Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

Palace in Jodhpur

could-see attraction

Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm

Address: Umaid Bhawan Palace Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Ticket price: Indian/foreigner ₹30/100

Visit duration: People typically spend up to 1 hour here

About Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace is also known as "Chittar Palace" as it is situated on the Chittar hill. This Palace is a marvellous piece of the heritage of Rajasthan, and a symbol of the new Jodhpur.

Built with golden-yellow sandstone, the world's sixth-largest private residence is named after The Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Singh who was the grandfather of present owner Gaj Singh. It is remarked as one of the largest royal residences in the world.

History of Umaid Bhawan Palace

According to local folklore, a saint, for reasons unknown to us, cursed the land that famine would fall upon the territory. Unfortunately and coincidentally, that came true and the area was in a serious drought for nearly three years. Which is why, Maharaja Umaid Singh, decided to build a lavish palace to give employment to a thousand of people who were famine-stricken farmers. It took 15 years to complete as the Maharaja wanted to provide consistent employment for the suffering farmers. The construction of the Umaid Bhawan Palace started on 18 Nov 1929 and was completed in 1943.

Architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace

The iconic structure was designed by the famous British architect Henry Lanchester with the help of 3000 workers at a worth of about 11 million rupees. The palace has 347 rooms. Not only that but also there are three kinds of functional parts. A part of the palace is the residence of the royal family, another part is conducted by Taj Hotels and the other part is a museum that focuses on the history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.

The structure of the palace is beautifully set amidst 26 acres which includes 15 acres of green gardens. The major attraction of the palace is the inner vaulted dome in the interior part which is covered by an outer dome. The entry to the palace leads to a lobby with polished black granite floor and then the rest of the area is sandstone flooring.

The principal architecture of the palace followed the elegant Art Deco style of that time. It is said that following the features of Buddhist and Hindu edifices, the layout and design of the palace were built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the architect Henry Lanchester. The works of the classical interior of the renowned palace are one of the finest examples of Great Rajput artwork.

Entry fee and timings

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is open on all days of the week including public holidays. The museum opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

The entry fee is different for Indian tourists and foreign tourists. While Indians have to pay ₹25, the entry fee for foreigners is ₹50.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is also open on all days of the week except Sundays. Indians have to pay ₹30 while foreigners have to pay ₹100.

Facts and tips about Umaid Bhawan Palace

• Take a heritage walk throughout the palace as well as the museum to feel the Rajasthani ambience pleasantly. As photography is allowed, do not forget to bring your cameras.


• Since the Old Blue City & Clock Tower Market, Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort are not very far from the Umaid Bhawan Palace, plan your visit in such a way that you can cover all three places in one trip.

Other attractions near Umaid Bhawan Palace

• Old Blue City & Clock Tower Market - 4.3 km
• Jaswant Thada - 5.1 km
• Mehrangarh Fort - 6.0 km

FAQs about Umaid Bhawan Palace

1. When was Umaid Bhawan Palace built?

Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between 1929 and 1943. It is the youngest and the last palace which was completed in just four years before the independence of India (1947).

2. How many rooms are there in Umaid Bhawan Hotel?

This majestic Taj hotel in Jodhpur also known as "Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur" have 70 grand art-deco rooms and suites with exclusive services. Moreover, there are many kinds of facilities like Ayurvedic therapies, Swimming pools, indoor games, massages, beauty treatments, spas, etc. So it is the perfect place for any kind of grand celebration.

3. Any other pleasant things to see or experience?

Yes! You will notice the national bird of India, the peacock within the premises of the palace. There is an open-air cafe offering delicious food and fascinating sceneries of the Mehrangarh Fort. It is a perfect treatment for the pair of eyes and offers an external Rajasthani ambiance to visitors.