Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is one of the famous monuments in Vadodara that is high on tourist value. People visiting Vadodara make it a point to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. A wonderful exemplification of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the palace is a majestic structure that warrants a special visit if you wish to marvel at the detailed and exquisite work from the close quarters.
Right from its imposing façade to its ornate interiors, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, is to impress the visitors to no end. The palace still served as the royal residence. The interiors of the palace exude opulence and are graced with marble mosaic, fine stone and valuable furnishings. The palace features a grand Durbar Hall that boasts of an Italian mosaic floor.
The walls of the Durbar Hall are beautified with brilliant mosaic decorations. Those who are interested in relics and antiquities would love to take a close look at the commendable collection of old armory, sculptures in bronze, terracotta and marble that the Vadodara's Laxmi Vilas Palace proudly showcases.
The palace sprawls for about 700 acres and incorporates a number of buildings. The Motibaug Palace and Museum need a special mention. The museum was constructed for the educational purposes of the Maharaja's children. Today this museum houses a large number or art works belonging to the Royal family. Among all the works of art, the paintings of Raja Ravi Verma stand out on the virtue of the skill of the artist that is clearly reflected in them.
Another popular highlight of Laxmi Vilas Palace is the zoo. Today nothing remains of the zoo except a pond that is inhabited by a number of crocodiles. If you are lucky enough you might also find peacocks strutting about the palace compound or langoors hanging from the tree branches.
History of Laxmi Vilas Palace
Vadodara's Laxmi Vilas Palace was constructed during the period from 1878 to 1890. The construction of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. The total cost of its construction amounted to a whooping sixty lakh.
Best Time to Visit: October and March
Opening Time- 10:00 A.M to 04:30 P.M
Entry Fee : INR 40 for Indians, 150 for foreign nationals
