Jai Vilas Palace and Museum

A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 25 rooms have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms , so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries , fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are the features of these spacious rooms. Eye catching treasures include : a silver train with cutglass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are ,besides, personal momentoes of past members of the Scindia family : the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani , four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.                                                                                                  

Jai Vilas Palace was built between 1872 and 1874 by Sir Michael Filose for the royal family of Gwalior. Situated within the city of Gwalior, it still serves as the home for the royal family. Thirty-five rooms of this pseudo- Italian palazzo have been opened as a museum for the royal treasures - an idiosyncratic collection of western and Indian memorabilia. These include opulent bedroom furniture (in glass), a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami(Lord Krishna's birthday celebration), silver dinning sets and a huge dining table equipped with a silver toy train that served drinks and condiments to guests seated around it. There are an unbelievable numbers of stuffed tigers, mostly moth eaten, along with various other hunting trophies. Other items include Aurangzeb's and Shah Jahan's swords, a Rolls Royce on rails, a German bubble car and even a Leda having her way with a swan.

The main durbar hall is an impressive room, gilded with gold paint that is said to weigh 58 kg. It has a crystal staircase and two 12.5m high chandeliers that can hold 248 candles and weigh 3.5 tonnes. Before installing them, elephants were suspended from the ceiling to check if it could take the weight.

Open daily except Mondays from 0930 to 1700 hours, the admission charges are comparatively high with a nominal fee for video cameras.

Timings : 10.00 AM to 5:00 PM : Monday Closed

Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 1.5 -2 Kms. Approx