The palace interior features an extensive collection of sculptures by Fellicci.
The original design was executed by Major Charles Mant and Robert Chisholm.
The private rail line within the grounds was used to transport guests from the railway station to the palace.
The Durbar Hall features a balcony from which the royal women traditionally observed proceedings.
It is considered one of the largest private dwellings built in the 19th century.
The building was constructed to incorporate a structural steel frame, a rarity for the era in India.
The palace holds an array of armored weapons dating back to the Mughal and Maratha empires.
The grounds include a dedicated school and clubhouse for the royal family's use.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is a sprawling Indo-Saracenic estate commissioned in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The structure covers approximately 500 acres, four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Its architectural design blends Mughal, Hindu, and Gothic elements, featuring extensive use of Italian marble and Venetian mosaic. The palace complex houses the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which displays a curated collection of paintings and artifacts. Visitors gain access to the Durbar Hall, noted for its intricate mosaic floor and Venetian glass windows. The surrounding grounds include a golf course and a mini-zoo originally established for the royal family. The palace remains the official residence of the Gaekwad family of Baroda. The interior displays a vast collection of Raja Ravi Varma oil paintings commissioned specifically for the palace. The palace incorporates advanced engineering for its time, including internal telephone and lift systems.
The central courtyard featuring the Italian marble fountain and the exterior facade from the main lawn.
Rent the audio guide provided at the entrance for detailed architectural context.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves traversing long corridors and courtyards.
Check the official palace website before visiting, as private events occasionally restrict public access to certain wings.
Do not attempt to enter private gated areas not marked for public tours; avoid visiting during peak summer afternoons due to heat.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain silence inside the museum and palace galleries; photography is strictly prohibited inside the residential wings and specific museum displays.
