Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

The basics

While the hotel section of the palace is only open to guests, the museum is open to all visitors. Here you’ll find all sorts of displays, including an archive of pictures taken of the palace over the years. The museum also houses a whole range of historical artifacts that belonged to the royal family, from trophies to weaponry to antique clocks, along with an impressive vintage car collection. Most city tours stop here and visiting with a guide will help you get a better understanding of the palace’s significance in Jodhpur’s history.

Things to know before you go

• The Umaid Bhawan Palace is a must-visit for those interested in history or architecture.
• There’s a small gift shop located just outside the museum where you can buy books and souvenirs.
• The museum lacks ramps for wheelchair or stroller users.

How to get there

Umaid Bhawan Palace is situated on a hill outside of the city center, and it's a bit too far to walk if you're staying in the heart of Jodhpur. The easiest way to come here independently is either by taxi or autorickshaw (although you will have to pay a waiting fee if you want them to drive you back). Most tours of Jodhpur stop at the museum, however, and if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, booking a private or small-group tour is often a more economical option.

When to get there

The palace is open every day of the week, and is air-conditioned, so it's a good spot to visit even on hot days. However, a visit to Jodhpur is generally more pleasant during the cooler winter months of November through March. If you want to see the palace by might, you can make a reservation at one of the restaurants at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel, although this won't get you access to the museum section of the property.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel

If you're looking for a special way to experience the palace, the Taj Group operates a luxury hotel in part of the palace--just note that the experience doesn't come cheap. A more affordable alternative is to book a table at one of the hotel's on-site restaurants. Pillars is open day and night and offers lovely views out over the palace's expansive lawns, while the more upscale Risala features Indo-European fusion fare at lunch and dinner in an elegant old dining hall.