Vadodara

 

 Vadodara (Baroda), a sensational and one of the largest places in Gujarat allures the visitors with its perfect amalgamation of history, tradition, culture and modernity.  Located on the banks of Vishvamitri River, this royal and grand province prospered enormously under the rule of the valiant Gaekwads. 

 Visit the opulent Laxmi Vilas Palace to experience the princely living and luxurious lifestyle of the royal clan. Nazarbaugh Palace is a true royal splendor. History and archeological buffs must go see the ancient collections in the Fateh Singh and Vadodara museums, the eye-catching beautiful sketches depicting the famous versus from the holy Bhagavad Gita adorn the walls of the Kirti Mandir and art work of Tamberkar Haveli is absolutely mind-blowing. 

 Sayaji Baug is a fantabulous garden developed in a vast area of about 113 acres which is stunningly located close to the river has a wide collection of different floral and fruiting plants. Museum, mini zoo, fountain, well-laid lawns, toy train, floral clock and bandstand are the major attractions.  

 The world-wide recognized site of heritage named Champaner, 45 kms from Baroda beautifies the place with its fantabulous congregation of holy mosques, stunning palaces, mighty forts and so on. Archeological surveys and researches undertaken here explore and exhibit the sculptural grandeur of the by-gone era. This rare site of attraction and curiosity is well preserved by UNESCO. 

 The celebration of the Navrathri festival in most extravagant and dashing way is also one of the prime characteristics of Baroda. People dress themselves in traditional costumes and perform the most conventional dance forms like dandiya and garba to impress the “Nava Shakthi” godesses. 

 Setting up of world class universities, booming industrial sector and presence of lavish shopping malls and cinemas is boosting the development, growth and modernity aspect of this place to a huge extent.  

                                         OTHER PLACES TO SEE

Ajwa Dam : Ajwa Dam is an enormous structure built in the 20th century across the Vishvamitri River with the idea of providing water to the people of Vadodara for drinking, washing and irrigation purposes. It is about 212 feet tall and has a beautiful garden attached to it called the Ajwa Garden. It is about 10 kms from Baroda.

Baroda museum : Bearing the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture, Baroda museum who’s look is somewhat similar to the London’s Victoria & Albert’s museum was constructed at the end of 18th century. The 5th century Akota bronzes, Egyptian mummy and blue whale’s skeleton are the prime interests. The museum houses precious paintings of several popular British artists. Oil paintings, Mughal style small-sized art work and Tibetan art are worth seeing. 

Champaner : Is a world heritage site, 45 kms from Baroda which attracts the onlookers with its fantabulous congregation of holy mosques, stunning palaces, mighty forts and so on. Archeological surveys and researches undertaken here explore and exhibit the sculptural grandeur of the by-gone era. This rare site of attraction and curiosity is well preserved by UNESCO. 

Laxmi Vilas Palace : It is an architectural marvel constructed in 1890 for dwelling purposes of King sayaji Rao Gaekwad III. Built in Indo-Gothic style this royal façade was engineered by Major Charles Mant and is larger than Buckingham Palace. 

Sayaji Baug : This is a fantabulous garden developed in a vast area of about 113 acres which is stunningly located close to the river has a wide collection of different floral and fruiting plants. Museum, mini zoo, fountain lawns, toy train, floral clock and bandstand are the major attractions.  

EME Temple : This temple has a special structure and is made up of aluminum sheets. Lord Shiva or Dakshinamurty is the main deity. 

Fateh Singh Museum : Many original paintings of the famous painter Raja Ravi Varma can be seen. 

Pavagadh : It is spectacular lofty mountain which is the abode of the Mahakali temple. 

Hajira Maqbara : In the late 1500, the burial place of the Mughal ruler Qutbuddin was constructed here. The tomb is beautifully carved and is encompassed by a huge step well.

Khanderao Market : In the year 1906 his highness Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, constructed this marvel to celebrate 25years of his rule. Vegetable, fruit, flower markets and government offices are located here.

Kirti Mandir : The eye-catching beautiful sketches depicting the famous versus from the holy Bhagavad Gita adorn the walls of the Kirti Mandir. This temple was constructing in 1936 by Sayajirao Gaekwad III in memory of his fore fathers.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram : This ashram located in Baroda is popular for its calm and peaceful ambience. Shri Aurobindo’s writings and artifacts are present here. It also has meditation hall, study room, sales outlet and a library. 

Nyay Mandir : It is the house of justice ie the court, built in Byzantine style of architecture. The idol of Chimnabai, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III's wife is seen here.

Marakpura Palace : This palace is now used by the Indian air force for training purposes.  

By Train : Being a major station it has direct and regular trains to Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road : Vadodara has buses running to many places in Gujarat and connects many places in states like MP, Delhi, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

By Air : Ahmedabad, Daman, Pune, Delhi and many other places are connected by airways.