Umed Bhawan
Palace Hotel
Since olden days, the Maharaos of Kotah (as Kota was formerly called)
had always lived in the medieval Fort inside the city. Wanting a modern
palace for his personal use, Maharaja Umed Singh II settled for nothing
but the best. He commissioned Sir Swinton Jacob, a distinguished officer
of the Royal Engineers in the British Army, to design the building.
As expected, Umed Bhawan came up in 1905 in the prevalent Indo-Sarcenic
style. Plentiful supply of white Khimach and Pink Sandstone from nearby
quarries helped, while Italian marble, among other things, had to
be imported for flooring.
There was more to the impressive building apart from a peculiar clock
tower –Separate zenana (ladies') wing, Durbar Hall (investiture
room), Edwardian Drawing Room, Library, Billiards Room, the Banquet
Hall and even a cinema hall. Every visiting dignitary, including Queen
Mary, who visited Kotah State in 1905, has been entertained at the
Umed Bhawan Palace.
In 1930, the Umed Bhawan Palace was enlarged to provide accommodation
for Maharaj Kumar Bhim Singh and his bride. George Devon, the designer,
took great care to ensure that the new wing blended well with the
old. This part of Umed Bhawan Palace remains a private residence while
the rest is operational as a WelcomHeritage hotel.
Access
Jaipur Airport: 245 km
Kota Railway Station : 06 km
Kota Bus Stand : 02 km
Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant: Restaurant of Umed Bhawan Palace serves Indian,
Continental and Chinese Cuisine.
Bar: Available.
Room Facilities
Room Service, Attached Bath, Hot and Cold Running Water, Colour Television,
Telephone
Hotel Facilities & Services
Bar Lounge, Laundry, Badminton Court, Doctor on Call, Money Exchange,
Car Parking, Billiards Room, Conference Hall, Standby Generator, Cycling/Jogging
Track, Croquet, Carom and Chess |
