Experience the royal lifestyle of the Maharajas of bygone eras when you stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace during your vacation in India. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, this golden-hued monument greets you from a distance as you disembark the plane.
Divided into three parts — a luxury Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces hotel (since 1972), the residence of the royal family, and a museum focusing on the history of the Jodhpur royal family — the palace is also one of the world's largest residences, spanning across 26 acres (10.5 hectares) of lush gardens.One of the last of the great palaces of India, this property is also a celebration of Art Deco style on the grandest possible scale. With 64 spacious rooms and suites filled with gilded furniture and elegant artwork, you'll experience fine living at its best.
The perfectly manicured gardens look like something out of a lush European city. Lovebirds can enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds to explore the museum, savour an Ayurvedic treat at the Jiva Grande Spa or have a dip in either the outdoor or temperature controlled subterranean pool. Dining here, too, is an experience. Watch freely roaming peacocks and squirrels as you have breakfast at Pillars, the all-day dining restaurant overlooking the vast gardens. Or have dinner at Raas, a newly-opened rooftop Tandoori restaurant that has candlelit tables facing the setting sun, offering great views of the Blue City of Jodhpur. For something extraordinary, arrange to have a private, romantic dinner in the beautiful Baradari, a marbled pavilion in the gardens.
The Manvar Desert Resort & Camp is a must-visit for nature lovers. Set in the Great Indian Thar Desert, about an hour's drive from Jodhpur, this resort is built in the style of a traditional desert village, comprising 21 quaint stone cottages. Open between October and March every year, the exclusive camp has 20 deluxe tents tastefully decorated with attached bathrooms (there's hot and cold water, too!). Guests can opt for a jeep or camel safari, if they want to venture off the beaten track. Meals are provided in the strategically located dining tent, which offers great views of the sunrise and sunset. To complete your stay, we suggest a tandem camel ride as the sun sets.
Another must see in Jodhpur is the imposing Meherangarh Fort or Citadel of the Sun. It stands sentinel on a cliff to the city 400 metres below, and houses a palace adorned with intricately carved panels and latticed red sandstone windows. Highly recommended is the audio tour of the massive fort, where you also get spectacular views of the blue city houses of Jodhpur. Shopaholics can head to Girdikot and Sardar Market, a colourful bazaar with narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops, selling exquisite Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts and silver jewellery.
