The Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, is one of the most majestic structures in India. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890, it remains the private residence of the royal family of Baroda (the Gaekwads). It is a staggering example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which blends Indian, Islamic, and European styles.
Laxmi Villas Palace
Overview
Highlights
- Scale of Grandeur: Spanning over 500 acres, it is famously cited as being four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of its construction, it was the largest private dwelling in the world
- Architectural Fusion: Designed by Major Charles Mant, the palace features a mix of Mughal minarets, Gujarati-style domes, and Gothic Victorian details
- The "Doomed" Architect: Legend has it that the architect, Major Charles Mant, fell into a deep depression and took his own life before the project was finished. He was reportedly convinced that his mathematical calculations were wrong and that the massive structure would eventually collapse (it still stands perfectly today)
- Modernity in 1890: Even in the 19th century, the palace was fitted with incredibly modern amenities, including elevators, an internal telephone exchange, and its own electrical supply.
What’s Included
Itinerary
Start and end in London! With the Explorer tour European Horizon (Start London, End London, 11 Days), you have a 11 days tour package taking you through London, England and 10 other destinations in Europe. European Horizon (Start London, End London, 11 Days) includes accommodationin a hoteland hostel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
Tour Plan
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching
9-days of heart pounding adventure kick off today. Meet up with your Contiki posse & share notes on London town before hitting the road to Amsterdam. Shortly before we find our ferry for France, we'll be taking in the English coastline beauty of the White Cliffs of Dover. They owe their gorgeousness to their composition of chalk - you're learning and we haven't even left the UK! Off the ferry we arrive in the port town of Calais - French soil! We travel north via Belgium before reaching








3 Comments
4
Everything was seamless and well-organized. The guide was engaging, the activities were fun, and the food was delicious.
5
The guide was friendly, and the stops were well-planned and enjoyable. The scenery was breathtaking. Highly recommend!
5
The itinerary was perfect, with a great mix of adventure and relaxation. The guide’s enthusiasm made it even more enjoyable.