Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara
The world's largest private residence, Laxmi Vilas Palace showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture and the rich heritage of the Gaekwad dynasty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's largest private residence, Laxmi Vilas Palace showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture and the rich heritage of the Gaekwad dynasty.
"It’s not just a palace, it’s like walking through living history."
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
The complimentary audio-visual guide provides rich historical context and is highly recommended .
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
Capture the palace's grandeur from the outside; interior photography is not allowed .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Durbar Hall
Interior
Marvel at the opulent Durbar Hall with its stunning chandeliers and intricate Venetian mosaic flooring.
Palace Grounds & Gardens
Exterior
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens and enjoy the vast, picturesque estate, perfect for photos.
Museum Collection
Interior
Explore fascinating insights into the Gaekwad dynasty with displays of weapons, paintings, and artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Royal Experience
Photography & Access Insights
photography is prohibited inside the palace.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
The complimentary audio-visual guide provides rich historical context and is highly recommended.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
Capture the palace's grandeur from the outside; interior photography is not allowed.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
While some find it an hour, the audio guide can extend your visit to 2+ hours.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
Lawn areas might require a quick retreat during heavy rainfall.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
The complimentary audio-visual guide provides rich historical context and is highly recommended.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
Capture the palace's grandeur from the outside; interior photography is not allowed.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
While some find it an hour, the audio guide can extend your visit to 2+ hours.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
Lawn areas might require a quick retreat during heavy rainfall.
☕ Small Cafe Available
A small cafe is located within the premises for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laxmi Vilas Palace is widely praised for its breathtaking architecture, rich history, and the immersive experience provided by its audio guide. Visitors are captivated by the grandeur of the Durbar Hall and the well-maintained grounds. However, some find the ticket price steep for the accessible areas and note that certain facilities could use renovation. The behavior of some security staff has also been a point of concern for a few.
"The Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is truly a gem of India’s royal heritage. 🌸 The architecture is breathtaking, with its grand Durbar Hall, stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into history. The palace grounds are beautifully maintained, with lush gardens and a serene environment that adds to the charm.
What makes it special is the rich cultural experience—every corner of the palace has a story. The audio guide is very informative and helps you understand the royal legacy of the Gaekwad family. It’s not just a palace, it’s like walking through living history.
A must-visit for anyone traveling to Vadodara! Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys exploring India’s royal past. Truly, it’s an unforgettable experience."
Mahfooz Alam
"Visiting Laxmi Vilas Palace is truly a royal experience. The sheer grandeur of the architecture, the beautifully manicured gardens, and the rich history reflected in every corner make it a must-visit. The palace interiors showcase exquisite artwork, ornate halls, and royal collections that transport you back in time. We visited during the weekend so it was a bit crowded. We didn't have to wait in a queue. The security at the entrance n exit guide you with the needed information.
The museum inside offers fascinating insights into the Gaekwad dynasty, with displays of weapons, paintings, and artifacts. The Darbar Hall, with its stunning chandeliers and Venetian mosaic flooring, is breathtaking. The audio guide is well-curated and helps you appreciate the heritage even more.
The sprawling lawns and golf course add to the charm, and the upkeep of the property is commendable. Entry is well-organized, though prior permission is required for certain areas.
Overall, Laxmi Vilas Palace is not just a monument but an experience that blends culture, history, and elegance. A must-see gem of Vadodara.
There are some places in the premises that needs a lot of restoration and the exterior needs some renovation work and painting.
It rained a lot that day so we had to rush back from the lawn area.
Overall a well spent outing which can be completed in an hour or a little more.
Photography is prohibited inside the palace"
Neha Kanagat
"It was the best experience ever.. such a nice palace Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara..A good, nice palace with equally huge gardens and its own golf course.. they have cricket academy also.. and LVP garba is most famous in here.. Though only a very very small part of the entire palace is open for public display. They have good AV and give you the Device with earphones to listen to the entire history & details about the Palace, its history, Royal Family and many things. It goes on and on for more than 2 hrs. However, we took 1 hour to explore whole palace.. They have a nice small cafe inside.."
Ankita Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. You can reach Vadodara by air, train, or bus. From the city center, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you to the palace. Many visitors mention using local transport to reach the site.
Yes, parking is available at the palace premises. Visitors have noted the presence of security staff guiding entry and exit, which implies parking facilities are managed.
For getting around Vadodara, auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient option. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available. For exploring the palace grounds, walking is the best way to experience its vastness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price for Indian adults is approximately ₹250. Prices may vary for foreign nationals and children. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter for the most current pricing.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is typically open from morning to evening. However, it is closed on Mondays for maintenance. It's recommended to verify the exact timings before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance might be beneficial during peak seasons or for special events like the Garba passes mentioned.
No, only a portion of the vast palace is open for public display. However, the provided audio-visual guide offers a comprehensive tour of the palace's history and significance.
Yes, Laxmi Vilas Palace hosts events like the famous LVP Garba during Navratri. Information about season passes for such events is sometimes released.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the magnificent Durbar Hall, an art museum with royal collections, and the Armoury Hall. The audio-visual guide provides detailed information about each section.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace premises. However, the exterior and the sprawling gardens are excellent for photography.
A complete visit, including the audio guide, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, though some visitors might spend longer exploring.
The palace grounds, including the gardens and lawns, are generally well-maintained and offer a peaceful environment.
Laxmi Vilas Palace is renowned as the largest private residence in the world, built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It's a symbol of the royal heritage of the Gaekwad dynasty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe within the palace premises where visitors can grab refreshments. Some events held at the palace also feature catering services.
The cafe typically offers snacks, beverages, and light meals suitable for a quick break during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the palace, the grand entrance, and the surrounding gardens offer numerous picturesque spots for photography.
While drone photography is showcased in some reels,
Many visitors capture architectural shots, landscape photos of the grounds, and sometimes even pre-wedding or event photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The grandeur of the architecture provides ample opportunities for capturing impressive shots. Some reels showcase drone footage, highlighting the scale of the estate, though it's crucial to verify drone usage permissions beforehand.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Indo-Saracenic Style
The intricate details, from the ornate carvings to the stained-glass windows and Venetian mosaic flooring in the Durbar Hall, showcase the craftsmanship of the era. The palace's grandeur is not just in its size but in the meticulous attention to detail that reflects the royal opulence of the Gaekwad dynasty. Visitors often express awe at the architectural beauty and the historical significance embedded in every corner.
The Royal Legacy of the Gaekwads
+2 The palace was built to serve as a royal residence and a symbol of the Gaekwad's vision for Vadodara as a progressive and welcoming city.The museum within the palace offers a direct connection to this royal past, displaying artifacts, weapons, and paintings that tell the story of the Gaekwad rulers. The audio-visual guide provided to visitors is crucial in understanding the lineage, achievements, and daily life of the royal family, making the visit an immersive historical experience.
Visitor Experience: What to Expect
However, some aspects can detract from the experience. The ticket price is considered steep by some, especially given that only a portion of the palace is accessible.
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