The Kusum Vilas Palace is located in the West Indian state of Gujarat. More specifically, this palace is situated in Chotta Udaipur in the district of Vadodara. Presently, Kusum Vilas serves as an economy heritage hotel in Vadodara.

History of Kusum Vilas Palace
Kusum Vilas Palace was erected in the early decades of the 20th century, more specifically in the 1920s. The palace structure was commissioned by the royal family of the Chotta Udaipur kingdom. History highlights that a descendent of the Chavda dynasty of Champaner, Rawal Udeysinhji founded Chotta Udaipur. It was designated as one of the princely states of Gujarat. Arsisinji is known to be the state"s first ruler. The royal Maharawals are known to be the masters of Chotta Udaipur from 1762 to 1947. Kusum Vilas was constructed to serve as the residence for the families of the Royal Maharawals, during the British rule in India. As British rule ended in India and India gained Independence, the princely states were dissolved and the Kusum Vilas Palace within the state then came under the state tourist department. They further decided the fate and identity of this palace, which was it"s conversion from a palace into a heritage hotel. Fortunately, this beauty still continues to exist in good condition and is properly looked after by its managing authority.

Architectural Design of Kusum Vilas Palace
Bhatkar and Bhatkar limited is credited with the establishment of the palace structure. It is recognized as one of the most renowned architectural firms of the then Bombay (now Mumbai). Kusum Vilas is centrally located in the land area of about 40 acres. The central concept of Kusum Vilas Palace was inspired from idea of architectural design of Champaner. The construction of the palace was enhanced with an intelligent admixture of elevators and modern facilities added on to the attraction and beauty of the palace. The entrance of the palace is marked by a gigantic iron bar gate. Marbled fleet of stairs will lead one inside the Kusum Vilas. These steps in front of the palace will lead one to a reception area which is adorned with intricate filigree work on stone. A big portico with cusped arches has been designed at the entrance of the palace. Kusum Vilas has a five storied central wing which is surmounted by a huge dome. This part of the palace has a unique spiral steps which will lead one to the dome area. There is a pillared entrance on all its four sides. Finest Italian marble has been used to add royalty and richness to the look of the palace. This palace has living rooms, drawing rooms, dining rooms, game rooms and many small halls. The inside of the main drawing room is filled with exotic furniture from Louis XIV era and several other Indian and European luxuries. The games room displays an old billiard table. These divisions of the palace were used for various purposes. The ceilings, walls and pillars of the palace are exquisitely carved and are adorned with various designs. The palace is also provided with spacious pillared verandahs, turret windows, balconies and terrace. The palace is also provided with courtyards. Provisions have also been made for ventilation inside the palace. The palace has been constructed in such a way so that maximum light can enter the structure during daytime. This palace is adorned with imported furniture, imported glasses from Belgium and royal antiques. Kusum Vilas is also bedecked with very fine marble stone carved sculptures and several paintings which are fixed on the walls. The indoor swimming pool is housed in a special structure to give privacy to the royal family. This indoor swimming pool is enclosed by carved pillars.

Surrounding of Kusum Vilas Palace
Vast open land surrounds the Kusum Vilas Palace. The lawn that adorns the palace has as the centre piece, a magnificent fountain with three massive marble statues of European women rising up from the centre of the water. Beside the lawn, a Mughal style fountain garden known as the Shalimar, fabricates the beauty of the palace. The fountain is elephantine and has been made using pure marble. The old guesthouse named as the Prem Bhuvan is also located beside the palace. It is also decorated with a collection of royal portraits and pictures. To accommodate the domestic workers and other outsourced staff members, a few small complexes have also been erected in the surrounding.

Tourism of Kusum Vilas Palace
Kusum Vilas Palace is a picturesque and historically significant tourist destination in Gujarat. Unlike the hotels designed today, the Kusum Vilas Palace will provide its guests with royal comfort since it was originally a palace for the royal people. Visitors will not only experience royal comfort, but will also get a golden opportunity to investigate and explore the historical recesses of Gujarat. This place is therefore significant for historical buffs. They will also come to know about the architectural style of the former palace, which has been erected in modern style with art work of the medieval era. The added facilities will ensure a comfortable stay in the heritage hotel. Thus, Kusum Vilas Palace can rightly be called a tourism product of Gujarat.

Visiting Information
Vadodara is located at a distance of about 112 km from Ahmedabad, about 500 km from Mumbai and about 1300 km from Delhi. Chotta Udaipur is located at a distance of about 100 km from Vadodara. Vadodara is well connected to most of the major cities of the country via airlines or daily flights. Vadodara is considered to be biggest railway junction for Western Railways. It is also located at the Delhi - Mumbai rail line. All trains on this route stop at Vadodara. It is therefore an important junction, which stays highly busy and is well connected. As far as roadway is concerned, Baroda is connected by National Highway 8. Roads leading to Vadodara from majority of the cities in Gujarat are motorable by various private and state operated buses. Ahmedabad - Vadodara intercity buses run frequently and are considered easiest to access.

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