Call 01306 744 656 or
Call 01306 744 656 or
People come here for a taste of Jodhpur’s old-world extravagance…
Part hotel, part museum, Taj Umaid Bhawan is also the sixth largest royal residence in the world where the Maharaja and his family still live today. Designed by Edwardian architect, Henry Lanchester, this magnificent structure was commissioned to provide employment to 3,000 people affected by Rajasthan’s famine. It took almost 14 years to build and was completed in 1943. Today we’re as renowned as the Mehrangarh Fort with a dedicated museum and daily heritage tours exclusive to our guests.
Arrivals are treated with much fanfare; ceremonial drums, trumpets, a red carpet and a cupola to shade you as you sip champagne. The interior is similarly extravagant incorporating Art Deco design complete with a soaring domed lobby and terrazzo tiles running throughout.
Of the 70 rooms (or 347 if you count the royal quarters), the Maharaja and Maharani Suites are undoubtedly the most lavish. The latter overlooks the immense palace gardens and attempts to recreate royal indulgence with its own spa-like bathroom and dining room.
A Jodhpur martini is a must at our Trophy Bar reminiscent of the old-world hunting era. So is dinner at our restaurant, Risala, for lawn-facing views and fiery lal maas under portraits of former maharajas. As you can imagine, private dining is our thing – amid the immaculate lawns with the peacocks strutting about, candle-lit by the outdoor pool or perched high up on a terrace so you can see the whole city lit up in the evening and the looming Mehrangarh Fort. You don’t even need to leave the property with the subterranean spa and Zodiac pool, as well as tennis and badminton for the energetic.
Our little black book knows no bounds with experiences from vintage car rides and rose petal baths to polo practice at the Maharaja’s private stables. One of the most authentic activities though is a trip to Krishna rural village to meet its people and see traditional craftsmanship such as pottery and carpet weaving. It just gives you that insight into the local culture that has remained intact throughout the years.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
