This splendid palace is as much a top attraction as far and away the best place to stay in Jodphur . Situated on another raised outcrop, and commanding the south eastern horizon, with broad views and manicured grounds creating an almost rural ambience, it was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (the current Maharaja's Gaj Singh's father who now occupies a third of the palace with his family) as a large scale poverty-relief exercise to aid his drought-stricken subjects with employment. With 347 rooms, including a cinema, it was at the time the largest private residence in the world -- a vivid reminder of the decadence the Rajput rulers enjoyed during the British Raj. Designed by Henry Lanchester, a great admirer of Lutyens (the man who designed the great New Delhi buildings), it was commenced in 1929, took 3,000 laborers 15 years to complete, and remains one of the best examples of the Indo-Saracenic Art Deco style, topped with a massive dome which rises 56m (184 ft.) high, beyond which the buildings are perfectly symmetrical. Its original Art Deco furniture and fittings were en route from Maples in London and were sunk by a German U-boat during the height of WW2 but the ever-resourceful Maharaja instead utilized the services of a Polish refugee, Stefan Norblin, who completed the interiors true to the grand Art Deco theme. After the spectacle of the 32m (105-ft.) central dome in the Palm Court (where you really need to pause and let your eyes drink it all in), you'll want to spend some time exploring the various public spaces (decorated in Art Deco furniture and fittings), swanning up and down the sweeping marble staircases, and heading down to the spa and hypnotic indoor pool -- which will transport you to back to the 1940s with its bold blue zodiac-sign mosaics.
Guests are taken on a personal tour of the entire palace (excluding the private residence of the royal family); ask if you can see the Maharaja and Maharani suites, which have not been renovated but represent another opportunity to peek back in time. After your tour, stop to sip a coffee at The Pillars, from where you enjoy a spellbinding view of the fort in the distance (note that nonguests are technically required to pay a cover charge even when dining at The Pillars, though this will be deducted from your bill). There is also a museum that features photographs of the construction and a model of the building, as well as items collected by the maharaja's ancestors.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
