Photo spot in Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Vadodara, Gujarat
The colossal Indo-Saracenic palace of the Gaekwads — reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace — with domes, mosaics and a golf course in its grounds.
Best time
Morning, soon after the gates open, for softer light on the facade and quieter lawns; late afternoon for warm light on the domes before closing time.
Best angle
Walk well back across the front lawn and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits the long facade and its domes into one frame.
Entry fee
Ticketed
Opening hours
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mon)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace
Morning, soon after the gates open, for softer light on the facade and quieter lawns; late afternoon for warm light on the domes before closing time. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Laxmi Vilas Palace
Walk well back across the front lawn and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits the long facade and its domes into one frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the grand facade
By the Darbar Hall windows
Outfit guide
What to wear at Laxmi Vilas Palace
For photos at Laxmi Vilas Palace, emerald, gold and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Vadodara.
Eat nearby
Food near Laxmi Vilas Palace
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for gujarati thali nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Take the audio-guided tour, which covers the Darbar Hall and the main rooms open to visitors.
Plan your visit for Tuesday to Sunday, as the palace is closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
Keep your camera for the gardens and the front of the palace, as photos are usually not allowed inside.
Arrive soon after opening for softer light and fewer people on the lawns.
Allow time for the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in the palace grounds.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are large and there is a fair amount of walking.
Combine the palace with an evening at Sursagar Lake, a short drive away.
About Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas Palace was completed in 1890 for Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the ruler of Baroda State. Designed by the British architects Charles Mant and Robert Chisholm, it mixes Indian domes, arches and towers with European details in the Indo-Saracenic style, and is often said to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
The Gaekwad family still lives in the palace, so visitors see part of it on an audio-guided tour of about an hour. The highlight is the Darbar Hall, the great hall used for royal concerts and dinners, with its mosaics and stained glass. The grounds are huge and also hold the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, a golf course and a cricket ground. Photography is usually not allowed inside, so plan your photos for the lawns and the front of the palace.
Questions
Laxmi Vilas Palace — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Morning, soon after the gates open, for softer light on the facade and quieter lawns; late afternoon for warm light on the domes before closing time. Walk well back across the front lawn and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits the long facade and its domes into one frame.
Is there an entry fee at Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Entry to Laxmi Vilas Palace is ticketed.
What are the opening hours of Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Laxmi Vilas Palace is open 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mon).
What should I wear at Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Emerald, gold and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Laxmi Vilas Palace get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, soon after the gates open, for softer light on the facade and quieter lawns; late afternoon for warm light on the domes before closing time.
What food should I try near Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Try gujarati thali, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Laxmi Vilas Palace famous for?
Laxmi Vilas Palace is famous as the home of the Gaekwad royal family, for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and for its size, often said to be four times that of Buckingham Palace. The Darbar Hall, with its mosaics and stained glass, is the highlight of the tour.
Can I take photos inside Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Photography is usually not allowed inside the palace. You can take photos of the front of the palace and the gardens, so plan your pictures for outside.
Does the royal family still live in Laxmi Vilas Palace?
Yes. The Gaekwad family, the former rulers of Baroda, still live in the palace, which is why only part of it is open to visitors.
How long does the Laxmi Vilas Palace tour take?
The audio-guided tour takes about an hour. Allow 2 hours if you also want to walk in the gardens and see the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.