Jai Vilas Palace

• 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 JivajiRaoScindia 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 ChinkooRani , four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. 
• The Scindia Museum offers an unparallel glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.