Lalbagh Palace

Lalbagh Palace was built by the Holkar Dynasty, and is situated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Holkar family resided in the palace up to 1978. After the death of Tukojirao Holkar(III), his granddaughter Usha Raje established a trust and looked after the estate. Later, it was brought under the control of State Government.

Designed by Bernard Triggs, Lal Bagh Palace is a blend of renaissance, paladin and baroque elements in architecture, and rococo and neo-classical in furniture. It almost seems as if every extravagant style, every new whim of European architects, was incorporated into the palace. The manicured gardens surrounding the palace are a blend of French, and English concepts of landscaping.

Adding more beauty to the lavishness of the palace, there are Belgium  glass windows, grand chandeliers, rich Persian carpets and Greek mythological reliefs. Also on display are sporting trophies (including stuffed tigers), contemporary Indian artworks and a spectacular coin collection. One of its most unique features is a wooden ballroom floor constructed on springs to give dancers the extra bounce.

On either side of the lounge are large doors of tinted glass. Holkar insignia of Sun and Nandi are inscribed on the glass panes. Oil portraits of stalwarts of the Holar dynasty like Malhar Rao Holkar, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and many more can be seen in the lounge area. The seating arrangement of the royal banquet hall is ‘T’ shaped based on the initials of Maharaja Tukoji Rao. An upward glance at the ceiling of the hall gives a glimpse of Greek gods and mythology.

The imposing gates of the palace are the replica of the gates of Buckingham Palace, London; only it is twice as large. The gates were moulded in cast iron and were shipped from England. They also carry the Holkar state emblem, “He who tries will succeed”. On either side of the main gate are two lions made of Ashtadhatu, an alloy made of eight metals.

So whenever you are planning a trip to Indore, do visit the iconic Lal Bagh Palace, and fall in love with its wonderful architecture. Due to its real royal feel, Lal Bagh Palace has been among the favourite Bollywood locations. Many movies like Kalank, Singh Saab the Great and Mahal (Tamil Movie) have been shot in the palace.