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Lakshmi Vilas Palace is reportedly the biggest private dwelling constructed till date and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace, and could be worth well over Rs 24,000 crores.
The Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III for a whopping Rs 27,00,000 or 1,80,000 pounds, a huge sum at that time. HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, his wife Radhikaraje Gaekwad and their two daughters still live here.
This lavish palace was designed by Major Charles Mant - one of the great architects of his time. Considered an architectural marvel, the palace makes use of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.
Almost four times the size of Buckingham Palace in the UK, the palace compound contains several buildings including the Moti Bagh Palace, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building and the luxury LVP Banquets and Conventions.
While the exteriors sport an awe-inspiring design, the interiors of the palace are decked out with superb chandeliers, mosaics and precious artworks galore.
At the time of construction itself, it had elevators, a rarity at that time.
Samarjitsinh, his grandson, who was an ex-Ranji Trophy player, opened it to the public, after renovation.
A golf course was built for European guests in the 1930s by Maharaja Pratapsinh.
Several Bollywood movies have been shot here including the 1982 film Prem Rog, Dil Hi Toh Hai in 1993, Sardaar Gabbar Singh in 2016 and Grand Masti in 2013, among others.
The Navlakhi stepwell dates back to 1405 AD and is a key attraction within the palace compound. There is a small zoo where one can spot crocodiles.
The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum has several rare Raja Ravi Verma paintings and a miniature train line, as well. The building was once used as a school for the royal children and this train line linked the school and palace for an easier commute.
The Moti Bagh Cricket Ground comes with a swimming pool, club house, gymnasium and golf course adjacent to the palace.
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