Jodhpur's Royal Residence, the splendid Umaid Bhawan Palace, is its' most dominant landmark, visible from every part of this sprawling city. Designed by Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a worthy rival of Edward Lutyens, it took fourteen years to build and was completed in 1943. Maharaja Umaid Singh's Palace was the last of India's great palaces. Perched atop Chittar Hill, this magnificent edifice is considered the largest private residence in the world.

Set in twenty six acres and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the Welcome Heritage Umaid Bhawan Palace has since 1977 been transformed into a spectacular five star deluxe hotel, reputed to be amongst the finest palace hotels anywhere.

What sets it apart from other palace hotels is the fact that a great deal of careful thought and planning has gone into ensuring that it retains the flavor of a grand royal residence -the purpose it was built for -and yet offers every modern amenity, whilst retaining the charisma of a regal and serene palace.