5 Interesting Facts about Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur

Overlooking the magnificent blue city of Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan, also known as Chittar Fort, is India's youngest palace. With a fascinating construction history, it is one of the few places in the world where you might still spot an Indian Maharaja in its natural habitat. Here are five more interesting facts about the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur that you must know before visiting.

1. The prophecy and the curse 

Perhaps the real beginning of the Umaid predates its actual building. It commences with a holy man's curse. He prophesied that a good reign in the Rathore dynasty would be followed by years of drought. Thus, in the late 1920s, this desert city was surrounded by drought and famine. The story points out that the tough peasants did not ask for a handout, but rather pleaded with Maharaja Umaid Singh to give them work. In response, Singh commissioned British architect H. V. Lanchester, who had worked closely with Sir Edwin Lutyens, designer of New Delhi's government buildings. The maharaja employed 2,000 to 3,000 people during the building years. Many have criticised Singh for the extravagance of making a palace during a drought, but they forget that, without it, countless Jodhpur citizens would not have survived the famine.

2. The last royal palace of India

The construction of the palace was slow because the intention of building the extravagant palace was to provide the farmers with employment until the famine subsided and their land was tillable. Thus, the palace was completed in 1943, just a few years before independence, making it the youngest palace in India. In four years, the country became independent, and India had no royal kingdoms; only their lavish homes remained. Maharaja Gaj Singh, the descendant of Maharaja Umaid Singh, still resides here.

3. World's Best Hotel

Umaid Bhawan Palace has earned the distinction of being named the Best Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards after its acquisition by Taj in 2005. Its luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and sheer splendour of the palace contribute to its global acclaim. Guests can indulge in a regal experience, enjoying world-class amenities and the picturesque views of the Blue City from the palace's vantage point. It is also a place well-known for celebrity marriages and functions. 

4. Magnificent Architecture

Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings, ornate balconies, and the majestic dome that crowns the structure. The entrance is decorated with the Rathore coat of arms and leads to a lobby of polished black granite, followed by lounge areas in pink sandstone and marble. The hotel's centrepiece is its 103-foot inner dome, capped by an outer one 43 feet higher. The Umaid also has an indoor swimming pool decorated with signs of the zodiac, a health club, and a library. Guests might encounter the maharaja, who swims in the pool and uses the front entrance like everyone else.

5. Museum of Memories

Currently, the huge, 330-room palace is divided into two wings and a museum. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of the Marwar region. From vintage cars and weaponry to artefacts that narrate tales of the royal lifestyle, the museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the opulent past of the Maharajas. Trimmed with trophies and tusks, leopard skin and elephant footstools, the museum's curated exhibits make it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur is not just a hotel; it's a living testament to Rajasthan's royal legacy. Its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and modern-day opulence combine to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.

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