Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will visit Vadodara city on October 28. During their visit, both leaders will tour the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which has served as the residence of Vadodara’s royal family for over 130 years.

This palace, constructed in the 19th century by the Gaekwad family, who were the rulers of the Baroda state, is designed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architectural style. Major Charles Mant was the chief architect of the palace, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1880.

Built in 1890 at a cost of £180,000, this palace remains the largest private residence to date and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The palace grounds cover more than 500 acres and contain several structures, including the LVP Banquets & Conventions, Moti Bagh Palace, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.

In the 1930s, Maharaja Pratapsinh established a golf course for his European guests. Later, in the 1990s, Pratapsinh’s grandson, Samarjitsinh, a former Ranji Trophy cricket player, revamped the course and made it accessible to the public. The palace complex also houses the Moti Bagh Cricket Ground, the offices of the Baroda Cricket Association, and a rare indoor teak-floored tennis and badminton court.

Durbar Hall

Both Prime Ministers will arrive at Laxmi Vilas Palace around 11 a.m. on Monday, after inaugurating the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft. The convoys of both Prime Ministers will enter the LVP from Gate No. 1, and afterward, both leaders will meet in the 5,000 square feet Durbar Hall, which houses the Raja’s throne. It is expected that a grand welcome for both leaders will be planned at the Durbar Hall. After this, the Spanish Prime Minister is likely to visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.

The official meeting and signing of the MoUs between India and Spain is scheduled to take place in Eugenie Hall, which is situated on the first floor and features soaring ceilings that connect to a stunning terrace. Prime Ministers Modi and Sanchez will also have a meeting with a luncheon in this 2,622 square feet hall, which has the capacity to hold a cluster of around 70 people. About eight people, including the Prime Ministers, are expected to enjoy Gujarati, Punjabi, and Spanish cuisine amid soft music. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made for lunch for 100 people in the hall on the ground floor of LVP.

Eugenie Hall

Inset balcony looking down into the hall

The Prime Ministers of both countries will be served ten types of Gujarati-Punjabi salad, five varieties of delicious rotli-puri, Punjabi naan, tandoori roti, rumali roti, and eight types of Gujarati-Punjabi vegetables at Eugenie Hall, which will be illuminated by white and golden lights amidst melodious classical music. Additionally, they will enjoy starters, various kinds of juices, and dishes from Spain.