Jai Vilas Mahal (Jai Vilas Palace) Tours and Tickets

Jai Vilas Mahal (Jai Vilas Palace) is a 400-room palace located in Gwalior, Madya Pradesh. Built in 1874, the palace is famous for its grandeur; visitors come to see its opulent architecture and interior decor.

Jai Vilas is situated just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Gwalior Junction railway station, which offers service to the nearby city of Agra—home of the Taj Mahal—and to Delhi. Cabs and auto rickshaws are available from the station, though many visitors find it easier to join a tour that includes transportation.

Jai Vilas Mahal showcases a mixture of architectural styles. It was designed by Sir Michael Filose, a British architect who used a mix of Tuscan, Corinthian, and Italian-Doric styles along with Mughal and Indian elements. The palace was commissioned by Jayajirao Scindia, the Maharaja at the time.

Yes, guided tours are available to explore the palace and its museum. Tours of Gwalior from Agra are popular and typically visit both the palace and nearby Gwalior Fort in one day. Other tours combine a visit to Gwalior with nearby destinations such as Orchha and Khajuraho.

Yes, visitors can explore the interior of Jai Vilas Mahal. While part of the palace still houses the descendants of the palace’s original owner, Jayajirao Scindia, about 40 rooms are now a public museum. Accessible areas include a banquet hall, a textile gallery, and a gallery showcasing the royal family's silver buggy.

Yes, there are many nearby attractions in Gwalior that are worth visiting after exploring the palace. The most famous is the massive Gwalior Fort, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. Other top attractions include the Sas-Bahu Temples, a pair of twin temples dating to the 11th century.