Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Gujarat.

The term Maharaja Palace refers to a series of palaces in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, constructed since the Gaekwad, a prominent Maratha family, started ruling the Baroda State.



The first one was a building known as the Sarkar Wada. This building, not really a palace, was given up for the Nazarbaug Palace built in old classical style. 




After this the Lukshmi Vilas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at a cost of GBP180,000.



It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built till date and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior are reminiscent of a large European country house. It remains the residence of the Royal Family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Baroda.





Picture Credit: Parth Vaghela
Location: Gate No.2 Laxmi Vilas Palace Estate, J.N.Marg, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001, India

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