Inside Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara Four Times Bigger Than Buckingham Palace

India has numerous wonderful palaces, yet the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara has its own place in history. This grand building is the largest Indian private house, being four times larger than Buckingham Palace in London. The palace is the result of the combination of Indian culture and European architecture created by the Gaekwad dynasty. It is one of the most recognized palaces in India today that draws tourists, historians, and architecture enthusiasts around the globe.

The Magnificent Scale of Laxmi Vilas Palace

When some people ask, what is the size of Laxmi Vilas Palace compared to Buckingham Palace? The response comes as a surprise to all. The Laxmi Vilas Palace covers an area of 500 acres, a fourfold size of Buckingham Palace. Although Buckingham is the place where the British royal family resides, Laxmi Vilas Palace remains a part of the royal residence of the Gaekwad family, which also makes it a historic and living heritage.

A Glimpse into History – The Gaekwad Dynasty

Maharaja Sayajirao III, Gaekwad commissioned the palace in 1890. One of the most powerful royal families in Western India was the Gaekwads. Sayajirao had a desire of designing a home that symbolized his forward-looking thinking which merged traditional Indian design with modern European designs. It was built with a cost of approximately £180,000 (thousands of crores today) which displayed the magnitude and the scale of this project.

Architectural Brilliance – Indo-Saracenic Style

The Laxmi Vilas Palace design is an ideal example of the Indo-Saracenic style, an amalgamation of Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architecture. Major Charles Mant, an architect, designed the palace.

There are some impressive architectural elements in the form of:

●  A splendid Durbar Hall, lined with Venetian mosaic on the floor, and with stained glass in the windows, which were made in Belgium.

●  Complex carvings and arches based on Rajput and Mughal construction.

●   Furniture and decorations of European style, such as chandeliers, marble pillars, and mosaic art.

●   It has a castle-like appearance due to the beautiful mixture of domes and towers.

Inside Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara – The Royal Interiors

The interior of the Laxmi Vilas Palace becomes a Royal treasure. Visitors are amazed by:

●  Durbar Hall – A grand hall, which was previously used to host royal events and cultural events.

●   Flooring made of marble and mosaics that show elaborate work.

●   Armour and weapons of royalty on display in galleries.

●   Display of paintings of renowned European artists such as Raja Ravi Varma.

The stories of each room are a masterpiece of elegance, and it is a place worth visiting when one is interested in history and culture.

The Palace Grounds – A Mini City of Its Own

The huge grounds at Laxmi Vilas Palace comprise:

●  Mughal and European Lush gardens.

●  18- 18-hole golf course on the palace estate.

● Several small palaces and heritage buildings occupied by the Gaekwad family.

●   A museum (Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum) exhibiting royal possessions, art, and artifacts.

This renders it not only a palace, but a full-fledged royal township.

Laxmi Vilas Palace vs. Buckingham Palace

The comparison with Buckingham Palace is one of the attractions to the tourists. Although Buckingham is a classic representation of the British monarch, Laxmi Vilas Palace is bigger, more elaborate and still owned privately by the Gaekwads. The comparison contributes to the international popularity of the royal residence of Vadodara.

Laxmi Vilas Palace Tour – A Visitor’s Guide

The Laxmi Vilas Palace tour is a memorable one to those who intend to visit.

● Visiting Hours: normally, between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM (except on a Monday and during the public holidays).

●  Entry Fee: Approximately, ₹250-₹300 Indians and ₹500-₹600 foreign tourists.

●  Tour Highlights: Durbar hall, museum, palace grounds, and royal collections.

●  Best Time to Visit: October to March, the weather in Vadodara is pleasant.

Why Laxmi Vilas Palace is a Must-See in Vadodara

Of all the Vadodara tourist attractions, the Laxmi Vilas Palace tops the list. The palace is ideal in architecture, history, royal culture, or photography, so any tourist will find something of interest. It also serves in the learning of the rich heritage of the Gaekwad dynasty and their impact towards the development of Vadodara.

Things to Do Near Laxmi Vilas Palace

There are also many attractions in Vadodara besides the palace:

●  Sayaji Garden (Kamati Baug) – A lovely park, which has a zoo and planetarium.

●  EME Temple – An exclusive temple, stylishly designed.

●  Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery – Exhibition of art and history.

●  Local Markets – To buy handicrafts and Gujarati traditional products.

Conclusion – A Royal Legacy Beyond Compare

The Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, is not merely an architectural structure; it is the epitome of royal India and its architecture. Its immense size, Indo-Saracenic architecture, and its royal heritage have made it one of the most renowned palaces in India. It is four times the size of Buckingham Palace and the pride of Vadodara and the legacy of the Gaekwad dynasty, which cannot be matched.

Laxmi Vilas Palace is a tourist attraction that anyone who wishes to see the royal dwelling of India must visit.

FAQs about Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara

1. How big is Laxmi Vilas Palace compared to Buckingham Palace?
 The Laxmi Vilas Palace is four times larger than the Buckingham Palace and occupies 500 acres.

2. What is the history of Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara?
 Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III constructed it in 1890 as the royal palace of Gaekwad dynasty.

3. Can visitors tour Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara?
 Yes, the visitors are able to visit the palace, museum and gardens using an entry ticket.

4. What are the architectural features of Laxmi Vilas Palace?
 It is adorned with the style of Indo-Saracenic, with domes, arches, stained glass windows, mosaic floor and royal collections.

5. Who built Laxmi Vilas Palace and when?
 Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III constructed the palace in 1890.