|
|
|
| Lakshmi Vilas Palace |
|
| | | |
History
One of the major attractions of Vadodara is the majestic Lakshmi Vilas Palace which was built in 1890. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III commissioned the eminent architect, Major Charles Mant, to build this imposing edifice. The palace was built in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, with an assorted blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements. Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara is one of the major tourist attractions that draw visitors from various parts of the world.
It is accredited to have been the largest private residence built in the nineteenth century. It was the official residence of the Maharajas of the province. It remains to be the residence of the Royal Family of Vadodara.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara is acknowledged for its impressive interiors which encompass multi-coloured marble, tiles, furnishing, opulent designs and various works of art. The arched entrances of the palm courtyard and fountains are remarkable. One may come across the Darbar Hall, which presents ornate Italian mosaic floor. Earlier, the hall used to be the venue of music concerts and other cultural events. The Darbar Hall has beautiful stained glass windows. The walls of the hall also exhibit intricate mosaic embellishments. Lakshmi Vilas Palace also presents a good collection of ancient armours and statues and figurines made of terracotta, marble and bronze.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara is spread over an expanse of 700 acres. The palace ground encloses many other buildings within its premises including a golf course and Maharaja Sayajirao's personal museum, Fateh Singh Museum. The museum, among other displays, showcases original paintings by the royal painter, Raja Ravi Varma. It is remarkable that the museum was constructed for educational purpose, for Maharaja's children. Presently, the museum houses various art works and articles belonging to the Royal family. Among other buildings situated in the palace are the Motibaug Palace and a golf course. The palace also contains a zoo, which is inhabited by a number of crocodiles and peacocks.
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is truly an epitome of grandeur making it worth a visit!
|
Best time to visit
One can visit the Lakshmi Vilas Palace any time of the year. However, the best time to visit the palace and Vadodara is during the winter months from October to February, as the weather is cool and pleasant, unlike the scorching summer heat.
|
Trivia
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is assumed to be four times the size of the Buckingham Palace!
|
Timing
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace remains open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and one needs to seek prior permit from the palace office before visiting the palace.
The palace remains closed on Mondays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Tools
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |