Makarpura Palace

Makarpura Palace (the grand 1870 Italian Renaissance royal estate, historic Gaekwad summer retreat, and premier colonial heritage palace of southern Baroda) in Vadodara in Gujarat, is one of western India's most striking examples of European classical architecture.

Originally constructed by Maharaja Khanderao II in 1870 and later lavishly redesigned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III under architect Robert Fellows Chisholm, this three storeyed palace was envisioned as a cool country retreat away from city administrative duties.

It's the home of elegant triple tiered arched loggias framing expansive southern lawns, ornamental Italianate balustrades, classical stone pediments, carved stucco rosettes, historical brick water pavilions, and manicured driveways lined with tall royal palms.

It represents a rich union of Victorian palace planning, Gaekwad royal lineage, and military aviation heritage where historic royal residences, Laxmi Vilas Palace estates, Nazarbaug Palace grounds, and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum collections unite around Vadodara.

Located on Makarpura Main Road in the southern sector of Vadodara, the palace sits just 8 km south of Vadodara Junction Railway Station (BRC), 2 km from Makarpura Railway Station (MPR), and 12 km from Vadodara Airport (BDQ), easily reached by taxi or city bus.

Maharaja Khanderao Vision, Italian Renaissance Styling & Indian Air Force Era

Unlike the Indo Saracenic design of Laxmi Vilas Palace, Makarpura was intentionally designed around Italian Renaissance principles, incorporating open arcades around each level to encourage cross ventilation.

The surrounding grounds featured a Japanese style garden designed with stepped watercourses, stone bridges, marble statues, and fountains fed by subterranean aquifers.

Following Indian independence, the historic palace was handed over to the Indian Air Force and now is an active training establishment for defense personnel.

Truth is, while the interior is a defense facility, the imposing exterior facade and grand entrance gates remain a prized sight for architectural travelers visiting Baroda.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaug Palace & Fateh Singh Museum Links

Laxmi Vilas Palace: Situated 7 km north on Palace Road, this gargantuan royal residence houses the Gaekwad family and features a 500 acre estate.

Nazarbaug Palace: Located 8 km north in Mandvi, this classic white stucco palace was built by Malhar Rao Gaekwad and once held the royal jewel vault.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum: Sits inside the Laxmi Vilas estate, showcasing royal bronze artifacts, Greek marble statues, and original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.

Vadodara Royal Palaces Circuit & Day Trip Route

The Gaekwad Palaces Circuit: Morning breakfast of hot poha and masala chai near Jubilee Baug (8:00 AM) -> drive south along Makarpura Road to view the historic Italianate facade of Makarpura Palace and its grand entry gates (8:45 AM to 10:00 AM) -> head north to Laxmi Vilas Palace for an audio guided tour of the Durbar Hall (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) -> explore the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum collection (12:45 PM to 2:00 PM) -> traditional Gujarati lunch in Alkapuri (2:15 PM to 3:30 PM) -> visit Nazarbaug Palace and Mandvi gate heritage zone (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) -> evening walk around Sursagar Lake to see the Shiva statue (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM) -> dinner (8:30 PM).

Visiting Protocol & Security Notice: As an active Indian Air Force training facility, public entry into the inner residential wings is restricted; travelers can admire and photograph the historic exterior and perimeter architecture from designated public viewing spots along Makarpura Road.

After observing the Italian Renaissance arches of Makarpura Palace, continue your tour across Laxmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaug Palace, or Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.