People consider Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda, one of the most progressive queens in the country. Her lavish lifestyle and sense of style have often kept her in the limelight. Her philanthropy, love for art, and charitable initiatives have made her widely admired. She is an expert in heritage conservation and a champion of textile revival. She resides in Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Gujarat, which is larger than Buckingham Palace in Britain and reportedly even bigger than Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia. Here are the key highlights of the ₹25,000-crore gold-walled palace.
170 Room In Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Lakshmi Vilas Palace, located in Vadodara, is the largest private home in India. The Gaekwads were a Hindu Maratha royal family who ruled over the Maratha Empire and later the princely state of Baroda in western India. From the early 1700s until 1947, they ruled as the Maharajas of Baroda. Their kingdom was one of the biggest and wealthiest among the princely states during British rule. After the 2013 settlement with his uncle, Sangramsinh Gaekwad, Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s husband received the 187-room Lakshmi Vilas Palace, 600 acres of real estate- including Moti Bagh Stadium and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum- paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, and other royal possessions.
Furthermore, under his Lakshmi Vilas Banquets venture, Samarjitsinh opened a section of the palace complex as a banquet facility for private ceremonies. Currently, he manages 17 temple trusts in Gujarat and Banaras.
How big is the Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
The four-storied Lakshmi Vilas Palace spans 700 acres and boasts 170 rooms, all originally intended for the Maharaja and Maharani’s use. Renowned botanist Sir William Goldring envisioned and created the exquisite, meticulously designed gardens that surround the palace. The estate also includes a large horse stable, a swimming pool, and even a private golf course. British engineer Major Charles Mant, recognized as the principal architect, designed the expansive palace.
Even Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, one of the most luxurious homes in Asia, pales in comparison to the grandeur of Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The palace is also said to be significantly larger than Buckingham Palace in London—reportedly four times its size. While the grand Buckingham Palace covers about 19 acres, Lakshmi Vilas Palace spans an impressive 700 acres.
The palace has a section open to tourists, with an entry fee of Rs. 150. For those wanting to explore the museum within, there is an additional charge of Rs. 60. Interestingly, a red light is switched on whenever the Maharaja is present in the palace, signaling his presence.
