Rearing high above the city skyline the medieval Mehrangarh Fort is your most iconic takeaway memory of the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

The fortified city, a remote royal outpost in the sprawling hot lands of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur has long served as the bastion of the Marwar royals. It was built at the tail end of the 15th century to replace Mandore as the capital of Rao Jodha of the Kannauj family. Its secretive passages and maze-like structure were an attempt to hinder the movement of the enemy’s elephants, who back in the day were a critical component in the arsenal of wars and battles. There was a practical element to this—since Marwar was always in a state of apprehension because of the warring factions of the neighbouring Rajputs and Mughals.

Located in the precincts of Mehrangarh Fort is the super luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace. Commissioned as a work-In-progress for 15 years by Jodhpur’s Raja Umaid Singh (grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh II), during a terrible famine that spread across the land in the 1920s, it provided jobs for over 3,000 artisans. The aim behind its construction was to bring relief to his subjects, rather than to pander to a sense of personal luxury.

Built between 1929 and 1944 on Chittar Hill, southeast of Jodhpur, at a total cost of Rs 94,51,565, it is considered to be one of the world’s largest private living residences. The Umaid Bhavan Palace is a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Designed by British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester and Indian architect Budhmal Rai, the palace offers a melange of traditional Rajasthani elements seamlessly blended with Art Deco influences.

The 26 acres of lush gardens serve as beautiful foil to the glimmering golden sandstone edifice. A stunning palatial residence, Umaid Bhavan was the last palace built before the independence of India.

The Indian government’s move in 1977 to abolish the princely privy purses resulted in the present-day royal, Maharaja Gaj Singh II converting part of the into a hotel in 1978.

Umaid Bhavan today comprises three wings: the royal apartments, the luxury hotel, and a museum. The royal wing is closed to tourists. The private wing serves as a residential space for Maharaja Gaj Singh II and his family. The other wing of the palace is run by the Taj group as a luxurious heritage hotel.

Unmissable highlights of a tour of the property are the throne room, billiards room and marble squash courts and sweeping Baradari Lawns dotted with foraging peacocks. 

Did you know that a visiting Polish artist was commissioned to do a painting from The Ramayana? Located in the Oriental Room the life-size mural of the Ramayana. It has been painted as seen through the eyes of Stefan Norblin, who lived here in exile and served as the official court painter of Umaid Bhavan Palace in the reign of Umaid Singh from 1944 to 1946. This is just one among the many artworks created by him during his sojourn at this fabulous palace.

A part of Taj Hotels Resorts, Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotels’ rooms and suites have been given special attention to ensure guests savour each moment in the luxurious ambiance of its modern comforts and vintage vibe for an unparalleled experience of authentic royalty. 

The choice of 27 rooms and 43 suites in this stunning heritage property offers a range of different prospects. You can choose one with a garden view, or one with a fort view or a pool view — or even one overlooking the city skyline.

Meals are a treat here as you get to dine on dishes powered by recipes handed down by generations of royal chefs, or the European favourites brought back from their travels. From champagne breakfasts on the Baradari Lawns to exquisite drinks from the well-stocked bar, be assured you are in for a fabulously exciting regal repast. You might even enjoy learning how to make mocktails at a live and interactive mixology class.

Cocktails at the sunset hour is an unforgettable experience. A personal favourite of the maharajah in residence the Sunset Pavilion, amongst the the highest dining points in Jodhpur with a bird's eye view of the Baradari Lawns, the Bougainvillea gardens and the Mehrangarh Fort, is the spot to be before the stars come out and light up the night sky.

ROYAL INDULGENCES

The Royal Bath

A sensorial treat, the Maharani Bath is an energising ritual featuring a refreshing rose bath and shower. The distinctive fragrance of full-bodied rose and soft, supple skin that feels hydrated and radiant, makes the experience truly exquisite. On the other hand Maharaja Bath experience is a stimulating ritual with its Jasmine and Mogra-infused bath and shower oil that de-stresses and tones muscles. An exfoliating cream scrub luxuriously softens the skin making it radiant and refreshed.

J Wellness Circle offers a range of both Indian and western healing therapies and treatments for a totally relaxing and rejuvenating experience. You can also chill out in the subterranean Zodiac Pool.

Sporting Chance

If you are up to it, you might try your hand at indulging in a true-blue royal sport — horse riding, available at the private stables of the palace. A spin in a vintage car adds another royal touch to the entire Umaid Bhavan Palace Hotel experience.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, Jodhpur was ranked #1 Hotel in India, #2 in Asia and #3 in the World by the world's largest travel site, TripAdvisor, in their coveted annual Travellers' Choice Awards in 2018.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS 

The Museum

This private museum showcases a wonderful collection of art deco furniture, cutlery, porcelain, paintings, arms and ammunition et al. At the Legacy Continues Gallery you will find memorabilia of the current royal family and their hobbies. On display at the museum is also a superb collection of antique clocks.

Jaswant Thada

A must-visit, this stunning marble cenotaph was raised as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the Marwar ruler from the latter half of the 19th century. He was largely remembered for his reform measures. It was his son Sardar Singh, who commissioned this beautiful chhatri. The grounds of Jaswant Thada, just half a km away from the fort, became the crematoria for later t rulers of Marwar.

Umaid Bhavan Palace Hotel has many charming experiences to explore. As one of the world’s top- flight royal heritage properties it offers an unparalleled window to the royal way of life and living.