Laxmi Vilas Palace

Set amidst the sprawling 50 acres, and surrounded by undulating, yellow mustard fields, the Laxmi Vilas Palace was built for Raja Ragunath Singh, the younger brother of the then Bharatpur ruler, Maharaja Ram Singh. An eclectic and lively fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the palace was earlier called Raghunath Niwas though locals always preferred to call it Kakaji ki kothi.

Its single entrance, a massive richly carved sand stone archway intended to allow the ladies of Royal family of Bharatpur to conduct themselves away from the prying eyes of men and outsiders. Spacious and airy rooms opened out into the inner courtyard with its marble fountain, enchanting cupolas and sunny courtyard completed the pretty picture.

Reminiscent of the scintillating grandeur and tinkling trinkets of the queens of the Jat dynasty stands proudly the Laxmi Vilas Palace, originally designed as the residence of veiled beauties of the Jat princess with only single beautiful carved gate. Situated on the old Agra – Jaipur road, with large open space, it offers a fascinating view from the road side, a passer by is delighted and stops to record its full view an his mental eye. The picturesque palace, popularly know as Raghunath Niwas was constructed in the year 1899 for the second son of Mahraja Jaswant Singh ji of Bharatpur on the architecture pattern design and style adopted from the Royal home of Bharatpur, similar to Rani Kishori palace, Rani Laxmi Kunj and Mahal Khas (palace private) inside the impregnable iron fort of Bharatpur. Connoisseurs believe that its architecture is a happy blending of Mughal style and famous Rajput architecture of chivalrous Rajputana with brightly painted frescos reminding of Brij culture with its religious and romantic overtones.

This palace, inspite of the inroads of modernity, can boast of its old aristocratic traditional style of living with two spacious courtyards the second one reserved for the cozy privacy of the queens, the princess and their bandis, its each beautiful room has broad opening on both sides galleries and canopies in burjis (minarets). All the spectacular glamour melts into the modern comforts and makes the story memorable and delightful. Frescos, deftly portrayed with bright shell herbal paints in the ceremonial room leave an everlasting impression on the visitor. These wall painting depict Lilas of Lord Krishna (super natural feats of Lord Krishna) the supreme deity of Brij region where this palace is located.

The same tradition of the hospitality has been kept alive till the present day. In 1994, a decision was taken to convert the Palace into the hotel. The Laxmi Vilas Palace has been operational ever since.

At the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Heritage hospitality goes beyond the narrow parameters of well appointed rooms, period décor, antique furniture and the best of creature comforts. Our style is equally distinguished by homely warmth, personnel involvement and unfailing attention to various intangibles that define the rich and varied heritage of Rajasthan in general and Bharatpur in particular.

ROOM VIEW