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Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this 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
Palace.
This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private
residence in the world. Spectacular 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. The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace
hotel. 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.
This is known as Umaid Bhawan Palace because of the particular type of sandstone
used, to build it - which is not weathered. Portions of the Umaid palace
have been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified
bastions, specially those of Mehrangarh Fort, which has been a witness for
many battles and is associated closely with the history of the region.
Being a part of the desert triangle, and venue of Marwar Festival it is
also covered by the famous "Palace on Wheels", a super luxurious (emperor
style) rail-cum-road package tour.
The city again is of high tourist attraction and has all basic amenities
for both domestic and foreign tourists. Hotels from Super Deluxe ranging
to low budge can be checked in. It is well connected by rail, road and air
to the city as it again witnesses high flow of tourist traffic in winters.
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