1. The World's 6th Largest Private Residence: History & Grandeur
Perched high above the blue city of Jodhpur atop Chittar Hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world's largest and most magnificent private residences. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1928 and completed in 1943 under the architectural direction of British Royal Institute President Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the colossal 347-room edifice was built using interlocking golden-yellow Chittar sandstone without the use of mortar.
Today, the palace is divided into three distinct wings: the private residence of the current titular Maharaja Gaj Singh II and the royal Marwar family; an authentic public heritage museum showcasing royal clocks, weapons, and vintage automobiles; and the ultra-luxury hotel wing managed by Taj Hotels featuring 64 opulent Art Deco rooms and suites.
Guests at Umaid Bhawan Palace do not simply stay at a luxury resort—they reside as personal guests in an active royal palace. Devotees of royal history frequently catch glimpses of the Maharaja strolling through the private gardens, while royal butlers trace their lineage across generations of palace service.
2. Royal Suites: The Maharaja & Maharani Art Deco Sanctuaries
The interior architecture reflects the height of 1930s European Art Deco combined with classical Rajput iconography. Rich French marble, Makrana stone, exotic timber paneling, and chrome fittings create a timeless ambiance.
| Suite Category | Area | Tariff per Night | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Room | 450 sq. ft. | ₹55,000 – ₹85,000 | Art Deco furnishings, garden view, marble bath |
| Historical Suite | 750 sq. ft. | ₹95,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Balcony overlooking palace gardens or Baradari |
| Royal Suite | 1,200 sq. ft. | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,80,000 | Separate living room, royal portraits, deep soaking tub |
| Maharani Presidential Suite | 4,850 sq. ft. | ₹4,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | Designed by Norblin, pink French marble bath, private jacuzzi |
| Maharaja Presidential Suite | 4,200 sq. ft. | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 | Black marble styling, private steam room, bar, dining room |
The Maharani Suite was originally designed for the personal use of Maharani Badan Kanwan. Decorated in delicate pink French marble, chrome murals by Stefan Norblin, mirrored ceilings, a private massage room, a walk-in wardrobe, and a bathtub carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble, it represents the apex of 20th-century royal residential luxury.
3. Gastronomy: Risala, Pillars & The Trophy Bar
Dining at Umaid Bhawan Palace combines centuries-old royal Marwar hunting recipes with contemporary gastronomy:
- Risala: The royal Indian fine dining restaurant adorned with historical military portraits and cavalry lances, serving royal Rajput hunting specialties like Jungli Maas, Lal Maas, and Ker Sangri.
- Pillars: An open-air colonnaded terrace restaurant offering panoramic views of the palace gardens and the distant silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort, famous for leisurely royal breakfasts and sunset teas.
- The Trophy Bar: Decorated with authentic royal hunting trophies, elephant tusk carvings, and leather banquettes, offering an exceptional collection of rare Cuban cigars, vintage armagnacs, and single malts.
4. The Subterranean Zodiac Pool & Vintage Car Collection
A hidden marvel of the palace is the subterranean Zodiac Swimming Pool. Located deep inside the palace foundations, the heated indoor pool is tiled in midnight-blue tiles depicting the twelve astrological zodiac signs, surrounded by Art Deco wall reliefs and candlelit sconces.
Guests are also given privileged access to the Maharaja's private Vintage Car Collection, housed in the palace forecourt. The fleet includes royal custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantoms, Cadillacs, Buicks, and a rare 1938 Packard used by the royal family for ceremonial state processions.
5. Peacock Lawns, Heritage Walks & Booking Logistics
The palace is surrounded by 26 acres of lush landscaped Mughal gardens where wild peacocks roam freely. Every morning and afternoon, guests can embark on guided heritage walks exploring the 105-foot central rotunda dome, whose acoustics echo footsteps throughout the grand marble hall.
Because Umaid Bhawan is a premier global venue for celebrity weddings and royal summits, the palace frequently executes private full-property buyouts. Prospective travelers should book their stay at least 4 to 6 months in advance on tajhotels.com, particularly for travel between October and March.
6. Private Royal Residence & The Palace Vintage Car Museum
What distinguishes Umaid Bhawan Palace from almost every other luxury hotel in the world is that it remains the active private primary residence of the titular Maharaja of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh II, and the royal Rathore family. The palace is partitioned into three distinct wings: the private royal family quarters, the 70-room ultra-luxury Taj hotel, and the public Palace Museum.
Resident hotel guests receive exclusive after-hours access to the Royal Vintage Car Collection housed within the palace forecourt. The glass-fronted pavilions showcase the personal automobiles of the Maharajas, including a 1938 custom Rolls-Royce Phantom III, a 1927 classic Buick, vintage Packards, and rare Cadillac convertibles, lovingly maintained in operational condition by royal mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who lives in Umaid Bhawan Palace today?
Maharaja Gaj Singh II (titular Maharaja of Jodhpur) and the royal family of Marwar continue to reside in their private residential wing of Umaid Bhawan Palace.
How many rooms are in Umaid Bhawan Palace?
The entire palace contains 347 rooms, making it one of the largest private residences in the world. The Taj luxury hotel wing occupies 64 of these staterooms and suites.
What is the price of the Maharani Suite at Umaid Bhawan Palace?
The 4,850-square-foot Maharani Presidential Suite ranges between ₹4,50,000 and ₹6,00,000+ per night, featuring pink French marble bathtubs and Art Deco frescoes.
Can tourists visit Umaid Bhawan Palace without staying there?
Non-hotel guests can only visit the public Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum wing (entry ₹100), which showcases royal vintage cars, clocks, and artifacts. The hotel wing and gardens are restricted to resident guests.
What stone was used to build Umaid Bhawan Palace?
The palace is built from local golden-yellow Chittar sandstone (quarried nearby), which changes color from soft gold to honey bronze depending on sunlight.