The Gwalior Diaries Part 1
The one thing about Central India is it's lush architecture and the wonderful temples and palaces. It's so difficult to let that wanderlust sleep in for a long time. I had to travel find some exquisite places to travel. Hence begins the travel.
The first word that comes to your mind when you think of Gwalior is Royality. The City of Kings and their lush marble palaces.
The Jai Vilas Palace
Just an exclusive look at the opulence and lavishness of the Kings of India.
Built by Jayajirao Scindia the Maharaja of Gwalior in 1874 this palace serves as a Museum these days.The main architect one of the finest Sir Micheal Filose who gave this palace the look and feel of Italy.While first storey has a Tuscan architecture, second and third with Italian and Cornithian architecture. Legend has it the king wanted a palace to greet Edward VII of Wales, so he ordered all his troops to build a palace that will be admired by all.
Sir Micheal Filose left no stones unturned to make sure his work remains a landmark in the history. It took almost 12 years of rigrorous work to build the palace.
The Entrance
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The Durbar Hall
Enamoured with world's biggest chandeliers each weighing around 3.5- 3.7 tons. They add the glitter to this shining gold.
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The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and the beautiful chandeliers all imported from Vienna on King's ardent request.
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It is believed a dozen of Elephants were made to March on the Ceilings to check the credibility of the roof, if they can hold up the weight of Chandeliers almost 4000kilograms each.
And even till date they remain same.
The Dining Room
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The royal dinning room with a model railway with a silver carraiage. A train that carries brandy and cigars to each table.
Lush life for the highness
Jewelled with cut glass architecture and stuffed feral animals the palace houses even some of the greatest Indian artifacts.
The Mesmerizing ceilings
The enchanted marble palace with the feel of a Roman Palace , you can trace reniassance in these gigantic architecture. A palace with more than 400 rooms now serves as a Museum and open to public.
I will be covering the details of palace and the life of King and his queens in the next travel Diary.