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The Umaid Bhawan Museum is within the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, the royal city of Rajasthan in India. The palace, built in 1943, is the largest private residence in the world and epitomises the grandeur of Rajasthan. The museum section is devoted to the royal family of Jodhpur, allowing visitors to see its effects, automobiles, and even architecture. Finally, a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum is more than informative and, therefore, has to be recommended for all tourists and, particularly, history lovers as it sheds a lot of light on the cultural heritage of the Marwar region.
Location
Photo: SAM MATHEWS / Unsplash / Image for Representation Only
The Umaid Bhawan Museum is on Circuit House Road in Jodhpur- Rajasthan, India. It is atop Chittar Hill, Jodhpur’s highest point, and is a part of the expansive Umaid Bhawan Palace, which comprises a heritage hotel and a palace for the royal family. The place has a scenic view of the Blue City of Jodhpur, which is relatively close to the major points of interest in this city.
How To Reach Umaid Bhawan Museum
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By Road: The museum is well-connected by road and is about 5 km from Jodhpur city centre. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental cars are easily available for visitors.
By Rail: Jodhpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead, located just 7 km away from the museum. From the station, visitors can take taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the museum.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, situated about 4 km from Umaid Bhawan. Several domestic flights connect Jodhpur to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
Places To Visit In And Around Umaid Bhawan Museum
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash
Mehrangarh Fort is a massive structure that stands tall at 400 feet from the city, providing spectacular views of Jodhpur. Within it, there are buildings such as Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal, all of which are beautiful due to the stonework carving and large courtyards. It also has a well-stocked museum that includes pictures of royal palanquins, an armoury and some of the traditional costumes. Due to cultural programs like folk dances and music, the Fort is a lively area for tourists who want to enjoy the culture and music at the same time.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹600 for foreign nationals
2. Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a marble structure that depicts a cenotaph, but it also has amazingly intricate marble work and elements of architecture. The cenotaph’s marble panels are exquisite, especially as they change their hue depending on the intensity of the light. The site also features several other tombs and cenotaphs of other members of the royal family and is enclosed by a calm lake and gardens. Tourists generally combine a visit to this place with the Mehrangarh Fort, which is quite nearby since walking through this garden brings considerable relaxation after sightseeing at the Fort.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹50 for foreign nationals
3. Mandore Gardens
Photo: Alin Andersen / Unsplash
Mandore Gardens has a rich historical background and was the capital of the Marwar region before shifting to Jodhpur. The gardens have cenotaphs made in Hindu temple designs to pay respect to the Marwar rulers. People are always captivated by the numerous rock terraces, sculptures, and ruins that enhance the enchanting touch of the location. The Hall of Heroes and the 33 Crore Gods Shrine showcase statues and murals of local heroes and gods that are instrumental in understanding Rajasthani folk culture.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Museum Entry: ₹50 for adults)
4. Clock Tower And Sardar Market
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The Clock Tower is one of the most recognisable structures within Jodhpur, and the Sardar Market located around the Clock Tower offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Indian shopping. The market is a shopper’s paradise if you are looking for spices, traditional artefacts, jewellery, textiles or even antiques. The market is perfect for experiencing the vitalisation of Jodhpur in terms of bargaining and having the opportunity to witness the local Rajasthani colours and workmanship. It is also a heaven for food enthusiasts due to the numerous stalls serving street food and delicious makhaniya lassi.
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
5. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Photo: T. R. Shankar Raman / Wikimedia Commons
This park was created in 2006 to restore the natural vegetation of the rocky wasteland surrounding Mehrangarh Fort. It showcases the rugged beauty of the Thar Desert’s flora and is home to over 80 native plant species. The park offers guided walking tours that educate visitors about the ecological significance of the area, and its walking trails lead to scenic spots with views of the Fort and the city. The park is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and provides a stark yet beautiful contrast to the surrounding historical monuments.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: Khadeeja Yasser / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jodhpur offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury heritage hotels to budget-friendly stays. Visitors can opt to stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace for a truly royal experience or choose from boutique hotels and guesthouses located near the city’s main attractions. Popular options include RAAS Jodhpur, Ajit Bhawan, and Pal Haveli.
Where To Eat
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jodhpur is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from traditional Rajasthani thalis to contemporary cuisine. For an authentic experience, visitors can dine at Gypsy Restaurant or the rooftop restaurant at Indique, which provides beautiful views of Mehrangarh Fort. Don’t miss out on local street food delicacies at Sardar Market, including the famous Mirchi Vada and Pyaz Kachori.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the Umaid Bhawan Museum is between October and March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. During these months, the temperatures are cooler, making it ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions. Avoid visiting during the summer, as Jodhpur can get extremely hot.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
An average trip to Jodhpur, including visits to Umaid Bhawan Museum and other nearby attractions, can cost between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per person per day, depending on accommodation and dining preferences.
Tips For Travellers
- To avoid long queues, book tickets online for popular attractions like Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Museum.
- Carry plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months.
- Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs, particularly when visiting temples and heritage sites.
The Umaid Bhawan Museum offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Jodhpur. From exploring the lavish lifestyle of the Maharajas to discovering Jodhpur’s rich history, the museum provides an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re captivated by the regal charm or the intricate details of the collection, a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Museum with TripXL promises to leave you with lasting memories.
Cover Photo: Tharun Thejus / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
