Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

Umaid Bhawan Palace built between 1929 and 1942 at the behest of Maharaja Umaid Singh during a long famine -- the public-works project employed 3,000 workers -- this palace is part museum, part royal residence, and part Heritage Hotel. Its art deco design makes it unique in the state. Amazingly, no cement was used in construction; the palace is made of interlocking blocks of sandstone, a fact to bear in mind when you stand under the imposing 183-foot-high central dome. The ruling family of Jodhpur has recently converted a part of the gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace as a palace museum. Items on display are rare collection of rocks, watches, fine china, ornate mirrored furniture, glass and crystal ware, photographs etc.The palace is said to be one of the largest private residences in the world. The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible collection of clocks.