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Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan.

A magnificent Art Deco fantasy carved from golden sandstone and set atop Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is both a royal residence and one of the last great palaces of India. Still home to the erstwhile Maharaja of Jodhpur, it remains a place where heritage is not only preserved but quietly lived.

Commissioned in 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh to provide employment during a time of famine, the palace is both an architectural feat and a symbol of benevolence. Designed by celebrated Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, its clean Art Deco lines and monumental dome, soaring 105 feet high, evoke a rare blend of modernity and Indian tradition, set across 26 acres of manicured gardens overlooking the Blue City.

Managed by Taj Hotels, Umaid Bhawan is a working palace in every sense; divided into the royal family’s residence, a museum and an opulent 64-room hotel, where guests are wrapped in quiet indulgence. Suites range from the elegant Palace Rooms to the resplendent Maharaja and Maharani Suites, each styled with heritage flourishes, gleaming Art Deco touches and panoramic views of Mehrangarh Fort and the Thar Desert beyond.

Dining here feels special, with classic Rajasthani dishes at Risala, or take in garden views over Mediterranean plates at Pillars, the palace’s breezy open-air restaurant. The Trophy Bar, an atmospheric cabinet of colonial curiosities, offers rare whiskies, cigars and quiet elegance. Dine beneath the stars in the palace grounds, or take afternoon tea on the croquet lawn surrounded by strutting peacocks and serenaded by birdsong.

Beyond the palace walls, guests can time their visit to coincide with the Jodhpur RIFF (the Rajasthan International Folk Festival) an extraordinary celebration of music and heritage held each October at the Mehrangarh Fort. Curated by the royal family and endorsed by UNESCO, RIFF brings together folk musicians from across India and around the world. Guests of Umaid Bhawan often enjoy VIP access, private recitals and seamless transfers to and from the event, making it one of the most atmospheric times to visit the palace and its desert city surrounds.

Back at Umaid Bhawan, indulge in bespoke Taj rituals, take a vintage car tour through the city with your butler as guide or unwind with a treatment at the Jiva Grande Spa. There’s also a marble squash court, billiards room, tennis courts and both indoor and outdoor pools for more leisurely pursuits.

Named India’s best hotel and ranked among the top three in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Umaid Bhawan is no ordinary escape, it’s a living palace, pulsing with history, hospitality and the quietly confident glamour of another time.

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Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur

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Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur