The Umaid Bhawan Palace, the largest private residence in the world, reminds one of a series of incidences, unfolding chapters from the medieval era. The palace, now a stately and well rendered heritage hotel, explains the life and the styling sense that the maharajas laid. An initiative of Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, the palace was fashioned by Edwardian architect Henry V Lanchester. The grandiose edifice epitomises the wonderful blend of the Renaissance model and Rajput style. Owing to its magnanimity and stateliness, the palace is known far and wide, roping in legions of vacationers and tourists from across the globe. Besides being a an architectural piece de resistance, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most dignified and most illustrious heritage hotels in the country, extending an exclusive blend of age-old tradition and modern day amenities.


The imposing golden yellow sandstone monument has the distinction of being the first to introduce electricity and elevators. Paintings from the Ramayana are also an exclusive feature of this luxuriant structure. The walls of the palace are also embellished with carvings and images. The symmetry that you will observe as you walk along its periphery is simply outstanding. Surprisingly enough, the palace still bears the ancient furnishings, portraits, carvings and images to gratify the tourist's thirst for royal fashion and pleasure. The Maharaja Suit, that was once the most favoured stay spot of Maharaja Umaid Singh, is one of the major attractions here. And which is more, you can also book your stay in this suit and turn your vacations into a worthwhile experience. Exquisite murals of leopards from Africa, India ans Arabia grace the masculine aura all the more. Yet another lure for tourists is the Maharani Suit that bear lavishly refined interiors and elegant murals. The spacious balconies of the suit afford stunning views of the landscaped gardens and the intrepid Mehrangarh Fort.



Though, many of the royal antiquities are in use, the palace also has a museum exhibiting some more items belonging to the rulers and their royal families. And you can also fix a gaze upon the walls that have various weapons, once in use by the maharajas, hung on them. As you pay a visit to the palace and start exploring the heritage, you will find an abundance to explore. For those, who are a regular exrecise freak can work out at the gym. To keep you entertained and occupied all the way long, the hotel also organises trips to the dunes of the Thar. From enjoying a camel safari and spending a night under the desert sky to sitting around a bonfire and gorging on the choicest of Rajasthani cuisines served a la royalty, you can have it all. A worthy experience!

You can also acquaint yourself of the rustic lifestyle in the villages. The age-old customs and traditions provide a tourist with a variety of experiences. Get welcomed by the village folks and watch the cultural performances including folk dance and music that have been a part and parcel of the people's life here. Apart from that, you can also choose to pick some of the most interesting souvenirs from the tribal stalls. Block printed saris, embroidered jootis, lace work and furniture are much popular with tourists. You can even find designer boutiques in Jodhpur where you can satiate your hunger of shopping for designer cloths and accessories.

Paying a visit to the city of Jodhpur has its own rewards. From a peek into the glorious past to staying in the largest private residence of the world and laying your hands on some of the most prized souvenirs, you have an abundance of options. So, take time out to appreciate the ancient sophistication and turn yourself into a man of experience.