The Umaid Bhawan palace was a recent addition to Jodhpur. It's owner still occupies a portion of the building while the rest is split between hotel and museum of oddities. The building is very large and very formidable in appearance. A convergence of British snobbism, Art Deco lines, and Indian function, the Umaid Bhawan Palace must have been a fantastic and extravagant project for its day.
Since the Umaid apparently had the best restaurant in the city (arguably), Jonathan and I took returned later that evening for our meal. The highlight of Jodhpur was the pool in the Umaid Bhawan. Apparently, non-guests are prohibited from roaming about, but seeing the pool sign, Jonathan darted down the stairs to see it. Wow. Dressing rooms with beautiful wood shelving and carved cabins encircled the pool. Painted walls presented an underwater fantasy. The warm pool water was lit from below and provided all the illumination for the room. It was early 20th century opulence meets luxury cruise liner crossed with a European spa. Lovely!