Once known as Baroda, Vadodara boasts of having one of the largest palaces in the world! The Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara often branded as the “Lakshmi Vilas Palace” is 4 times bigger than Buckingham Palace and is known to be the largest private dwelling built till date.
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The palace and its grounds are trending on the internet for the exuberant Navratri Garba celebrations that take place every year. In this blog post, you will read more about the grand Laxmi Vilas palace of Vadodara and see some magnificent photos of this architectural marvel.
The palace is said to be a marvel not just because of its looks, it’s also a marvel because it’s still standing. The architect, Major Charles was very sure the building was going to collapse. After spending so much money (GBP180,000) and time on it, he wasn’t able to bear the thought that the building would turn out to be a failure. He was so upset about what the calculations showed that he committed suicide before it was even complete.
Who Built this Magnificent Piece of Architecture Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Laxmi Vilas Palace, built-in 1890 during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, exemplifies the magnificent artistry of Indo Saracenic architecture. The Laxmi Vilas Palace’s domes, minarets, and arches displayed a combination of Gothic, Muslim, and Hindu features. The main architect of Laxmi Vilas Palace was Charles Mant, and he and his crew spent over 12 years building this amazing piece of architecture.
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Many of the structures within the Laxmi Vilas Palace complex have been turned into museums and banquet facilities for large gatherings. According to historical records, the museum that houses the items was previously the King’s children’s school.
Splendid Architecture of Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace is a mix of architectural styles such as Gujarati, Mughal, Venetian, and Rajput. The carved stones were sourced from Agra, Ajmer, and Pune. You’d be surprised to learn that this luxurious palace has a cinemascope facade because many ads and Bollywood filmings have taken place here. There are antique elevators in Laxmi Vilas Palace, which surprised the modern world because elevators were not expected in the 1890s. Such is the splendour of Laxmi Vilas Palace.
What it feels Like to Enter Laxmi Vilas Palace
Even a close look at Laxmi Vilas Palace would give you an indication of how large it is. When you enter this palace, you will come to the reception area, which will include a collection of audio headsets. You can select audio sets in a variety of languages, including Gujarati, English, and even Hindi.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace exploration is limited to the first floor and is separated into 8-9 pieces. As a result, it is advised to embark on an exclusive excursion with a guide to learn more about the elegant and sumptuous Laxmi Vilas Palace.
The main location is Durbar Hall. Aside from that, plan to walk through palace courtyards to coronation rood, Gaddi Hall, and even Royal Armoury. Examine the finely crafted statues and race your fingers along with the intricate carvings on the wall.
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Why is Laxmi Vilas Palace Worth the Hype?
Laxmi Vilas Palace has the most stained glass windows of any palace in the world. Furthermore, Laxmi Vilas Palace banquets and conventions may host a destination wedding gathering. Those who can afford to throw their cash about might want to consider a destination wedding here. During the significant wedding ceremony, the Laxmi Vilas Palace provides a lovely backdrop for royal portraits.
This luxurious palace also boasts a golf course that is open to the public. Although the majority of India’s heritage homes have been transformed into heritage hotels, Laxmi Vilas Palace might be an exception. Only a few portions around 8-9 are open to tourists, with the rest remaining private property. If you are a history buff, you will enjoy discovering a bell tower within the palace that stands 300 feet (approx.) in the air.
Everything to Know About the Entrance of Laxmi Vilas Palace
The Rajmahal Road (also known as the Palace Road) is the entrance to Laxmi Vilas Palace. There are guards on duty who execute the car/bike admission check. Their job is to direct drivers to a free parking lot. Following the check, you can purchase entry tickets, which cost approximately 225 INR (approx.) per person for Indians and 400 INR (approx.) per person for foreigners.
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If you believe the ticket is too expensive, keep in mind that it includes audio tours in several languages. Furthermore, Laxmi Vilas Palace is not overcrowded, which is another reason to visit the architectural masterpiece. Keep in mind that photography is absolutely prohibited within the palace grounds. However, the bounds of the palace are permitted in photography courses.
This palace was built to be as opulent as possible; it has the most stained glass you’ll find in any palace in the world! The Darbar hall is especially stunning with its Venetian mosaic flooring, and Belgian stained-glass windows. They sourced materials from all over India and the world. Red sandstone from Agra, marble from Rajasthan and Italy, blue trap stone from Pune and so on.
The most distinguishing feature of the palace is the clock tower, which stands 300ft high and can be spotted from a distance. The bell was so loud that it was hardly ever rung, the residents found it to be a nuisance.
The palace has a compound of 500 acres which houses other buildings and a beautiful, lush garden that was landscaped and designed by William Goldring, a specialist from Kew Gardens, London. In the compound, you’ll find –
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- LVP Banquets & Conventions
- Moti Baug Palace
- Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
- Moti Bagh Cricket Ground and the offices of the Baroda Cricket Association
- Rare indoor teak floored tennis court and badminton court
- A small zoo with crocodiles and a lot more.
The good news it that parts of the palace and the grounds are open to visitors. It is now the Royal residence of the Gaekwads of Baroda, so few portions are still off-limits. If you are visiting Vadodara, then you must make a stop here. Check out this video for all the important highlights –
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FAQ’s
1. Does anyone live in Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Ans. The Gaekwads of Baroda reside in the Laxmi Vilas Palace, India’s largest private home. Laxmi Vilas Palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
2. Who is the current owner of Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Ans. The Laxmi Vilas Palace is owned by the royal Gaekwad dynasty. The family used to dominate the state of Baroda.
3. Why is Lakshmi Vilas Palace famous?
It is the most magnificent Raj-era palace in Gujarat. Its lavish interiors have well-preserved mosaics,chandeliers, and artworks, as well as a large collection of weaponry and art. The palace is adorned with paintings by the great artist Raja Ravi Verma, who was expressly ordered by the then Maharaja of Baroda.
4. Who is the current king of Baroda?
Samarjitsinh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad (born 25 April 1967) is a former first-class cricketer and cricket administrator. Gaekwad is a descendent of Gujarat’s reigning line and the King of Baroda (India).
5. Who is the founder of Baroda?
In July 1908, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad founded the Bank of Baroda (BoB). It began with a paid-up capital of Rs 10 lakh.
