Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a palace that is four times the size of Buckingham Palace? If yes, then you should definitely visit Laxmi Vilas Palace, a magnificent monument of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is not only one of the largest palaces in the world, but also one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture.
In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of Laxmi Vilas Palace and show you why it should be on your bucket list.
History
Laxmi Vilas Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the visionary ruler of Baroda State (now Vadodara), who wanted to create a grand residence for his family and guests. He hired Major Charles Mant, a British architect, to design the palace in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, which combines elements of Indian, Islamic and European architecture.
The construction of the palace began in 1878 and was completed in 1890 at a cost of £180,000 (equivalent to about ₹27 crore today). The palace was named after Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The palace witnessed many historical events and hosted many distinguished guests over the years. Some of the notable visitors include King George V and Queen Mary, who stayed at the palace during their visit to India in 1911.
The palace also served as the venue for the famous meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, in 1931. The meeting resulted in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, which granted some concessions to the Indian freedom movement.
Architecture
Laxmi Vilas Palace is a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. The palace covers an area of about 500 acres and has a floor area of over 170,000 square feet. It is four times the size of Buckingham Palace and has 170 rooms, 12 halls and several courtyards. The palace is built with red sandstone from Agra and has a striking facade with domes, minarets, arches and balconies. The main entrance of the palace is adorned with a large bronze statue of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on horseback.
The interior of the palace is equally stunning and lavish. The palace has several ornate halls, such as the Durbar Hall, which has a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and intricate chandeliers. The hall also has a collection of armours and weapons from different eras and regions. Another remarkable hall is the Gaddi Hall, which has a huge throne made of silver and gold. The hall also has portraits of the royal family members painted by Raja Ravi Verma, one of the most celebrated artists in India.
The palace also boasts of modern amenities such as elevators, electricity and plumbing. The palace was one of the first buildings in India to have electric lights installed by Robert Chisholm, another British architect who supervised the construction of the palace. The palace also has a hydraulic lift that was imported from England in 1890. The lift is still functional and can carry up to nine people at a time.
Attractions
Laxmi Vilas Palace is not just a palace, but a complex that houses several other buildings and attractions that are worth exploring. Some of them are:
LVP Banquets and Conventions: This is a modern facility that can host weddings, conferences and other events. It has a capacity of up to 1500 guests and offers catering services as well.
Moti Baug Palace: This is a smaller palace that was built by Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad in 1936. It is now converted into a golf club that has an 18-hole golf course and a clubhouse.
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum: This is a museum that was originally built as a school for the royal children. It now displays a rich collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and other artists, sculptures, weapons and royal memorabilia. The museum also has an art gallery that showcases contemporary artworks by local artists.
Golf Course: This is a lush green golf course that covers an area of about 300 acres. It is open to visitors who want to enjoy a game of golf or just relax in the serene surroundings.
Tennis Court: This is a clay tennis court that was built by Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad in 1930. It is one of the oldest tennis courts in India and has hosted many national and international tournaments.
Timings and Entry Fee
Laxmi Vilas Palace is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for visiting the palace is ₹225 per person for Indians and ₹400 per person for foreigners.
The entry fee for visiting the museum is ₹80 per person for Indians and ₹150 per person for foreigners. There is also an option of taking an audio tour with a free drink and snack for ₹400 per person.
How to Reach
Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Vadodara, a city in Gujarat, India. Vadodara is well connected by road, rail and air from different cities in India. Some of the ways to reach Vadodara are:
By road:
Vadodara is about 140 km from Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, and about 390 km from Mumbai, the financial capital of India. There are regular buses and taxis available from both the cities to reach Vadodara.
By rail:
Vadodara has a railway station that is connected to major cities in India by various trains. Some of the trains that pass through Vadodara are Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express and Garib Rath Express.
By air:
Vadodara has an airport that has domestic flights to and from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. There are also international flights to and from Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok.
From Vadodara railway station or bus stand, one can take an auto rickshaw to reach Laxmi Vilas Palace. The palace is about 4 km from the railway station and about 6 km from the bus stand. Here is a map of the palace location:
Also read: Laxmi Vilas Palace: The largest private dwelling built till date!
Accommodation
If you are planning to stay overnight in Vadodara, there are plenty of hotels and resorts near Laxmi Vilas Palace that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options. Some of them are:
Welcomhotel Vadodara: This is a 5-star hotel that is located about 2 km from Laxmi Vilas Palace. It has 133 rooms and suites that are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and other amenities. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym and a swimming pool. The hotel charges ₹5000 per night for a standard room.
The Fern Residency: This is a 4-star hotel that is located about 3 km from Laxmi Vilas Palace. It has 34 rooms that are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and other amenities. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a gym and a banquet hall. The hotel charges ₹3000 per night for a deluxe room.
Hotel Suba Elite: This is a 3-star hotel that is located about 4 km from Laxmi Vilas Palace. It has 50 rooms that are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker and other amenities. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a conference hall and a business centre. The hotel charges ₹2800 per night for a superior room.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is a majestic monument of Vadodara that showcases the glory and grandeur of the Gaekwad dynasty. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture and architecture. Whether you want to admire the palace’s beauty, explore its attractions or enjoy its activities, you will have an unforgettable experience at Laxmi Vilas Palace.
You may also like to check out: Laxmi Vilas Palace at Vadodara: A royal heritage of the Gaekwads
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Laxmi Vilas Palace. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
