Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur

The Umaid Bhawan Palace that is renowned for the sandstone used in its construction that does not weather is currently run as a Heritage Hotel by the family of Rathores the royals of the erstwhile state of Jodhpur. It is also referred to as the Chhittar Palace owing to the fact that the Chhittar sandstone was used in its construction. It took 16 years to build this palace that is now segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and the museum. The wonderful Umaid Bhawan palace of beige sandstone was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1928 and designed by the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects. The style of construction is typical of the Rajputs with the beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, terrific terraces, green gardens and royal rooms. All the rooms have been elegantly furnished with antique furniture pieces. The beautiful corridors, staircases and hallways preserve in near entirety of Umaid Bhawan rouses the curiosity of adventurous spirits. The stupendous house of Maharaja Umaid is simply far above the other forts and palaces in Jodhpur. All the trappings of Raj influence, pre-independence royal living are present. Royal auditorium ballrooms, huge dinning-room, gilded royal furniture, majestic tiger and deerskins on the walls of a gloomy library of old books, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, liveried menservants and doormen, swimming pool in basement, various mementoes and old photographs. There is so much to see and discover. The magnificence and majesty commanded by the Heritage Hotel of Umaid Bhawan is unparalleled.