Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum
A magnificent royal residence and museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace blends Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles, offering stunning architecture and city views...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & better light
Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds & better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent royal residence and museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace blends Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles, offering stunning architecture and city views.
"A must-visit for its history, architecture, and breathtaking views."
Confirm Entry Timings
Museum hours can vary; check current timings before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Be Prepared for Higher Fees
Foreign tourists may face higher entry fees than locals. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Car Collection
Museum Wing
Admire a well-maintained collection of vintage cars, a highlight for many visitors.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the stunning blend of Indo-Colonial and Art Deco styles, a true masterpiece.
Panoramic City Views
Palace Grounds
Enjoy breathtaking views of Jodhpur's 'Blue City' from the palace property.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding Access and Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Entry Timings
Museum hours can vary; check current timings before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Be Prepared for Higher Fees
Foreign tourists may face higher entry fees than locals. :moneybag:
Guides Can Be Pushy
Guides may approach you insistently; the museum is largely self-explanatory. :person_walking:
Lighting in Car Museum
Morning light can be dim in the vintage car section; consider visiting later if this is a concern. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Entry Timings
Museum hours can vary; check current timings before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Be Prepared for Higher Fees
Foreign tourists may face higher entry fees than locals. :moneybag:
Guides Can Be Pushy
Guides may approach you insistently; the museum is largely self-explanatory. :person_walking:
Lighting in Car Museum
Morning light can be dim in the vintage car section; consider visiting later if this is a concern. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Other Sites
Umaid Bhawan is near Ghanta Ghar and Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Umaid Bhawan Palace for its stunning architecture, breathtaking views of Jodhpur, and the fascinating vintage car collection within its museum. It's considered a must-visit for its historical significance and regal ambiance, offering a less crowded experience compared to other attractions. However, some find the museum exhibits limited given the palace's grandeur, and guides can be overly persistent.
"Umaid Bhavan Museum is always a delight to visit — I came here after 11 years, and it still feels just as beautiful and well-maintained as before. The views from the property are simply the best in Jodhpur.
There’s ample parking space, and you need to pay a small entry fee to access the museum. Inside, you’ll find the vintage car collection, which is in good condition, though I feel the lighting could be improved — especially in the morning, when it’s hard to see the cars clearly.
One downside is that the guides inside can be quite pushy, constantly insisting that you hire them. Personally, I feel the museum is fairly self-explanatory and doesn’t necessarily require a guide.
Overall, it’s a must-visit place in Jodhpur for its history, architecture, and breathtaking views"
Yash Bhavsar
"It’s a great place for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone wanting to get a feel of royal life in Rajasthan.
The palace offers a perfect blend of culture, history, luxury, and stunning architecture.
It’s less crowded compared to other tourist spots, so you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace."
Ritu Sinha
"Umaid Bhawan Museum is partially open for the tourists or visitors remaining part is a hotel which is not accessible to the tourists untill you are not booked the resort to stay. Here present king is also stay in the umaid bhawan which was told by the one of the guide.
Here is vintage car collection which you can see.
Building looks so stunning, but personally I like the place but nothing much to visit inside.
As most of the place is occupied by the hotel."
Prafull Saxena
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Umaid Bhawan Palace is located on Chittar Hill, southeast of Jodhpur. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the city center. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Many visitors combine a visit here with other nearby attractions like Mehrangarh Fort and the Blue City area.
Yes, there is ample parking space available at the Umaid Bhawan Palace complex for visitors. This makes it convenient for those arriving by private vehicle or taxi.
While it's possible to walk, Umaid Bhawan Palace is situated on a hill, making the walk uphill. It's generally more comfortable to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi, especially during warmer parts of the day.
Mehrangarh Fort is a significant landmark in Jodhpur, and Umaid Bhawan Palace is another. They are not immediately adjacent but are both key attractions. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to travel between these sites, offering a convenient way to explore Jodhpur's royal heritage.
While direct public bus routes might be limited, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most common and convenient modes of transport for tourists. They are readily available throughout Jodhpur and can take you directly to the palace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is typically open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Some sources mention 9 AM to 5 PM, so it's advisable to confirm the exact timings before your visit. The palace itself is a residence and a hotel, with only a portion designated as a museum for public access.
There is an entry fee to access the museum. Be aware that foreign tourists may be charged a higher price compared to Indian nationals. It's recommended to check the current ticket prices upon arrival.
Generally, tickets for the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum can be purchased on-site. Advance booking is usually not required unless there are special events or peak season considerations, which are uncommon for the museum itself.
The hotel section of Umaid Bhawan Palace is exclusively for guests staying at the Taj hotel. Visitors can only access the museum wing unless they are checked-in guests. The royal family also resides in a part of the palace.
No, only a specific wing of the Umaid Bhawan Palace is open as a museum for the public. The rest of the palace serves as a luxury hotel managed by Taj Hotels and as the residence of the royal family of Jodhpur.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on cameras or tripods within certain exhibits. Capturing the vintage cars and architectural details is a popular activity.
The exterior of the palace, with its grand architecture and the panoramic views of Jodhpur, offers excellent photo opportunities. Inside the museum, the vintage car collection and the ornate interiors are also popular subjects.
Photography is typically restricted to public areas like the museum. You won't be able to take photos of the hotel's private guest areas unless you are a registered guest. Focus on the museum and the exterior for your shots.
Drone usage is generally prohibited around historical monuments and private residences like Umaid Bhawan Palace due to security and privacy concerns. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
Architectural photography, historical artifact photography, and landscape photography (capturing the city views) are all well-suited for Umaid Bhawan Palace. The blend of styles offers diverse photographic opportunities.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses a fascinating collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, clocks, antique furniture, and memorabilia that chronicle the history of the Jodhpur royal family. The architecture itself is a major draw.
A typical visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum can take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits, especially the vintage car collection and the architectural details. You might spend longer if you also take time to enjoy the views.
While guides are available, they can sometimes be pushy. The museum is largely self-explanatory, so you can explore at your own pace. If you do opt for a guide, be clear about your expectations.
Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh as a drought-relief project, it's one of the world's largest private residences. It's a symbol of royal grandeur, architectural brilliance, and a blend of history and luxury.
Compared to some other major tourist spots, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is often less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed visit. However, it can get busier during peak tourist seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have dining facilities. However, the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel offers fine dining experiences at restaurants like Risala and The Trophy Bar, but these are for hotel guests or require reservations and can be expensive.
There are numerous local eateries and restaurants in Jodhpur city offering authentic Rajasthani cuisine. You can find options ranging from budget-friendly street food stalls to more upscale restaurants in the city center.
Yes, if you are not staying at the hotel, you can still dine at its restaurants. However, be prepared for high prices, as it is a luxury hotel. Reservations are recommended.
The hotel offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Restaurants like Risala are known for their fine dining experience, often featuring Rajasthani specialties alongside global dishes.
For a truly luxurious and regal dining experience, it can be worth it if your budget allows. The ambiance and service are exceptional, offering a taste of royal hospitality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Styles
The interiors are equally impressive, showcasing intricate murals, antique furniture, and a unique blend of Eastern and Western design elements. The palace features 347 rooms, including a wood-panelled library, a private museum, and even marble squash courts. This architectural fusion creates a timeless aesthetic that has captivated visitors for decades, making it one of the most magnificent structures in Jodhpur.
The Museum: A Glimpse into Royal Life
While the museum is not as extensive as some other historical sites, it provides a concentrated glimpse into the opulence and lifestyle of royalty. The exhibits are largely self-explanatory, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. However, some visitors have noted that the lighting in the vintage car section could be improved, especially in the morning. Despite this, the museum is considered a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.
Beyond the Museum: The Palace Experience
For those not staying at the hotel, the palace grounds still offer breathtaking panoramic views of Jodhpur's Blue City. The sheer scale and grandeur of the palace, spread over 26 acres, are awe-inspiring. While the museum provides a historical perspective, the overall aura of the palace speaks volumes about its royal legacy and architectural brilliance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit