Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace 

Jodhpur's royal residence

People come to Taj Umaid Bhawan for a taste of Jodhpur’s old-world extravagance.

Part hotel, part museum, Taj Umaid Bhawan is also the sixth largest royal residence in the world where the Maharaja and his family still live today. Designed by Edwardian architect, Henry Lanchester, this magnificent structure was commissioned to provide employment to 3,000 people affected by Rajasthan's famine. It took almost 14 years to build and was completed in 1943. Today it’s as renowned as the Mehrangarh Fort with a dedicated museum and daily heritage tours exclusive to hotel guests. Wander through the impressive gardens and a swim in the subterranean swimming pool is a must, not least to see its decorative zodiac features. Dining is a grand affair with a choice of locations if you want a more intimate setting.

Why we love Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

  • Arrivals are treated with much fanfare; ceremonial drums, trumpets, a red carpet and a cupola to shade you as you sip Champagne

  • The interior is extravagant incorporating Art Deco design complete with a soaring domed lobby and terrazzo tiles running throughout

  • You may not want to leave the property after visiting the subterranean spa and lavish swimming pool

  • You can take a tour in a vintage car from the royal collection

Jodhpur
This heritage palace is set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. It's close to the main shopping areas and the Balsamand and Kalyana lakes
Taj Umaid Bhawan is conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities

Start your day with breakfast at Pillars where you can watch the peacocks strutting across the manicured lawns. Reminiscent of the old-world hunting era, a Jodhpur martini is a must at the Trophy Bar. Dine at Risala, for lawn-facing views and fiery lal maas under portraits of former maharajas.

Pillars
Serving breakfast and dinner on the terrace overlooking the manicured gardens.

Risala
The Indian specialty restaurant with recipes from the Maharajas' kitchens.

Trophy Bar
Sip a cocktail or glass of vintage wine in the wood-panelled setting of the Trophy Bar.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace specialises in private dining – amid the immaculate lawns with the peacocks strutting about, candle-lit by the outdoor pool or perched high up on a terrace so you can see the whole city lit up in the evening and the looming Mehrangarh Fort.

Head below ground to the subterranean swimming pool where the walls are engraved with signs of the zodiac. The J Wellness Circle offers a range of holistic and Ayurvedic treatments.

Go for a tour in a vintage classic car, practice polo at the Maharajah's private stables, visit the palace museum or have a game of tennis, badminton or squash.