Built in 1890 for Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III by the British architect Major Charles Mant, this is reportedly the largest private residence in India and one of the largest in the world. The Indo-Saracenic exterior is a riot of domes, towers, and arches; inside, the Durbar Hall is the showpiece, with Belgian stained glass, Italian Venetian mosaic floors, and a gilded ceiling. The Gaekwad family still lives in part of the palace, but the public can tour the main halls daily except Mondays. Allow at least an hour and arrive early to avoid coach tours.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Enormous Indo-Saracenic palace, still partly a royal residence
| Address | J N Marg, Moti Baug, Vadodara |
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A story
The architect Major Charles Mant reportedly went insane during the project, convinced his foundations would not bear the weight of the enormous building, and died before its completion. The foundations held perfectly well; his successor finished the work.