The sprawling palace of Gaekwads, Lakshmi Vilas in Vadodara, four times larger than Buckingham Palace, a living legacy which still continues and to spread its magical charm not only in Gujarat but across the world.
The torch bearers, Maharaja Samarjeet Sinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhika Raje continue to carry the responsibility of humanitarian initiatives across boundaries.
25th July 2025, the palace was host to the 14th PHDCCI Heritage Tourism conclave where dignitaries from across India and world were present to collaborate, preserve and promote the rich timeless heritage of Gujarat which is home to the largest number of Princely estates which means we have an Intangible heritage, Culture and art.
HRH Samarjeetsinh Gaekwad addressed the meet sharing the fact, "The Lakshmi Vilas palace 100 years back was abode of Raja Ravi Verma for over 11 years and he has contributed towards Indian culture by crafting masterpieces. His name is etched in the walls of palace and his divine art forms make the walls of palace a beautiful story board transcending us back to time.. but the question is for the future to hold and witness our art and culture.. "
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Khyati Nayak. Head - Niche Tourism -Gujarat and Shri Rajender Kumar (IAS), Secretary (Tourism) Gujarat focussed on following state aspects.
Gujarat today is home to four Unesco heritage sites and Ahmedabad stands out as World Heritage City. We have the highest density of Princely states, which equates to even larger number of heritage Palaces, Havelis, Temples, Wells, etc. which hold intangible potential in terms of preservation, tourism, archeological Reserach, architecture and lot more. Looking inside, introspection has been the primary concept of our spiritual growth path; likewise the meet in palace echoed a slogan "Pehle Gujarat Dekho". We hold a treasure that's yet to be witnessed and discovered, hence we as tourists must travel and promote the hidden gems of our State first.
Food with travel is another Primary requirement and biggest resource. Chef Manjit Gill, the Doyen of Indian Culinary shared the way forward, having spent almost 43 years at ITC, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations he mentioned, "We must design Culinary Trails as our food is the most therapeutic and diverse. We must design food visas so the tourists get to witness our diverse culture. Above all we must promote Local produce which will not only boost our economy but support our ailing farmers also. Increased consumption of International ingredients means we pay more out of our pockets and import more, it should be the opposite. "
With growing cafe culture and LGBTq awareness, Maharani Radhika Raje shared her humanitarian initiatives. In 2022 during Covid wave, they opened Gajra Cafe in Vadodara, an employment and livelihood gateway not only to the LGBT but HIV positive, abandoned women and the untouchables. This cafe in no time has become a favorite of locals. End of day, the philosophy is we all are part of one cosmos, hence people catch up over conversations sharing their life stories and connecting heart to heart.
Anil Mulchandani, travel writer and Author expressed, " We must focus Skill development, promote Kutch artisans, introduce handicraft tourism. Tomorrow Tangaliya has the potential to become Prada".
KPMG also released a "PHDCCI Heritage Tourism report"on the way forward which will be an enabler for the future growth Heritage tourism in Gujarat.
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