Built in 1874 under Jayajirao Scindia, Jai Vilas Palace is a functioning royal residence with a sprawling wing opened as the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum.
Architect Sir Michael Filose combined Tuscan, Italianate, and Corinthian styles across the three stories.
The standout space is the Durbar Hall, which houses two Belgian crystal chandeliers weighing three and a half tons apiece.
Palace lore notes eight elephants were hoisted onto the ceiling rafters to test structural strength before hanging them.
In the formal banquet hall, a motorized silver model train runs on miniature silver tracks along the dining table to ferry brandy and cigars to guests.
Other galleries display antique carriages, hunting trophies, and European oil paintings.
Winter months from November to February offer the most pleasant weather for touring the unheated halls.
The museum runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closing on Wednesdays.