Umed Bhawan Palace
Kota, Rajasthan.
Umed Bhawan Palace exudes an aura distinctly its own.The Palace hotel subtly blends Rajput and Victorian architecture. Lush lawns and courtyards,picturesque ceilings,marble corridors,treasure troves, hunting trophies of yesteryears and exquisite royal heirlooms complete the regal picture.Since olden days, the Maharaos of Kotah (as Kota was formerly called) had always lived in the medieval Fort inside the city. Wanting a modern palace for his personal use, Maharaja Umed Singh II settled for nothing but the best. He commissioned Sir Swinton Jacob, a distinguished officer of the Royal Engineers in the British Army, to design the building. As expected, Umed Bhawan came up in 1905 in the prevalent Indo-Sarcenic style. Plentiful supply of white Khimach and Pink Sandstone from nearby quarries helped, while Italian marble, among other things, had to be imported for flooring.
 
 
There was more to the impressive building apart from a peculiar clock tower –Separate zenana (ladies') wing, Durbar Hall (investiture room), Edwardian Drawing Room, Library, Billiards Room, the Banquet Hall and even a cinema hall. Every visiting dignitary, including Queen Mary, who visited Kotah State in 1905, has been entertained at the Umed Bhawan. In 1930, the Palace was enlarged to provide accommodation for Maharaj Kumar Bhim Singh and his bride.George Devon, the designer, took great care to ensure that the new wing blended well with the old. This part of Umed Bhawan remains a private residence.
 
 
There was more to the impressive building apart from a peculiar clock tower –Separate zenana (ladies') wing, Durbar Hall (investiture room), Edwardian Drawing Room, Library, Billiards Room, the Banquet Hall and even a cinema hall. Every visiting dignitary, including Queen Mary, who visited Kotah State in 1905, has been entertained at the Umed Bhawan. In 1930, the Palace was enlarged to provide accommodation for Maharaj Kumar Bhim Singh and his bride.George Devon, the designer, took great care to ensure that the new wing blended well with the old. This part of Umed Bhawan remains a private residence.
 
Facilities
* 25 air-conditioned rooms including suites * Television with satellite channels * Bar * Telephone with direct dialling facilities * Running hot and cold water * Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine * Credit cards and money exchange * Jogging trail, badminton court, croquet, carom and chess * Conference and banquet facilities * Doctor on call.

Paintings - Painting comprises a very integral part of Rajasthani culture. Woven into these splendid visuals are images of everyday life of the olden times. The development of miniature paintings has been one of the most important contributions of Rajasthan to Indian art. Each region bears its own distictive stamp.

The Kota school of painting is one of the finest examples of this technique. Kota paintings are known for their depiction of nature and hunting scenes.

You could see a number of splendid specimens at the fort museum in Kota City and Bundi Fort. The present Maharao of Kota Brijraj Singhji is an authority on the subject and a great patron of art and craft of the region.
 
Kota: In & Around
There is plenty to explore in and around the offbeat yet fascinating city of Kota. The City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. The treasury, courts, arsenal and offices were all located here. Most of the complex is open to the public.

Rao Madho Singh Museum : Housed in the historic Kota Fort, the museum contains fine wall paintings, a miniature painting gallery, royal regalia, arms and armoury, and lots more. Undoubtedly, one of the best in Rajasthan.

Royal Cenotaphs : These are present right in the centre of the city and have beautiful stonework and intricate carvings.

Bundi : There is something medieval about Bundi which captivates the visitor with its magnificent fort, lovely stepwells, and quaint narrow streets. The massive 14th century Taragarh Fort and the huge palace (with famous Bundi murals) are not to be missed. Bundi lies only 38 km from Kota.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary. You can find panthers, wildboars, leopards and antelopes in this area. The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, 50 km from Kota, is best known for gharials, the thin-snouted Indian crocodile. The very rarely seen caracal can be found here.

Forty five kilometres away from Kota, Sorsan grasslands flank the main canal of Chambal. The grasslands teem with insects during the monsoon months and attract a great variety of resident and migratory birds. The rare Great Indian Bustard can be spotted here.

Kethun : This is the weavers' village where the world famous kota doria saris are woven. Distance: 15 km

Bardoli Temples : Fine architecture and sculptures of 8th to 9th century can be seen in this cluster of temples. Distance: 56 km

Jhalawar area : This opium-producing centre holds a few things of tourist interest. The majestic Gagraon Fort, the walled town of Jhalrapatan, and the 7th century Chandrabhaga temples beckon the tourists. Distance: 80 km

The Alnia Rock Shelters : 14 kilometres away from Kota, and along the banks of the Alnia river, these picturesquely located shelters house prehistoric paintings.
Packages 2014-2015

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Valid From 01st Oct, 2014 to 31st Mar, 2015.

2 Nights Packages


Deluxe Room: Rs.13,500/- per couple.

Royal Suite: Rs.15,500/- per couple.

Extra Person :Rs.2000/- per person.

Includes: The prices are inclusive of a double room (for two persons) with American breakfast and all applicable taxes, unless specified otherwise. Free stay for two children below 5 years of age on room only basis without extra bed. Extra bed is available, for rates and further details please check the respective location. Extra bed rates are on per night basis. Check out time is 1200 hrs. In case a late check-out is required it can be extended free of charge to 1600hrs, subject to availability of rooms. Packages extendable on pro-rata basis, subject to availability of rooms, These packages are valid for indian citizens and forigners residing in india. These packages cannot be combined with any other offer. The rates are subject to change without prior notice. These packages are valid from 01st October 2014 to 31st March 2015.
   
Tele : +91-11-41612107, 26823836. Mobile: 9810002772, 9910002772.