Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara - Signifying the Maratha rule in Gujarat!!!

Been visited to Vijay Vilas Palace of Mandvi, I thought Vadodara's Laxmi Vilas Palace was related to it. Only to understand, they both were no where related except for being in the same state of Gujarat. While Vijay Vilas Palace is of Jadega Rajas of Kutch, Laxmi Vilas is of Gaekwad, the Maratha family who ruled Baroda state, the present day Vadodara of Gujarat state.

On our trip to Ahmedabad and Vadodara, we reached Vadodara by 9 in the night and checked in to the OYO Rooms we had booked at Fatehjung road which was few minutes walk from Sayaji Baug. We had planned a two day stay at Vadodara, the first day for the city tour and the second to Pavagadh hills and Champaner. First day started with the visit to Laxmi Vilas Palace.

The palace was built in 1890 in Indo-Saracenic style by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It still being the residence of the royal family, opens only a part to the public. You enter the palace through the back entrance of the palace, collect your audio guide if you wish and start your palace tour. After going through few of the exhibits inside the palace you are out to get the view of the main entrance of the palace which is on the opposite side. The stunning structure is so huge that its difficult to capture the entire structure in one frame. The beautiful greens and golf course makes the structure look even more beautiful.

The ground has many statues and structures, off which the marble peacock urn is very well known. 

Marble Peacock Urn in the palace ground

Palace tower as seen from Marble Peacock Urn 

A beautiful painting on the outer wall of the palace.

Intricate carving on the window wall on the upper floor of the palace

Watch for 2 crocodiles, 4 monkeys and bunches of grapes 

The palace has a huge collection of artefacts from different parts of the world, not to forget the original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The Durbar hall with chandeliers, stained glass window, Italian mosaic flooring has been the Bollywood hotspot with shoots going on most of the time. There is a cafeteria and souvenir shop too in the building. The palace compound also houses Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and Moti Baug Palace both have separate entry gates from the main road and photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace and museum.

Travel Tips

Location

The palace is on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, around 3.5km from Vadodara Bus stand and railway station. And around 9km from Airport. 

Entry Fee and timing

Palace 

Rs. 225/- for Indians and Rs. 400/- for Foreigners

10:00 am to 5:00 pm 

Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays

Palace Museum 

Rs. 80/ for Indians and Rs. 150/- for Foreigners 

10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays