My trip to Vadodara was short and sweet. I was there to speak at the wonderful Vododara Literature Festival. Though my trip was short but I made sure you visit the famous and much-hyped Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is a magnificent royal palace located in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest private residences in the world and a popular tourist attraction in Vadodara.
Here are some key details about the Laxmi Vilas Palace:
1. History: The Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the ruler of the Baroda State, in 1890. It was designed by Major Charles Mant, a British architect, in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, combining elements of Indian, Islamic, and European styles.
2. Architecture: The palace is spread across an area of approximately 700 acres and features a stunning blend of various architectural styles. It boasts of intricate carvings, ornate frescoes, grand courtyards, and a large number of marble and stone sculptures.
3. Features: The palace has several notable features, including a central dome rising to a height of 155 feet, a Darbar Hall with a seating capacity of 600 people, a beautiful courtyard called the Moti Baug, a museum that showcases the Gaekwad family’s art collection, and a small zoo.
4. Museum and Art Gallery: The palace houses the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which is a part of the palace complex. The museum displays an impressive collection of paintings by European and Indian artists, sculptures, artifacts, textiles, and other royal memorabilia.
5. Gardens and Grounds: The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and well-maintained lawns. The gardens offer a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.
6. Accessibility: The Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in the heart of Vadodara and is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is Vadodara Airport, which is approximately 7 kilometers away from the palace. The Vadodara Junction railway station is also nearby.
Visitors to the Laxmi Vilas Palace can explore the palace’s grand architecture, admire the art collection, stroll through the gardens, and learn about the rich history of the Gaekwad dynasty. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing the royal heritage of Gujarat.
My Experience of Laxmi Vilas Palace:
I am a huge fan of visiting old buildings and palaces and monuments. This one was really a high-tech one. At the entrance after buying the ticket, I was given an audio guide with headphones attached to it. You can independently walk following the sign boards with numbers on it and then explore the palace.
Photography is not allowed inside the palace. Also, I felt a little disappointed because only ground floor was open to visitors. So I had very limited part of the palace to explore. The fountains etc were not working, it would have looked more beautiful if it had some water. The palace is not that big but it is indeed beautiful. I really liked the British & Gothic sculptures, paintings, fresco and the carvings, especially the angel idols.
There is a small canteen inside the palace where you can sit and eat.
The parking space is huge. I would suggest you NOT to go during the noon time. I went around 1 pm and it was so hot that I couldn’t enjoy the palace. You can go around 9:30 – 10ish
All in all, it is a one-time visit, but don’t keep your expectations too high for this one!
FAQ
Laxmi Vilas Palace Entry Fees: INR 200 for adult
Laxmi Vilas Palace Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Photography Allowed: NO
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