Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid
Bhawan Palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji Palace was fascinated with western
lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect,
Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New
Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur is one of the largest and grandest private residences
in the world.
The palace was built by 3000 artisans worked over 14 years.
The palace consumed one million square feet of the finest marble. Beautiful Central
Rotunda, the cupola rises to a hundred and five feet high, the Throne Room with
its exquisite Ramayana murals, an elegant wood-panelled library, and even a private
museum, an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble
squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.
The
palace was also built with superficial intentions of providing employment to famine
stricken farmers. a part of this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel,
however, another part is still occupied by the descendants of the Maharaja. The
museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an array
of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible
collection of clocks.
Ever since its opening In 1977, Umaid Bhawan has
remained one of the top heritage hotels in India and the very best in Jodhpur.
