Umaid Bhawan is one of the renowned examples of the Rajput architecture and cultural tradition. It ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in Jodhpur. It ranks among the biggest private residences of the world and was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh. Umaid Bhawan consists of 347 rooms, all of which are examples of architectural grandeur. The palace is the official residence of the royal family of Jodhpur.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace was also known as the Chittar Palace in the ancient times and is set on the Chittar Hill, which is the highest point in the city. The palace offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Jodhpur. The older building was refurbished in the year 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, who started the construction of the new building. The construction ended in the year 1943.
Umaid Bhawan consists of an area of around 26 acres and is surrounded by extensive lawns and gardens. The palace was designed by famous Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and was constructed with a blend of eastern and western architectural styles. The significant part of the palace is the stunning cupola which is made with a blend of Renaissance and Rajput styles. The palace's interior is decorated with antique furniture and graceful artwork according to the Art Deco style.
A part of Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur has now been made into a hotel managed by the Taj Group. The palace is divided into three parts namely, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, the royal family residence, and an area for public view, where there is a museum. The museum displays various artifacts of the royal family.
