A new series of posts on most beautiful residential palaces in India.
Jai Vilas Palace, 19th century palace in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Built in 1874 by Maharajadhiraj Shrimant Jayajirao Scindia Alijah Bahadur (Maharaja of Gwalior). Still the residence of royal Maratha Scindia Dynasty. Out of 400 rooms in the palace, 40 are transformed into Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum. Houses a collection of swords dating back to reigns of Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan (Mughal emperors). Preserves original shield of Jhansi Ki Rani. Library contains more than 5000 books.
A fine example of European architecture, designed by Sir Michael Filose. 1st storey is Tuscan, 2nd Italian-Doric, 3rd Corinthian. Famous for large Durbar Hall, decorated with gilt, gold furnishings. Adorned with charming carpets, gigantic chandeliers. 2 gorgeous 12.5m high, 3.5 tonne chandeliers with 250 light bulbs, the largest pair in the world.
Beautiful cut-glass furniture, stuffed tigers, ladies-only swimming pool with it’s own boat. Cavernous dining room displays ‘pièce de résistance’, a model railway with a silver train that carried after dinner brandy, cigars around table. Stunning, surreal.