Epitomizing architectural splendour and regal grandeur are Vadodara’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the most luxurious landmark in the city. Four times the size of Buckingham Palace, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is truly one of the largest private residences in the world. This sprawling 700-are estate is also home to a museum, golf course and beautiful gardens and pond. Be prepared to be transported to an era of royalty and grandiosity, as every corner represents rich royal heritage. From the ornate balconies, stained glass windows and the lavish Durbar Hall to the elegant display of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, murals and artefacts, Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is sure to offer an awe-inspiring experience. Audio guides are available at the entrance to help you learn more about the palace.
History Of Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Image Credit: Rahul Bagal for Wikimedia Commons
In 1890, Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, the then-ruler of Vadodara, decided to build the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, which was completed in 1890. The Maharaja was known for his progressive mindset, and he wanted the royal residence to serve as a testimony to the Gaekwad’s vision and grandeur.
Reminiscent of a large English country house, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace took 12 years to complete. It has witnessed several historical moments throughout. Before the Lakshmi Villa was constructed, it is believed that the royal family lived in one of the Sarkarwada or the Nazarbaug Palace. The Palace preserves the legacy of the rulers from the Raj era.
Also Read: Nightlife In Vadodara
Lakshmi Vilas Palace: Architecture
Image Credit: Nisarg Bhanvadiya for Wikimedia Commons
Vadodara’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace has the most impressive architecture, which attracts tourists from different regions. In 1890, Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III approached Major Charles Mant, one of the famous architects of that era. The initial plan was to build the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, bigger than the Buckingham Palace.
Spread over 700 acres, the palace features Indo-Saracenic architecture imbibing design elements of Indian, Islamic and European styles. The finest materials were sourced, and plans were made to include modern features such as electric supply, internal telephone exchange and elevators. The palace interiors have been adorned with Venetian floor mosaics, chandeliers, exquisite furniture and sculptors. Sir William Goldring designed the extensive grounds featuring landscaped gardens.
Places To Visit Near Lakshmi Vilas Palace
There are several places near Lakshmi Vilas Palace that are worth exploring. Some of the best places to visit near Lakshmi Vilas Palace are mentioned below:
1. Sayaji Baug
Image Credit: APIC Photography for Wikimedia Commons
Spread over 45 hectares of Land, the Sayaji Baug, located in Vadodara, is a tourist attraction featuring 99 flora species and provides a captivating atmosphere for tourists from the hustle and bustle of the city. Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III built this park in 1879 as a gift to himself. Situated on the banks of the pristine Vishwamitri River, the park has 2 museums, a planetarium, a zoo, and a toy train for children. The main attraction is the skeleton of a Blue Whale, which is on display at the Museum. The Sayaji Baug has so many highlights in one place, making it a famous tourist attraction in Vadodara.
Distance from Lakshmi Villa Palace: 3.0 kilometres
Timings: 5:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: For Planetarium: Adults-Rs 7, Child- Rs 5; For Toy-Train: Adult: Rs 40, Child: Rs 20, For Zoo: Adult- Rs 7, Child- Rs 5.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Vadodara
2. EME Temple
Image Credit: Dennisnandal for Wikimedia Commons
The temple’s name is a short form for the Electrical and Mechanical Corps. The EME temple, also known as the Dakshinamurthy Temple, is a symbol of Secularity practiced in the Indian Army. The Temple has a magnificent Lord Shiva statue and a Lord Ganesha Statue. The Temple is a popular tourist destination owing to its unique architecture, which is designed with scraps and aluminum sheets. The most interesting feature of this temple is that it has incorporated every religion into its structure. You will observe the walls of the temple have different religious symbols. The main gateway symbolizes Jainism. Once you get a view of the top of the temple tower, the golden cap above the tower represents Buddhism, the tower represents Christianity, the structure of the dome symbolizes Islam and the “Kalash” on top of the dome represents Hinduism.
Distance from Lakshmi Villa Palace: 5.3 kilometres
Timings: 6:30 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free.
3. Sardar Patel Planetarium
Image Credit: Snehrashmi for Wikimedia Commons
The Sardar Patel Planetarium is an ideal place for space enthusiasts. The Planetarium is located inside the Sayaji Baug and is one of the popular attractions in Vadodara. The Planetarium has a dome-shaped structure with an ultra-modern sound system facility and a curved projection screen for displaying an hour-long video about the solar system, satellites, and astronomical history; the audio clip is available in both English and Gujarati language. The interesting feature of the planetarium is the working model of the solar system that provides detailed information about the speed of rotation of various planets in the solar system. The planetarium has a powered telescope that allows visitors to look at different celestial bodies in the night sky.
Distance from Lakshmi Villa Palace: 2.7 kilometres
Timings: 3:45 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: Rs 20/person, Free for children below 3
Related Post: Temples In Vadodara
4. Kirti Mandir
Image Credit: Emmanuel DYAN for Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the heart of Vadodara, the Kirti Mandir was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III in 1936 in memory of the ancestors of the Gaekwad Family. The Kirti Mandir is one of the most beautiful buildings in Vadodara. Inspired by Italian-style architecture, the Kirti Mandir is known as the Temple of Fame. In one of the tombs of the Kirti Mandir, you can notice an undivided map of India. The interiors of the Kirti Mandir will leave you mesmerized with murals based on Gangavataran, Life of Meera, and the battle of Mahabharat. You can also witness some of the famous paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.
Distance from Lakshmi Villa Palace: 2.4 kilometres
Timings: 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.; 2:30-5:30 P.M.
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
5. Surya Mandir
Image Credit: 8VIRAG9 for Wikimedia Commons
The Surya Mandir is a pristine temple in Vadodara, Gujarat dedicated to the Surya God. It is believed that people who visit with ailments, by the grace of Surya God who blesses them with relief. People from different regions visit this holy place to worship the Sun God. The Surya Mandir was constructed in 1972 to build unity among Gods because legends believe that the Sun God resides along with many deities such as the Vaishnav Sampraday, Shiv Sampraday, Devi Sampraday, Swaminarayan Sampraday, Ramanand Sampraday, Dutt Sampraday, Jalaram Bapu, and Shirdi’s Saibaba. The authorities of the temple provide food and shelter to the pilgrims.
Distance from Lakshmi Villa Palace: 1.6 kilometres
Timings: 7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
You May Also Like To Read: Churches In Vadodara
Vadodara’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace is a must-visit destination on your trip to Gujrat. The Palace takes you through the affluent life of the Royal Family of Vadodara. The Palace offers a range of attractions and things to do for tourists, such as a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a baby pool, an Ayurvedic Massage Center, and a puppet show. Tourists can also book a sightseeing tour.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : Snehrashmi for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakshmi Vilas Palace
What are the main highlights of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
The main highlight of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which exhibits some magnificent art and sculptures belonging to the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and his family.
How to reach Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
Vadodara’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace is situated on the Nehru Road, can be easily accessible by tourists and is easy to reach via cabs and auto rickshaws.
What are the Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara entry fees and timings?
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace Vadodara timings are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and are open for visitors every day except Monday and public holidays. Talking about the entry fees, the Palace costs Rs 150 per person, and the Museum visit will cost Rs 60 per person.
What is the best time to visit Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is open to visitors throughout the year. Still, it is advisable to visit the Lakshmi Palace Museum during October-December, as you can experience pleasant and chill weather.
Is Photography allowed inside the Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the premises of Lakshmi Vilas Palace. However, you can take pictures of the magnificent Lakshmi Vilas Palace from outside.
People Also Read:
Padmanabhapuram Palace Bengaluru Palace Jodha Bai’s Palace
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
