Gujarat's Lakshmi Vilas Palace: World's Largest Private Residence, Dwarfs Buckingham Palace

• Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, is one of the world's largest private residences, surpassing even Britain's Buckingham Palace in size.
• Built for the Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda, its construction began in 1890 under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, blending modern governance with traditional royal values.
• Designed by British architect Robert Chisholm in Indo-Saracenic style, it combines Indian and European architectural elements like arches, domes, and courtyards.
• Spanning a vast 500-acre plot, the palace features gardens, a museum, halls, courtyards, and was technologically advanced for its era, including elevators.
• The Durbar Hall, once host to royal assemblies, and other sections are open to tourists, while parts are still inhabited by the Gaekwad family; it has also been featured in Indian films.