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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 Welcome Heritage hotel.
Accommodation : -
25 A/c Rooms including suites.
Facilities : -
Conference Facilities, Doctor on call, CC TV, Air Conditioned, Bar,
Indoor Recreation, Cycling/Jogging Track, Croquet
Other Facilities : Telephone with direct dialling facilities,
Running hot and cold water, Money Exchange, Badminton court, Carom and
Chess
Room View


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