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5. Umaid Bhawan Palace

The Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur is among the largest private residences in the world. Currently, some part of this palace is managed by the Taj Hotel Group. The palace was originally named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, who happened to be the grandfather of Gaj Singh; the present owner of the building. The palace comprises of 347 rooms and it used to be the primary residence of the former royal family of Jodhpur. The foundations for the building were laid on November 18, 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh himself. It took about 3000 peasants and 14 years of construction work to bring the project to life. The Palace was originally built in order to offer employment to thousands famine affected people. The palace was built with golden yellow sandstone, which is also the identity of Rajasthani architecture. Among the other materials used for the construction of this spectacular palace includes Makrana marble as well as Burmese teak wood, which was used for its interior wood decor. On completion of the palace, there are currently 347 rooms, numerous courtyards, as well as a gigantic banquet hall, which is able to accommodate about 300 people. Rajasthan is known for its dry desert weather and Jodhpur seems to be nothing less than a warm place. Avoid visiting the state during summers as it can take real toll on your body and mind.