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Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jodhpur

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

A magnificent Art Deco palace hotel and still the home of the erstwhile Royal Family, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of India’s great palaces.

Perched on the summit of Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace has commanding views over the fabled Blue City of Jodhpur, vast sand dunes and the imperious Mehrangarh Fort, and set within 26 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens it is one of the largest residences in the world. Built between 1929 and 1942, this golden monument, carved out of desert sandstone, designed by the famed Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester and commissioned by H. H. Maharaja Umaid Singh, the grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, is a celebration of the Art Deco style on the grandest scale. It is currently the sixth largest private residence in the world, but is now divided into the Maharaja's private residence, a beautiful museum and a luxury palace hotel, offering its guests a taste of fine living.

Taj Hotels took over the property 2005 and the royal home was lovingly refurbished to blend India’s age-old royal traditions, with influences from local culture. The grandeur of the style and ambience are evident from the moment you arrive in the reception area, with the cupola a staggering 105 feet above you (the largest in India). The palace hotel has 22 palace rooms and 42 suites (24 historical suites, ten royal suites, six grand royal suites, one Maharaja suite and one Maharani suite), most with garden views. There are non-smoking and smoking-room options.

There are a number of dining options to choose from; Risala offers authentic Rajasthani and Indian cuisine, an array of European and Mediterranean delicacies can be found at the elegant Pillars, the Trophy Bar, with its unique hunting-themed décor, has a wide selection of beverages and cigars, or dine in the candlelit palace grounds in a variety of locations. These are also open to non-guests.

Guests can also indulge in a series of signature Taj rituals, stroll through the private museum, take tea on the lawns or put their skills to the test on the marbled squash courts. There is a health club, tennis and squash courts, billiards room, the Jiva Grande spa and a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool. For a taste of the local flavours, visitors have the option to explore the city in a vintage car drive accompanied by their royal butler or go further afield to dine under the starry night sky in the Thar Desert.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was named the number one best hotel in India, number two in Asia and number three in the World, according to TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels 2018.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

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

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