Nazarbaug Palace

Nazarbaug Palace (the historic nineteenth century royal treasury residence, renowned home of the Star of the South diamond, and storied Gaekwad heritage estate of old Baroda) in Vadodara in Gujarat, is one of western India's most legendary royal landmarks.

Constructed in 1871 by Maharaja Malhar Rao Gaekwad in the historic Mandvi quarter, this three storeyed white stucco palace was designed to hold the priceless heirlooms and private treasury of the royal Gaekwad dynasty.

It's the home of historic memories of solid gold and silver ceremonial cannons weighing over one hundred kilograms each, the dazzling Sheesh Mahal glass salon, the famed Pearl Carpet of Baroda studded with emeralds and rubies, classical Victorian balustraded facades, and lively bazaar alleys bustling outside royal iron gateways.

It represents a rich union of Gaekwad royal lore, antique diamond collections, and urban Baroda heritage where historic palaces, Laxmi Vilas Palace halls, Tambekar Wada wall murals, and Kirti Mandir cenotaphs unite around Vadodara.

Located in the Mandvi quarter near Panigate in Old Vadodara, the historic site sits just 4 km east of Vadodara Junction Railway Station (BRC), 6 km from Vadodara Airport (BDQ), and 1 km from Sursagar Lake, easily reached by auto or on foot.

The Toshakhana Jewel Vault, Star of the South & Ceremonial Cannons

During the peak of Gaekwad rule, Nazarbaug housed one of the wealthiest royal vaults in Asia, guarding treasures accumulated across centuries of Maratha governance.

Among its most famous treasures was the Star of the South, an extraordinary 128 carat diamond discovered in Brazil and acquired by Maharaja Khanderao II, alongside the English Dresden diamond.

During annual Dussehra pageants, two solid gold cannons and two solid silver cannons were brought out from the palace armory, drawn through city streets by teams of milk white royal bullocks.

Truth is, the topmost level featured an elaborate Sheesh Mahal with mirrored mosaic walls reflecting glowing chandeliers during royal receptions.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Tambekar Wada & Kirti Mandir Links

Laxmi Vilas Palace: Situated 3 km west on Palace Road, this colossal 500 acre royal estate remains the principal residence of the Gaekwad family.

Tambekar Wada: Located only 1 km northwest, this multi storeyed nineteenth century Maratha wooden mansion features exceptional 19th century wall murals.

Kirti Mandir: Resting 2 km northwest on the Vishwamitri riverbank, this royal memorial complex honors the Gaekwad rulers with bronze sculptures.

Old Vadodara Heritage Walk & City Tour Itinerary

The Old Baroda Heritage Route: Morning breakfast of hot khaman dhokla and jalebi near Mandvi Gate (8:00 AM) -> stroll along the historic Mandvi market to view the iconic Nazarbaug Palace grounds and colonial gateway (8:45 AM to 9:45 AM) -> walk through the old lanes to Tambekar Wada to view 19th century epic wall frescoes (10:00 AM to 11:30 AM) -> visit Kirti Mandir by the river (11:45 AM to 12:45 PM) -> traditional Gujarati thali lunch in Raopura (1:15 PM to 2:30 PM) -> afternoon audio tour of Laxmi Vilas Palace (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) -> sunset stroll around Sursagar Lake to view the Shiva statue (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM) -> dinner (8:30 PM).

Market Walking Advice: The surrounding Mandvi area is one of Vadodara's busiest traditional market hubs; exploring on foot or via cycle rickshaw offers the most convenient way to handle narrow heritage lanes.

After discovering the royal history of Nazarbaug Palace, proceed to explore Laxmi Vilas Palace, Tambekar Wada, or Kirti Mandir.