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Jodhpur is a city that
is a charming combine of forts, temples, Havelis and palaces.
Standing proud like a still sentinel at the edge of the Thar
Desert, the city is a gateway to a natural wonderland. A world
of undulating sand dunes and rocky terrain, dotted with
undergrowth and trees. Umaid Bhawan Palace is a palace
situated at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Umaid Bhawan Palace was
initially called Chittar Palace throughout construction, due to
its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in
Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken
on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it was incomplete
until 1944. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal
constructions, built to provide work and drought relief for the
poor. The building is considerably illuminated at night causing
some argument in a city that continues to endure daily multi
hour power cuts.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur is one of the main and
grandest private residences in the world. The palace was built
by 3000 artisans worked over 14 years. The palace inspired one
million square feet of the finest marble. However Umaid Bhawan
is best experienced than explain. Umaid Bhawan dictates
Jodhpur Panorama and a visit to Jodhpur is incomplete
without a stay at the Palace. Ever since it's opening in 1977,
Umaid Bhawan has remained one of the top heritage hotels in
India and the very best in Jodhpur. Standing on the edge of the
huge Thar Desert, Jodhpur is an ancient city that has
withstood the ravages of time. Five hundred and forty years
after it was founded, it tranquil holds its head up high,
evocative of its founder, a proud Rajput tribal chief. The
cityscape is dotted with a multitude of blue roofs, thus earning
the local title of "The Blue City".
At the start of the 20th century, a western style palace was
built to help people of Jodhpur during famine. It took 16 years
for the palace to take shape. This grand hall with almost 350
rooms and a striking central dome has the distinction of having
been one of the largest private residences of the world. The
opulent edifice in sand stone is now partly the residence of the
descendants of Jodhpur Kingdom, while the rest of the monument
is home to star hotel and a museum. The museum houses a rare
collection of rocks, watches, excellent china, ornate mirrored
furniture, glass and crystal ware and photographs.
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