Introduction
Gujarat, historically home to powerful dynasties such as the Solankis, Jadejas, Vaghelas, and the Gaekwads, as well as numerous princely states, has a rich legacy of palaces and royal residences. These palaces reflect a fascinating blend of Rajput, Mughal, Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, and European architectural styles, owing to Gujarat’s role as both a center of trade and a seat of princely power during the colonial era.
Some of Gujarat’s palaces, like the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara or the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, are globally renowned for their scale and artistry, while others such as Vijay Vilas in Mandvi and the Navlakha Palace in Gondal are celebrated for their setting and elegance. Today, many palaces serve as museums, heritage hotels, or cultural landmarks, while some continue as private royal residences. Together, they form an important part of Gujarat’s heritage tourism circuit.
List of Major Palaces of Gujarat
Vadodara (Baroda) Region
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace (Vadodara) – Built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, one of the largest private residences in the world, four times the size of Buckingham Palace; still occupied by the Gaekwad family.
- Makarpura Palace (Vadodara) – Summer palace of the Gaekwads, later used by the Indian Air Force.
- Pratap Vilas Palace (Vadodara) – Indo-Saracenic palace built in early 20th century, currently housing a railway training institute.
- Nazar Baug Palace (Vadodara, now in ruins) – Once a Gaekwad treasure house, famed for its legendary collection of jewels.
Kutch Region
- Aina Mahal (Bhuj) – Built in 1761 by Rao Lakhpatji, famed for its mirror work, Venetian glass, and European chandeliers.
- Prag Mahal (Bhuj) – 19th-century Italian Gothic-style palace, built by Rao Pragmalji II with European architects.
- Vijay Vilas Palace (Mandvi, Kutch) – Built in 1929 by Maharao Vijayrajji; seaside palace of red sandstone, used in Bollywood films.
Saurashtra & Kathiawar Region
- Navlakha Palace (Gondal) – 18th-century Darbargadh palace overlooking the Gondali River; houses royal artifacts.
- Orchard Palace (Gondal) – Former guest house of the royal family, now a heritage hotel.
- Riverside Palace (Gondal) – Built in the 19th century, a colonial-style palace by the river, also a heritage hotel.
- Naulakha Palace (Gondal) – Oldest existing palace in Gondal, richly ornamented.
- Ranjit Vilas Palace (Rajkot) – 20th-century Indo-European palace, still a private residence of the Jadeja family.
- Ranjit Vilas Palace (Wankaner) – Magnificent palace blending Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles; partly converted into a heritage hotel.
- Darbargadh Palaces (Rajkot, Jamnagar, Morbi, Gondal, Junagadh, etc.) – Fortified palace complexes serving as seats of local rulers.
- Wellingdon Secretariat / Morbi Palace (Morbi) – Palace with European influence, now part of the district administration.
Jamnagar & Porbandar
- Lakhota Palace (Jamnagar) – Small island palace in the middle of Lakhota Lake; now a museum.
- Huzoor Palace (Porbandar) – Built by Maharaja Natwarsinhji in the early 20th century, overlooking the Arabian Sea; still occupied by royal descendants, entry restricted.
Junagadh & Other Regions
- Uparkot Fort Palatial Structures (Junagadh) – Contain remnants of palatial buildings of Nawabi rulers.
- Junagadh Darbargadh – Royal residence of Junagadh Nawabs; Indo-Islamic style.
- Palitana Palaces (Bhavnagar district) – Residences of local rulers near the famous Jain temples.
- Bhavnagar Nilambagh Palace – 19th-century palace built by Bhavnagar’s rulers; now a luxury heritage hotel.
Closing Note
The palaces of Gujarat stand as symbols of its royal grandeur, artistic experimentation, and cross-cultural influences. From the sheer scale of Lakshmi Vilas Palace to the mirror-filled interiors of Aina Mahal, each palace tells a different story about Gujarat’s history, rulers, and trade connections. For heritage travelers, these palaces are not just architectural marvels but also immersive windows into Gujarat’s regal past