Laxmi Vilas Palace: The Largest Personal Residence in India

Lakshmi Vilas Palace is the largest private dwelling built in 1890, and it is four times bigger in size than Buckingham Palace. The palace was constructed by the prominent Maratha family, the Gaekwad family, who ruled the Baroda state. It is the official residence of the Maharaja of Baroda. The royal family still lives in this splendid palace. The palace is popular for its unique architecture, for which Major Charles was honoured to be the main architect of the palace. Also, the part of Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara is open for visitors to experience the past in order to continue its legendary memoir. Read on to find out more about the Lakshmi palace.

All About Laxmi Vilas Palace

Laxmi Vilas Palace is a majestic architectural structure of Raj-era and was the personal residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who was the ruler of Vadodara State. The palace is known for its mammothian size and extravagant design.  Apart from an ornate Durbar Hall and multiple rooms, the royal estate also comprises multiple gardens, orchards, a museum and a small zoo.

History of Laxmi Vilas Palace

The Laxmi Vilas Palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The amalgamation of the different Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architectural influences that we see in the palace today was originally the brainchild of the Maharaja who commissioned Major Charles Mant (assigned lead architect) to build it accordingly.

Comprising some of the most gorgeous minarets, domes and arches, it took almost 12 years to bring this masterpiece to life. During its time it was reputed as the largest private residence in the world and is still renowned as four times the size of Buckingham Palace.

Apart from the exotic gardens, mango orchards and sculptures, the royal estate even houses the Moti Baug Palace, a small zoo with crocodiles and peacocks that can even be seen today and a miniature railway line for the Maharaja’s children. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum of today used to be his children’s school.

Architectural Design of the Laxmi Vilas Palace

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Here is everything you need to know about the architecture of the Laxmi Vilas Palace.

• The four-storeyed royal estate of Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the finest architectural masterpieces of the Indian Raj-era.
• There are around 170 rooms in the Laxmi Vilas Palace that were dedicated solely to its Maharaja and Maharani.
• Covering an area of 700 acres, the palace not only had a curious combination of Indo-Saracenic (Mughal-Gothic) architecture but also high-tech facilities like elevators.
• The palace houses one of the most stunning interiors richly ordained with diverse  artworks, chandeliers, and a well-maintained montage.
• Renowned botanist of the time, Sir William Goldring designed the splendid and sprawling gardens of Laxmi Vilas Palace.
• Apart from a museum and armoury, the Laxmi Vilas Palace also has a small zoo that is home to crocodiles and peacocks.

Also Read: Bibi ka Maqbara

What’s Inside Laxmi Vilas Palace?

From the inside, the Laxmi Vilas Palace looks a lot like a European country house, with the essence of Indian architecture. Right after the entrance, the most attractive section of the palace is the Darbar Hall. You can see the period furniture, Venetian chandeliers, mosaic floors and Belgian glass windows in this area of the estate. 

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The intricate works of terracotta and bronze sculpture further adds a rich artistic touch to its interiors while the wide staircase made of Italian marble and the crystal chandelier exudes royal exuberance. The Laxmi Vilas Palace also houses an extensive armoury that displays the special weapons and arms of the Maharajas during the 19th century.

Facts About Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world whose walls still echo its rich history. Here are some interesting facts about the Laxmi Vilas Palace that you might not have known.

• The Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Gujarat and is worth around Rs. 24,000 crores.  
• Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is situated in Laxmi Vilas Palace and displays an array of sculptures, Raja Ravi Singh’s extraordinary paintings on Hindu mythology and a collection of diverse international artefacts.
• The Laxmi Vilas Palace also has a 3 km long miniature railway line that surrounds the palace and mango orchids. The Maharaja constructed the railway line as a medium of transportation for his children to attain school.
• Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad refurbished the rail engine and placed it at the entrance of the museum. The Laxmi Vilas Palace also offers its visitors to rent it as a banquet for private use. A section of the palace is even available for visitors to hold exhibitions for a certain fee.
• Laxmi Vilas Palace has multiple gateways that offer access to different areas of the palace. But, the grand entrance gate is reserved for the royal family only.
• The Moti Bagh Cricket Ground is located adjacent to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.

Timings and Entry Fees for Laxmi Vilas Palace

Given below are the details of visiting hours and entry fees of Laxmi Vilas Palace. 

Timing

Entry Fee

What are the Best Times to Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace?

October to February is recommended as the best time to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace for the cool and pleasant weather ideal for travelling. You can also visit the estate during the monsoons (July to September) as Gujarat receives less rainfall and has an overall amicable weather. March to June, however, isn’t the ideal time for visiting the estate as the summer season of Gujarat is hot and humid.

Ways to Reach Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara

All the modes of transportation services are available except for seaways.

Railways

Vadodara’s railway station is the nearest station to Laxmi Vilas Palace and connects well with other major stations. Once you reach Vadodara by train, you can easily take a cab or an autorickshaw to reach the estate.

Roadways

Located in the urban area of Nehru Road in Vadodara, you can reach the Laxmi Vilas Palace via National Highway 8.  

Airways

You can take a flight to Vadodara to visit the palace. Since the Laxmi Vilas Palace is well-connected with roads, it will only take a maximum time of 20 minutes to reach there from the Vadodara Airport.

Local Modes of Transportation

Tourists can also use local bus services, book a cab or a rickshaw to reach the palace. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest mode of transportation in the city. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Laxmi Vilas Palace