When you're looking forward to a blissful holiday in the land of valour, there's no better place to stay in than the Umaid Bhavan, a landmark of Jodhpur. To call the Umaid Bhavan a hotel is to underplay its appeal - the private residence of the Maharaja, this marble palace is a distinctive landmark of Jodhpur and is bound to make your stay here more luxurious than you could ever dream of.

Well-planned lawns welcome you to the stately home of the Maharaja. Opened to the public as a heritage hotel in 1977, the palace is ideal for the discerning tourist who would like a holiday spent in the lap of luxury. The palace took over 14 years to build - and the care taken by the artisans is visible in every nook and cranny of the building.

Start your stay here with a walk into the foyer leading to the Regal Suites. Pause a while to enjoy the brilliant musical fountain here. The fountain is a miracle of craftsmanship, made entirely out of English crystal.

For the ultimate luxurious experience here, take a look at the Regal Suites, the rooms that were used originally by Maharaja Umaid Singh and his consort. If that's way too awe-inspiring for you, try the standard rooms. The feeling of living among and like royalty and will not leave you here either - you'll find original Palace furniture in these rooms and the service will leave you feeling like the ruler of the world.

Food is an integral part of Rajasthani hospitality and nowhere does this become more evident than at the Umaid Bhavan Palace. Serenade your taste buds with the best of Indian, European and Rajasthani food at the magnificent Marwar Hall. Or if you're looking for different lunch and dinner options, try Risala, the a la carte restaurant.

The desert experience comes alive at the Trophy Bar. Sit back and savor your drink even as you watch graceful artists perform on the ramparts of the Mehrangarh Fort. Haunting strains of folk music will tug at your heartstrings, even as peacocks call out to each other and music from theme parties filters in through the evening air. You could even enjoy a spectacular "flaming torch" dinner on the lawns of the palace. And if you're here in winter, step into the Dal Badal, a quaint hunting tent, for a theme party that's quite unlike any other.

The swimming pool at the Umaid Bhavan is another place where you could spend a few pleasant, memorable hours of your trip to Rajasthan. You can also try your hand at a game of squash or croquet.

A must-see on your visit here is the private museum with its extensive collection of antiques. You can also ask for a camel ride to appreciate the sights and sounds of Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Category	5 Star Deluxe
Address	Jodhpur - 342 006;Rajasthan;India.
Access	3 kms from Jodhpur Airport; 5 kms from Jodhpur Railway Station
Location	Situated on a small hill with city & fort view.
Rooms	64 rooms
Restaurants	2, Cuisine:  Indian, Continental, Chinese
Services/Facilities	Free entry to Palace Museum, Polo & Golf on request, Palmist, Massage, Home Theatre. All major credit cards accepted
Group	Taj groups of hotels