1

The historic Lukshmi Vilas Palace Estate has been a sporting destination in India since 1890.
Within the sprawling 700 acres estate there exist a riding track, an international cricket ground
and home the famed Baroda Cricket, an Indoor Covered Court for Badminton and Tennis, Tennis
clay and grass courts and a golf course.

In 1930 H.H. Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad developed a private Golf Course for his European guests.
By 1945 he even hosted the Baroda Open Golf Championship. In 1995 his grandson and
President of GBGC, re-developed this old golf course and named it "THE GAEKWAD
BARODA GOLF CLUB". The 10 hole course was primarily set up to introduce the game of
golf to the city of Baroda.

Five years later and a 300 strong golf fraternity a new championship course was developed.
Ranjit Nanda & Associates were engaged to help design and execute this project. The all new
Lukshmi Vilas Palace was commissioned in 2002. The golf course meets all championship
specifications And in times to come will play host Pro events. The surroundings of the majestic
palace and the lush green fairways make it an enjoyable outing for any and everybody.
 2

Golf Courses in India

Home > Golf Courses in India

India offers about 140 golf courses, a variety of choices for golfers. It has modern course at
Classic Resort in Delhi and The Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the oldest golf course outside the
British Isles. Some of the best clubs in the country provide facilities of Golf. Willington Club in
Bombay; the Delhi Golf Club and Madras Gymkhana to name a few. But their high membership
fees and scarce availability have made Golf a status symbol in urban India. However with
coming up of number of new clubs catering to Golf popularity of game has picked up.

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So what makes golf in India so different? First, golf is played virtually everywhere in India, in
every kind of terrain - desert, mountain, along the sea coast or in the plains - and every kind of
weather - mild to extreme. You may play past historic monuments dating back to the 15th
century, below looming fortresses and in the very heart of an ancient city. You might have to
stop to allow a peacock to complete its mating dance on a green or strain to see a deer streak
across a fairway. On an early morning you will pause to watch a flight of migratory birds or to
literally catch your breath on the highest golf course in the world at a height of 2890 meters.
Playing golf in India is not simply a sport - like everything else in India, it involves your entire
being, both physical and spiritual.

This section provides a listing of golf courses in India, but is not exhaustive. Underlined listings
link to more info about the clubs, its facilities, articles about the club, etc.

List of Golf Course in India

 Agra
o Agra Golf Club
 Ahmedabad
o Army Golf Club
 Bangalore
o Bangalore Golf Club
o Eagleton - The Golf Village
 Baroda
 3

o The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

 Kolkata
o Calcutta Ladies Golf Club
o Officer's Institute, Fort William
o Royal Calcutta Golf Club
o Tollygunge Golf Club
 Chandigarh
o Chandigarh Golf Club
 Chennai
o Cosmopolitan Golf Club
o Madras Gymkhana Club
 Delhi
o Delhi Golf Club
o Air Force Golf Club
o Army Golf Course
o Classic Golf Resorts and Club
o DLF Golf Club and Resort
 Goa
o Naval Golf Club
 Hyderabad
o Golconda Golf Club
 Jaipur
o The Rambagh Golf Club
 Jammu
o BSF Golf Club
 Kanpur
o Defence Services Golf Club
 Lucknow
o Lucknow Golf Club
 MHOW
o DSOI Golf Club
 Mumbai
o The Bombay Presidency Golf Club Limited
o United Services Club
o Willingdon Sports Club
 Mysore
o Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar Golf Course
 Nilgiris
o Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club
o Wellington Gymkhana Golf Club
 Puna
o Puna Club Golf Course
 Shimla
 4

o Naldehra Golf Club

The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

Filed under:

 Golf Courses in India

 Gujrat
 Vadodara

—
Home > Golf Courses in India > The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

In 1930 H.H. Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad developed a private Golf Course for his European guests.
By 1945 he even hosted the Baroda Open Golf Championship. In 1995 his grandson and
President of GBGC, re-developed this old golf course and named it “THE GAEKWAD
BARODA GOLF CLUB". The 10 hole course was primarily set up to introduce the game of
golf to the city of Baroda.

Five years later and a 300 strong golf fraternity a new championship course was developed.
Ranjit Nanda & Associates were engaged to help design and execute this project. The all new
Lukshmi Vilas Palace was commissioned in 2002. The golf course meets all championship
specifications And in times to come will play host Pro events. The surroundings of the majestic
palace and the lush green fairways make it an enjoyable outing for any and everybody.

It is located in Vadodara (also known as Baroda) in the State of Gujarat in INDIA. Vadodara is
around 400 kms west of Mumbai the Financial Capital of India and around 1000 kms away
from New Delhi the Capital of India.

Faclities
 Clubhouse : Motibaug Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja, is 130 year old
property has been converted into the Clubhouse. It will include, a Pro-shop, a sit out
verandah café, a restaurant and conference rooms.
 Indoor Badminton & Tennis Courts : These 7200 sq. ft., wooden surfaced, 60 year
old courts have in the past hosted the All India Badminton and Table Tennis
Championships. These courts will be refurnished with modern lighting and will
accommodate four badminton courts. Two outdoor clay courts will be redone for the
tennis lovers.
 Pro-Shop : A fully stocked pro-shop complete with golf sets, trolleys, shoes, balls, and
other golfing accessories would be set up. Driving Range : is already operational on the
 5

old 9th fairway.

 Swimming Pool : A brand new swimming pool complete with shower rooms is being
designed as an added facility for club members.

The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

Course Details 18 Holes, Par 71, 7000 yards
General Info Providing Coaching
Facilities Available Clubhouse
Indoor Badminton & Tennis Courts
Pro-Shop
Swimming Pool
Green Fees   WeekDays WeekEnds
 Visitors Rs. 800 Rs. 1000
 Members Guests Rs. 650 Rs. 800
 Affiliate Club Members Rs. 650 Rs. 800
 Non Subscription Rs. 500 Rs. 700
Members

Club Professional Mr. Mahendrasinh Chauhan

Contact Number 91-0265-2433599 ,0-98250-17004
E-Mail Not Available
Club Address The Lukshmi Villas Estate, Baroda, Gujarat 390001
 6

Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club (GBGC) is situated in the Lukshmi Villas Palace grounds at
Vadodara, the industrial and cultural capital of Gujarat. Owned and operated by Gaekwad
Services Ltd, it is affiliated with the CCI Club of India, Mumbai.

The club offers an 18-hole par 71 golf course in 7000 yards long built in compliance with the
championship specifications. It has a pro-shop, restaurant, swimming pool, and conference
rooms. Entry of weapons and pets are strictly banned. Smoking is allowed only in selected areas.

The memberships are open to permanent residents of India, non-resident Indians and foreign
nationals. Guests of the members can use the facilities of the GBGC. Members and golfers are
not permitted to wear shorts. Casual dresses are permitted only in the dining and lounge area.
The best time to visit is after the monsoons, October-March. The nearest airport is Vadodara
Airport. Vadodara Junction Railway Station is the convenient railhead.

Updated on 7th June, 2005

District: Vadodara
Location: Lukshmi Villas Estate
Motibaug Palace
Vadodara    
Phone: +91-265-2431516
Fax: +91-265-2431516
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barodagolf.com
 7

Golfing in West India >> Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club

Golfing in West India
Pune Golf Club
Presidency Golf Club
Golf course in Goa
Gaekwad Baroda Golf club
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The Lukshmi Villas Palace Golf Course has been planned for international standard 18
holes. It is set in the lush forests of the Palace grounds. Golfers will be provided with a
truly memorable experience through historically rich property. There a number of old
historic structures throughout the property which will take back the golfers in time.To be
completed in two phases,10 holes have been completed and will commence from the
18th of Jan 2004.

The 18 holes will play to a length of around 7000 yards with a par of 71. The outward
Par is 35 and inward is 36. There are 5 sets of tees for every hole to cater to the skills
ranging from highly skilled golfers to senior golfers, ladies and beginners.

The historic Lukshmi Vilas Palace Estate has been a sporting destination in India since
1890. Within the sprawling 700 acres estate there exist a riding track, an international
cricket ground and home the famed Baroda Cricket, an Indoor Covered Court for
 8

Badminton and Tennis, Tennis clay and grass courts and a golf course.

In 1930 H.H. Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad developed a private Golf Course for his European
guests. By 1945 he even hosted the Baroda Open Golf Championship. In 1995 his
grandson and President of GBGC, re-developed this old golf course and named it "THE
GAEKWAD BARODA GOLF CLUB". The 10 hole course was primarily set up to
introduce the game of golf to the city of Baroda.

Five years later and a 300 strong golf fraternity a new championship course was
developed. Ranjit Nanda & Associates were engaged to help design and execute this
project. The all new Lukshmi Vilas Palace was commissioned in 2002. The golf course
meets all championship specifications And in times to come will play host Pro events.
The surroundings of the majestic palace and the lush green fairways make it an enjoyable
outing for any and everybody.

Clubhouse : Motibaug Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja, is 130 year old
property has been converted into the Clubhouse. It will include, a Pro-shop, a sit out
verandah café, a restaurant and conference rooms.

Indoor Badminton & Tennis Courts : These 7200 sq. ft., wooden surfaced, 60 year old
courts have in the past hosted the All India Badminton and Table Tennis Championships.
These courts will be refurnished with modern lighting and will accommodate four
badminton courts. Two outdoor clay courts will be redone for the tennis lovers.

Pro-Shop : A fully stocked pro-shop complete with golf sets, trolleys, shoes, balls, and
other golfing accessories would be set up. Driving Range : is already operational on the
old 9th fairway.

Swimming Pool : A brand new swimming pool complete with shower rooms is being
designed as an added facility for club members.

The 'Lukshmi Villas Palace Golf Course' is a part of 'The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club'. It
is located in the Lukshmi Villas Palace grounds, where the Royal Family of Baroda
resides in the Lukshmi Villas Palace.

It is located in Vadodara (also known as Baroda) in the State of Gujarat in INDIA.

Vadodara is around 400 kms west of Mumbai the Financial Capital of India and around
1000 kms away from New Delhi the Capital of India.

Vadodara is well connected by Daily Flights, Trains from Delhi and Mumbai.

Temperature :

Winter 31 Deg°C (Max.) 11 Deg°C (Min.)

Summer 45 Deg°C (Max.) 24 Deg°C (Min.)
 9

Luxury
Hotels in
India
Golf courses in Vadodara Luxury
Tour
Packages

Vadodara or “Baroda” as it is also

popular, holds a pre-eminent position
among the tourist spots in Gujarat. It
is the third most populated city in
Gujarat and has always succeeded to
beckon a large number of tourists by
virtue of its heritage, culture and
grandeur. The rich historical
background of Vadodara recalls the
imperial era that has left an
irremovable impression on the
culture and tradition of Gujarat.
There are certain palaces and forts in
Vadodara that are quite famous for
their architectural splendor and also
house some of the Golf courses in
Vadodara.

One of such Vadodara’s golf courses

which truly deserve a mention and
admiration is The Gaekwad Baroda
Golf Club.

This is the best golfing course in Vadodara that was started in the year 1996 by Yuvraj
Smarjitsinh Gaekwad. This sprawling golf course occupies an area of 3898 yards and is a 12
holes golf course.

Indianholiday.com answers your queries relating to the Golf tours in India and also on
Vadodara’s golf courses.

This magnificent golf course in Vadodara is located in the core of the city, amidst the spectacular
Luksmi Villas estate, that occupies a huge area of around 707 acres. The true experience of
golfing in Vadodara can be felt here, by the discerning sports lover. The lush greenery and all the
 10

modern facilities and amenities make it one of the most preferred ones among Vadodara’s golf
courses.

The beginners can also avail the facility of the training sessions that are held here from time to
time.

If the visitor is fortunate enough, he or she can witness the Peacocks that fly across the fairways.
The natural environment offers the most awe-inspiring views to the players. For all these reasons
this golf course is one of the most celebrated ones among the golf courses in west India.
 11

Golf Courses of India

AGRA
Agra Golf Club
Holes: 9
Play golf with the Taj Mahal as your background. Tall trees border the course.

BANGALORE
Bangalore Golf Club
Address: No. 2, Sankey Road, High Grounds, Bangalore 560 001
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6703/5414
Par: 71
Second oldest course in India founded in 1876. Fairways are dry and sandy but greens are lush and well-
manicured. A large number of flowering trees such as palm eucalyptus and colorful gulmohar. Compact
course with some rocky parts in the fairways.

Karnataka Golf Association

Address: No. 1, Golf Avenue, Kodihalli POBox 817, Bangalore, Karnataka 560 008 India
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Telephone: 080 5298845
Email Address: [email protected]
Web Site: www.golfindia.com/kga/">
A Peter Thompson designed 18 hole Championship course with a 30,000 sq.ft. Club House. Tournaments
Held: Wills Southern Open, KGA Open Amateur Golf Championships, All India Ladies Amateur Golf
Championship. Private.

Eagleton - The Golf Resort

Address: 29th Km, Bangalore Mysore Highway, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6668/6062/5872
Par: 72
Telephone: 91-80-6764403
Email Address: [email protected]
Web Site: www.eagletonindia.com
Designed by Pacific Coast Designs Australia. A great design with modern drainage and irrigation
systems. A well planned facility. Rated as the best course in India by Golf line. Spread over 168 acres, it
is a treat playing on the course. It's extra large clubhouse has all the facilities & recreational activities for
the golfers family. The deluxe suites are beautiful and very affordable. It's like living in Switzerland.

BARODA
The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club
Address: The Lukshmi Villas Estate, Baroda, Gujarat, 390001, India
Holes: 12
Yardage: 3898
Telephone: 431516/427166
Email Address: [email protected]
 12

Private.

BELGAUM
Infantry Institute Golf Club
Address: Camp (Cantonment), Belgaum, Karnataka, India
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6000+
Telephone: 831 434288

BOMBAY
Bombay Presidency Golf Club
Address: Dr. Choitram Gidwani Road, Chembur, Bombay 400 074
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6223/5463
Par: 70/72
First built in 1827 then re-designed by Peter Thompson with the Indian Ocean winds in mind. Excellent
greens, tight fairways and an unusual hazard at the 16th hole, an elephant pit. It is not a difficult course;
not to narrow, not too long and yet not an easy course to break par.

CALCUTTA
Royal Calcutta Golf Club
Address: 18 Golf Club Road
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7195/6871
Par: 72
Rating: 73.6/72.1 In 1911 the club was honoured by King George V and Queen Mary who conferred the
title "Royal" to commemorate their visit to Calcutta. Mostly flat terrain, small greens and natural water
hazards. Best time to play is October through March. Established in 1829.

Tollygunge Club
Address: 120, Deshpran Sasmal Road
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6520/5686
Par: 71
Sir William Cruikshank aquired this property in 1895 and created an equestrian sports facility. This garden
course offers lots of water hazards, one of which, the 14th hole, requires a shot to sail over a huge water
tank that is filled with water lilies. It is dubbed the "Hydrophobia Hole".

CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh Golf Club
Address: Sextor 6, Chandigarh
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6618/6182
Par: 72
Chandigarh offers lush green fairways bounded by groves of trees that funnel out onto the green. Playing
the full course, a golfer will pass through thick mango, jamun, eucalyptus and kikar groves, dotted by a
variety of rose bushes. The greens are probably the truest in the country and have to be read very
carefully.

DIPATOLI
Cockerel Golf Club
 13

Address: Dipatoli, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835031 India

Holes: 18
Yardage: 71

HYDERABAD
Hyderabad Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6434
Par: 72
A lush green course that is managed by the Army. The holes are interestingly named for historical figures
or events such as Waterloo.

JAIPUR
Jaipur Golf Club
Holes: 18
Nine greens (upper course) and nine browns. The course overlooks the Moti Doongri Palace and the
historical Nahargarh Fort. The fairways pass through the Rambagh Polo Grounds. The lower course is
rough and undulating

JAMMU
Army Golf Course
Address: Mira Sabh Satwari Jammu, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Holes: 18
Telephone: (914)3126 & Army Exchange 63331,63592

KANPUR
Kanpur Golf Club
Address: Cantonment, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Holes: 9
Par: 36
Private.

KESHWAPUR
Rail Golf Club
Address: Keshwapur, Hubli, Karnataka 580020 India
Telephone: 91-836-268906

KODAIKANAL
Kodaikanai Golf Club
Address: Golflinks Road, Kodaikanal
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6122
Par: 71
In 1980 the brown course added another 9 holes and grass greens. The host to over 50 tournaments
each year. The feature hole is the 4th 'Devil's Dip', tee box to green is a solid dip as far as the eye can
see.

LUCKNOW
Mauribagh Army Golf Course ( MAGC )
 14

Address: G.G.S. Marg, Lucknow Cantt, U.P., 226002, India

Holes: 18
Yardage: 3171/3052
Par: 37/36
Telephone: 91-522-296098
Email Address: [email protected]
Semi-Private.

Lucknow Golf Club

Address: 1, Kalidas Marg, Lucknow, U.P., 226001 India
Holes: 18
Yardage: 3179/3176
Par: 36/35
Telephone: 0522
Email Address: [email protected]
Established in 1950, centrally located, lush green undulating fairways with pop-up sprinklers. There are
15 greens. The course is full of large old trees on the fairways and there are two water hazards. Very
challenging course spread over 70 acres. The club house has a bar, dining hall, banquet hall, billiard table
and a card room. A new warm-up practice net has been added.

MADRAS
Madras Gymkhana Club Golf Course
Address: Race Course, Gindy, Madras
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6325/5765
Par: 70
Situated within the 2400 metre oval of the Guindy Race course. Unexpected challenges await you with
not only hazards including thick roughs, bunkers and water tanks, but unpredicatable obstructions like the
race horses on their workouts. Some of the green s are at a gradient of almost 30 degrees and can be
very fast. The tough fairways and fast greens require a firm hitter with sure putting skills. Player is allowed
two preferred fairway lies on the par fives and one a par four. Founded in 1886.

Cosmopolitan Club Golf Annexe

Address: Saidapet, Madras
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6859/5863
Par: 72
Variety of trees line the tight fairways on the front nine. Back nine is wide open. A Peter Thomson design
with a liberal use of lateral water hazards. Most of the greens are thick and slow and require good control
with firm and sure putts. A sea level course that offers the best golfing weather in February.

MYSORE
Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Course
Holes: 18
Metres: 5446
Par: 70
Web Site: www.indiagolf.com/courses.htm
Established in 1906, this mature course was redesigned in 1996 by Pacific Coast Design of Australia. Th
course is laid out within and around Mysore City's racecourse.

NEW DELHI
Delhi Golf Club
 15

Address: Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003

Holes: 18
Yardage: 6869/5859
Par: 72
Undulating fairways, lush vegetation, deep bunkers are all part of this 1931 course. Renovated in 1977 by
Peter Thompson it also offers winter golfing. While golfing you will play past historical monuments such as
the red sandstone Lal Bangla and the tomb of an emperor's favorite concubine. It is a sanctuary for over
300 bird species and features over 200 different kinds of trees.

Delhi Golf Club

Classic Golf Resort

Address: 13, Basant Lok Vasant Vihar, Gurgaon, New Delhi, Gurgaon 110057 India
Holes: 27
Yardage: 7114
Par: 72
Telephone: 91-11-6141250 / 91-11-6146072, Fax: 91-11-6146549 / 91-11-6143535
Web Site: cgronline.com
A 9 hole par 3 2825yd course also on the property. Private.

NOIDA (U.P.)
Noida Golf Course
Holes: 18
An historical course on the location of the Battle of Delhi. Some water hazards as per a water drain that
runs through fairways 8, 10, 11, and 17. A large lake is featured on the 7th hole which is also the tighest.

OOTY
Ootacamund Gymkhana Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6074/5125
Par: 70
Incorporated in 1896 and made into a greens in 1929. It is located at a mountainous 7,600 feet. A Ross
Thompson design that is open year round.

PUNE
Poona Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6198/5488
Par: 71
Holes 1 through 17 are brown, 18 is green. There are 4 courses in Pune but Poona is the only public one.
Though only 5 minutes from the city it offers a quiet round of golf amid 30 thousand trees. Many
tournaments are held here including the Maharashtra A mateur Open.

SHILLONG
Shillong Golf Club
Address: Polo Ground, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Holes: 18
Yardage: 5873/5231
Par: 70
Not only is the Shillong course scenic and enjoyable, it is also challenging. Course is set in an undulating
 16

valley covered with pine and rhododendron trees. Tight fairways are difficult to negotiate with the number
of out-of-bounds streams that criss-cr oss every fairway only making it more trying. Obstructions come in
the form of bunkers, trees and rain. Shillong is just 56 km from the wettest place in the world. A group of
British Civil Service officers introduced golf to Shillong in 1898 by construc ting a nine hole course.
Present 18 hole course was inaugurated in 1924. Tight fairways is carpeted with a unique local grass
which hardens the soil. The longest hole is the 6th, a grueling 594 yards.

Trivandrum Golf Club

Address: Golf Links Road, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Holes: 9
Yardage: 2645
Par: 34
Telephone: 91-471-435834
Email Address: [email protected]

PUNJAB
HOSHIARPUR
Jahankhelan Golf Club
Address: Jahankhelan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001 India
Holes: 9
Yardage: 3100
Par: 36
Telephone: 91-1882-272806
E Mail: [email protected]
 17

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

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Majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace(Built By Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III), Baroda

The term Maharaja Palace actually refers to a series of palaces in Vadodara, India, constructed
since the Gaekwad family started ruling the Vadodara State. The first one was a building known
as the Sarkar Wada. This building, not really a palace, was given up for the Nazarbaug Palace
built in old classical style. This once a magnificent building is now in a dilapidated state.

After this the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic school, was
built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 at a cost of GBP180,000. Major Charles Mant
was the architect.

It is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built in the nineteenth century and four
times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction it boasted the most modern
amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house. It
remains the residence of the Royal Family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the
residents of Baroda.

Darbar Hall featuring the Rajas Throne

Darbar hall featuring the Ornate artwork

 18

Its ornate Darbar Hall, which is sometimes the venue of music concerts and other cultural events,
has a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic
decorations. Outside of the Darbar Hall is an Italinate courtyard of water fountains. The palace
houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by
Fellici. The grounds were landscaped by William Goldring, a specialist from Kew Gardens. The
palace is open to the public and an audio tour is available.

The Palace "compound" is of over 700 acres (2.8 km2) and houses a number of buildings,
particularly the Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building. Adjacent to
the Motibaug Palace and the Museum is the Moti Bagh Cricket Ground, the offices of the Baroda
Cricket Association, and a very rare indoor teak floored tennis court and badminton court (where
the All India Badminton Championships were previously held). There are also two clay tennis
courts plus a derelict fives court.

The Museum building was constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. Today a large
number of works of art belonging to the Royal family have been displayed in the museum. The
most remarkable of these is the fabulous collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, who
was specially commissioned by the then Maharaja of Baroda. The collection includes portraits of
the Royal family in addition to the paintings based on Hindu mythology for which Raja Ravi
Varma was famous.

The Maharaja constructed a miniature railway line, which circled the mango orchard within the
palace compound, to take his children from the school to the main Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The
train engine was recently refurbished by Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, the current maharaja, and can be
seen at the entrance to the Museum.

The palace also boasted a small zoo. The only remnant of the zoo is the pond where a number of
crocodiles remain. The Navlakhi (literally meaning "of nine hundred thousand") Well, a fine
'baoli' or step well, is 50 metres north of the palace.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

In the 1930s Maharaja Pratapsinh created a golf course for use by his European guests. In the
1990s Pratapsinh's grandson Samarjitsinh, a former Ranji trophy cricket player, renovated the
course and opened it to the public. The course was expanded in 2004 into a beautiful course
managed by the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club and now boasts over 300 members. The Motibaug
 19

Palace is now the club house for the club, behind which are a large new swimming pool designed
by the renowned architect Karan Grover, sauna and gym facilities. Packs of langoors & peacocks
can be spotted around the palace compound. The present management of the club have used the
old British spelling Lukshmi Vilas Palace instead of the better known Lakshmi Vilas Palace.

Two other palaces in Baroda were the Makarpura Palace, built on the southern outskirts of
Baroda which now houses a defence installation and Pratap Vilas Palace, which houses the
prestigious Railway Staff College of India.