due in part to Singh II's forward-thinking decision to turn part of the palace into a hotel in the early 1970s, which helps offset the steep costs of upkeep.

## Inside the royal home

![](https://test.langandtrip.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/de_import_uploads/june-article-image-244-2-2025.jpg)

As for the guest experience, the hotel's rooms and suites feel plucked from a bygone era, with vintage-style furniture, plush upholstery and striking taxidermied animals.

There's also a cozy library, elegant dining rooms and a spacious terrace for afternoon tea, where you'll most likely be joined by colorful peacocks.

"Standard hotels are a bit like room factories, aren't they? It's a very fast-paced business," says Mehrnavaz Avari, general manager of Umaid Bhawan Palace.

"The level of personalization is much higher in palaces. \[Here\] you really are treated like a Maharaja or Maharani."

In the basement, you'll find a Greek-inspired spa and an indoor pool, while tennis courts and gardens grace the sprawling Baradari lawns.

The grounds have hosted several famous weddings, including the celebrations of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

While guests can't visit the royal family's private home, where Singh II still lives, they can explore the on-site museum to admire 15,000 items from the family's personal collection, including rare ceramics, antiques, armor, frescoes and even a few classic cars.

"In India, and especially in Rajasthan, people take great pride in their culture and heritage, and they love to preserve them," says Avari.

"In India, these beautiful palaces transport you decades \[if not centuries\] back to see how the maharajas lived at the time. It gives you a window into history that you simply can't get any other way."

From $751 per night

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Circuit House Road, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; +91 291 251 0101