Umaid
Bhawan Palace, popularly known as the Chittar Palace is one of the largest
private residence in the world, situated in Jodhpur, in the north Indian
State of Rajasthan. The palace was built by the Maharaja Umaid Singh between
1929 & 1943. This spectacular monument is known for its impressive
fortified bastions.
Architecture - This brilliant
monument built in sandstone & marble is a blend of European &
Oriental style architecture. This was designed by the president of the
British Royal institute of Architects. It has 347 rooms & two huge wings
separated by a double dome of 185 feet tall. This palace is now partly the
residence of the former rulers with a part a five star hotel and the
remaining part as a museum.
| » Other
Attractions Near Umaid Bhawan |
Mehrangarh
Fort : One of the largest forts in India, it is unsurpassed in beauty
and grandeur. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling
courtyards, are intricately carved. Various folk musicians and bands gather
here on important occasions and perform against the magical backdrop of the
fort – reviving the regal splendour of a bygone era. A unique feature
of this palace is the fact that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been
put together in a special system of interlocking, there is not mortar
binding.
A portion of the palace has been converted into a hotel,
the other remains on view to visitors in form of excellent museum which
houses model airplanes, weapons, antique clocks and bob watches, priceless
crockery, and hunting trophies. Both sections retain the ambience of royal
splendor .
Sardar Samand Lake & Palace : As
you go up to the shimmering lake and palace, a meandering and interesting
drive will keep you entraced. The countryside with its lively villages and
smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will make you stop by and
taste a bit of their hospitality. Photographers and adventurists can have
day packed with enthralling excitement. Freely roaming herds of Chinkaras
and Black Bucks can be seen here in large numbers.
Maha
Mandir Temple : Leterally, the great temple, a place where sacred glory
reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an
architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed
designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure
is marked by a unique and original style.
Jaswant
Thada : A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D.
in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the
portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Government
Museum : Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum
houses a rich collection of exhibits - armoury, textiles, local arts and
crafts, miniature paintings. Portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of
Jain Tirthankars. Umaid Public Garden houses a zoo also. Timing : 1000 to
1630 hrs (Friday closed).
| » Places to
Stay in Jodhpur |
The variety of hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur makes one
feel at home. Accommodation here is available to suit tourists of every
budget. Hotel Karni Bhawan, Ajit Bhawan are heritage hotels. The Rajasthan
Tourism Department has the Ghoomar Hotel. The palace hotels options include
theUmaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Rajputana Palace. Raj Basera
also provides good accommodation facilities. There are low budget
accommodations avaialable too.
Jodhpur has extreme type of climate with temperature range
variation being very high. Average rainfall is 32 cm annually. The best
season to visit the city is between October and March.
The Sadar Market near the Clock Tower gives immense shopping
pleasure to the locals as well as the visitors. The colourful but hectic
bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops. Look for the
tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques,
carpets and puppets. Here, one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay
figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic
silver jewellery.
The
Marwar festival is held in the month of
September to October on the full moon day. The festival conforms to the
culture of the Marwah community. It transforms them to a mood of dance and
festivity with lively performance by the artists on folk music. Visitors
often go to the place to view the festival in its full blossom.
Air : Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with
Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.
Rail : Jodhpur
is connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Abu
Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.
Road : The state transport has bus services from other
cities of the state and some services are interstate too.
