Access:
Railway Station: 4 kms, Airport: 6 kms, City Center: 3 kms.
History:
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 while the rest
is operational as a WelcomHeritage hotel
Rooms:
17
Special Features:
Lush Lawns and Courtyard, Billiards, Conference Facilities
