Umaid Bhawan Palace

Introduction:
India's last great palace and World's largest private residence, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an opulent monument of Rajputana dynasty. This magnificent palace was constructed by Late his highness Maharajah Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in between 1929 to 1944, on the Chittor hill at the South-eastern part of Jodhpur.

This grandiose palace was built as a work-for-food programme to provide employment to more than 3000 artisans during the famine. A hefty amount of Rs 94, 51, 565 was used to create this brilliant architectural masterpiece.

Till date, this awesome palace serves as the residence of royal family of Jodhpur and also plays a vital role in making Rajasthan, number one tourist destination in India.

Architectural Significance of Umaid Bhawan Palace:
This exhilarating palace was designed by Edwarian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester and has brilliant fusion of eastern and western architectural designs. Umaid Bhawan Palace, which is made up of marbles and Chittor sand stone of golden- yellow color, is a fine exampler of Rajputana architectural designs along with the designs of the Hindu mountain temples are prominent in this palace.

The architecture of this Rajasthani palace is unique in own self. To bind the curved stones, a system of interlocking positive and negative pieces are used to avoid the use of cement or morter. Due to this unusal designs, it always maintain the temperature at 23 degree celsius.

Considered as a World's largest private residence, the entire Umaid Bhawan Palace covers a total area of 26 acres. This palace is embellished with lush green lawns that stretches to an area of 15 acres and on th e remaining area the main palace premise is built. The majestic central dome of this palace is 32 m high cupala is inspired by the Renaissance while the towers are influenced by Rajputana designs.

Important Buildings In Umaid Bhawan Palace:
His Highness Maharajah Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur, has segmented this alluring palace into three functional parts such as residence of royal family, a luxury hotel named Taj Hotel, and a museum.

Umaid Bhawan Museum: The museum which is built within the Umaid Palace complex has a collection of weapons, an array stuffed leopards, a huge banner gifted by Queen Victoria, collection of some beautiful antique clocks, China vases, furniture, portraits and artifacts of Jodhpur.

Swimming Pool: Another main attraction within this palace is a beautiful turquoise swimming pool. This aqua blue color swimming pool is created at the centre of the palace, is a real treat to eyes.

Garden: Last but not the least, the picturesque gardens which was created in an area of 15 acres. This lush green garden beautifies the exterior as well as the rear side of this wonderful palace. In these green lawns peacocks display their plumage which would surely mesmerized you.

Apart from these things, Umaid Bhawan Palace has a spectacular central dome, which soars 110 feet overhead. Another beautiful things which are available in this palace are paintings of Ramayana. These are painted by a Polish artist also attracts the tourist folk. Pillars built inside the palace presents a marvelous view of the sunset.

Things To Do In Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Sight Seeing Activity: Sight Seeing activity is one of the most main activity that a holiday maker can indulge himself in this lavish palace. Umaid Bhavan Palace has plentiful of attractive things that can captivate your attention. Each and every corner of this palace exhibits architectural brilliance and hard labor and skills of craftsmen of previous era.

Photography: Another best thing to involve yourself while your trip to Umaid Bhawan Palace is Photography. Umaid Bhawan palace is an ideal palace to click some nice photos amidst the beautiful garden.

Staying Option: Even one can choose Umiad Bhawan Place as a staying option. One portion of this plush palace is now converted into a luxury heritage hotel. This hhotel is now run by the esteemed Taj group of hotel chains. All the rooms are well equipped with various amenities that can help you to have a slice of life of erstwhile rulers.