The Laxmi Vilas Palace is a must-see if you visit Vadodara, a city rich in history and culture. It is a magnificent architectural marvel that honors India’s royal past. The palace, home to the Maratha Royal family, is more than just a historical site; it also provides insight into the opulence of a bygone era. Laxmi Vilas Palace is a must-see whether you are a history buff, an architect, or simply looking for beauty. This blog will discuss Laxmi Vilas ticket prices, timings, and the palace’s history.
Introduction to Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of those historical buildings in Vadodara, Gujarat that deserves great attention. The tremendous palace was constructed in the nineteenth century and now is still the home of the royal family of Vadodara.
It is not only one of India’s largest private dwelling places but also has well-maintained gardens, imposing structures, and origins. It has now emerged as one of the most visited destinations in Gujarat.
Why Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace?
The Laxmi Vilas Palace may be a palace for living purposes, but it is a beautiful combination of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and European architectures.
The palace is mighty and features gorgeous gardens, elaborate jaali work, and historical artifacts that give guests an insight into royal life. Its museum also preserves many art pieces, such as paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts.
History of Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, king of Baroda, during the British rule of India. British architect Major Charles Mant built this palace, and construction work was accomplished in 1914. The palace’s construction was constructed using European design with a mix of Venetian Gothic and Indo-Sacracenic architecture.
Marajah Sayajirao Gaekwad III dreamt of a palace that would give the view of a king and his emerging empire. Construction on Laxmi Vilas Palace lasted 23 years, and when it was completed, an architectural marvel stood there. The palace sits on a 700-acre piece of land and is one of the largest private residences globally. People have even drawn a comparison with Buckingham Palace regarding size and respect.
The palace was constructed owing to the Hindu goddess of wealth or ‘Lakshmi,’ a name of the Gaekwad Dynasty. The palace has Indian and European architectural designs, with European-like rooms decorated and superbly sculptured interiors.
Architecture and Key Features
Laxmi Vilas Palace is characteristic of Indian and European architectural styles. This has a Venetian Gothic and Indo-Saracenic or the so-called Indian Gothic construction style. It is a four-story building with several luxurious rooms, halls, and terraces.
Some of the key architectural features of the palace include:
The Durbar Hall is quite one of the most marvelous and beautiful sections of the Versailles Palace. It boasts beautiful mosaic floors, big columns, and large chandeliers.
The Museum: The museum is an art gallery that holds and exhibits numerous monumental sculptures, paintings, and weapons from the Gaekwad dynasty.
Maharaja’s Collection: The Maharaja also assembled unique items, which consist of musical instruments, furniture, and paintings.
The Palace Grounds: The vast territory encompassing the palace, beautiful gardens, and an artificially constructed lake are also some of the features of the palace.
Ticket Prices for Laxmi Vilas Palace
To some extent, knowing the ticket price to Laxmi Vilas Palace before visiting it will be essential. Here are the ticket prices for different types of visitors:
- Indian Adults: ₹250
- Indian Students: ₹50
- Foreign Tourists: ₹525
- Children (below 12 years): Free
This ticket price mainly covers the opportunity to visit the palace and the entire territory, including the museum. However, if you want to go around the palace and learn more, there are extra costs for audio guides or organized tours.
Additional Fees:
- Guided Tour: ₹200 per person (if opting for a detailed guided tour of the palace).
- Photography: ₹50 for still photography and ₹100 for video photography.
However, it should be stated that the prices may change occasionally depending upon the special days or seasons, so one should contact the official web portal directly or visit it to get detailed information.
Timings for Laxmi Vilas Palace
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is very accessible throughout the week, but it has set times. The timings are as follows:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday Closed)
- Last Entry: 4:30 PM
It is, however, essential to note that the palace is closed to the public on other public holidays and sometimes when there are occasions such as a royal wedding, birthday parties, and the like. Depending on the time you plan to visit, it is recommended to look at these timings, especially if you will be visiting during the high tourism period.
Best Time to Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace
Ideally, visiting Laxmi Vilas Palace is possible from the middle of October to the end of March. The weather at this time is comparatively favorable, which allows for a tour around the palace and the territory. Generally, Vadodara can be visited throughout the year; however, the summers are very hot and are preferably avoided from April to June.
Top Attractions Inside Laxmi Vilas Palace
As soon as you arrive in the palace, you will find that the interior makes a most favorable impression. Here are some of the must-see attractions inside:
Durbar Hall: The main part of the royal dwelling is made of beautiful marble, wooden ornaments, and complicated carvings.
Museum: It contains items such as arts and jewelry, a royal photo collection, a royal armory, paintings, and royal outfits.
Maharaja’s Car Collection: The royal family owned antique cars and some other models of cars, such as the Rolls-Royce.
The Courtyard and Gardens: A palace is surrounded by some beautiful gardens. For this, do not miss the beautifully manicured landscape with many trees and plants, including a lake.
How to Reach Laxmi Vilas Palace
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is well connected to most parts of Vadodara city. Here’s how you can reach it:
By Train: Vadodara Junction railway station is in good connectivity with other cities in Gujarat and India. The palace stands at ten minutes of driving from the station.
By Air: Vadodara airport, which is approximately 6 km away from the palace, supplies connections to different large cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmadabad.
By Road: Interestingly, the palace is well connected by local taxi or auto rickshaw service from any part of the city. In addition to this, public buses also ply from different areas of the city.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Laxmi Vilas Palace
In conclusion, Laxmi Vilas Palace reflects history, art, and a true royal touch in its crystal-clear glass design. It provides a view of the lifestyle of the Maratha royal family and presents some of the best samples of architecture of the nineteenth century. As an architecture-lover, history-lover, or just a lover of beauty, the palace will not let you down. Start planning, walk around the palace, travel back in time, and go through the valuable legacy of the Gaekwad dynasty.
A must-visit place in Vadodara is Laxmi Vilas Palace, which is for those who love history. It is combined with exquisite architecture and a stunning location.
Yes, the palace is open on most public holidays, but it is best to check in advance because special events may limit access.
There is a fee for photography, but video recording is subject to additional charges. Always check for any specific restrictions during your visit.
There is no official dress code, but it is best to dress respectfully because it is a historical site.
A visit to the Laxmi Vilas Palace usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on how long you spend exploring the museum and gardens.
Yes, guided tours are available at a fee. You can also rent an audio guide and explore the palace at your own pace.
The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Mondays.
Tickets are Rs 250 for Indians and Rs 525 for foreign visitors.
It is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and as one of the world’s largest private residences.
The palace is 4 kilometers from the Vadodara Railway Station and easily accessible by road.
Yes, online ticket booking is available via the official website.
For more information, please contact the palace office at +91-265-2426372.
