10 JULY, 2023
Amrutha Pagad
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
The world's largest residential building is not the Buckingham Palace or the Ambanis' Antilia. This title is held by 19th century Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Video: Gujarat Tourism
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is four times the size of the Buckingham Palace of the British royalty.
Consisting of four storeys, the palace is spread over 700 acres.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
There are a whopping 170 rooms in the palace, golf courses, and huge parks. Once upon a time, there was also a rail track and a small zoo.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
There are two huge courtyards inside the palace, replete with trees and fountains. The palace features a large collection of art, weapons and paintings.
Video: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
The palace is owned by the Royal Gaekwad family. HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, his wife Radhikaraje Gaekwad and their two daughters still live here.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
The palace is open for tourists too. Visitors should check the timings.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
The Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at the cost of £180,000 back in the day. it boasts of Indo-Saracenic architectural brilliance.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram
The most famous architect of the time, Major Charles Mant, was roped in for the project, his biggest yet. But after his death, Robert Fellows Chisolm was recruited.
Photo: lukshmivilaspalace/Instagram