Palaces Of Jodhpur
Rajasthan is the land of palaces, forts, and castles. Jodhpur is one of the important towns of Rajasthan and is on the world map for its grand forts and palaces. The palaces of Jodhpur are architectural masterpieces.The two most prominent Jodhpur palaces are Umaid Bhavan and Balsamand Palace.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Consisting of 347 rooms, Umaid Bhavan Palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1943. The Jodhpur royal family resides in one section of the palace. Another major section of Umaid Bhavan runs as a heritage hotel by Taj group. One section of the palace is also open for the tourists.
Tourists come in hordes to visit the famous palaces of Jodhpur. The tourists can have a look at the museum inside the palace. The museum displays various objects, accessories, portraits, and paintings of the royal family. The world class cutlery, crockery, and porcelains displayed in the museum depict the grandeur of Maharaja Family.
The architecture of Umaid Bhavan Palace is a good mix of eastern and Western style. It has been designed by the famous Edwardian architect, Henry Lanchester. Some parts of the palace are a masterpiece of art deco style while some have excellent in Hindu style carvings.
Umaid Bhavan Palace is a must see for its contemporary design. The museum gives a feel of the rich lifestyle of Indian Maharajas. The lush green lawns are beautifully landscaped with exotic flowers. Just outside the entrance of the palace there is a display of world class cars used by various Maharajas of Jodhpur.
Staying in Umaid Bhavan Palace hotel you feel like a Maharaja.
Balsamand Lake Palace
Balsamand Lake Palace is situated 5 kms away from the centre of Jodhpur. It stands at the edge of a man made lake called Balsamand. The Balsamand palace once used to be the summer resort for the members of the royal family. Situated on the banks of a lake it was supposed to be relatively cooler. Traditionally, the royal family used to spend the first rain of the monsoon in the Balsamand lake palace. It was not just a residence but a favorite picnic spot for the royal family.
The Balsamand was converted into a heritage hotel in the year 1996 by Maharaja Gaj Singh II. The palace is built in typical Rajputana style. Made out of Jodhpur red sand stone the property looks distinct. The hotel provides a spectacular view of the lake and the Aravalli hills.
The hotel is apt to provide a royal experience to its guests. The whole building is encircled by beautiful lush green lawns. The lake is open for boating. The hotel is frequently having folk dance and music performances to entertain the guests.
Apart from the above two palaces there are other palaces like Rai Ka Bagh Palace. This was made by the Queen of Maharaja Jaswant Singh I. At present it houses the income tax office. The architectural beauty can be admired from the outside of the palace.
The palaces of Jodhpur are well preserved and maintained. People from all over the world travel to experience the royal style and grandeur left behind in these palaces.