Vadodara also known as Baroda is located in the state of Gujarat. The city situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri is the headquarters of the Vadodara District. Vadodara which served as the capital city of the erstwhile Gaekwad rulers witnessed its golden era during the rule of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III under whose rule the city flourished.
The city which has a long history was ruled by different rulers and it has witnessed the ascent and descent of many dynasties. All these dynasties have left their profound influence in the city which is evident in the rich cultural heritage. The city dotted with many palaces, temples, museums, galleries and parks is known as ‘the Sanskari Nagari’ which means the city of Culture and Values.
Contemporary Vadodara is a blooming industrial and commercial hub. The city also is home to some of the best educational intuitions as well as many IT companies. This graceful and pleasant city is an also a famous tourist destination in Gujarat.
Tourist Attractions in Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace
The Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara is situated along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Laxmi Vilas Palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 is a magnificent building constructed in Indo- Saracenic style. The palace was designed by Major Charles Mant. This flamboyant place which is four times the size of Buckingham Palace is known for its Durbar Hall which is has a magnificent Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and mosaic decorated walls. This hall is now the venue for various music concerts and other cultural events. The palace compound covering an extensive area of 700 acres also houses Moti Baug Palace, the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, a small zoo and a golf course. The palace houses the Royal Family.
Nazarbaug Palace
Nazarbaug Palace is located on the Panigate Road in the Chhipwad area of the city. The palace was built in the year 1721 under the aid of Maharaja Malhar Rao Gaekwad. The palace built old classical architectural style was earlier used for ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwad family but now houses royal family heirlooms for public viewing. The palace stores gold and silver guns, each barrel weighing upto 100 kgs. The other attractions here are the Sheesh Mahal, Chinese and Japanese art objects, Graeco-Roman exhibits, paintings and artworks.
Makarpura Palace
Makarpura Palace was built in Italian style. This majestic chateau was built by Maharaja Khende Rao in 1870. The palace was designed in Italian Renaissance Style by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Makarpura palace is now used as a training school of the Indian Air Force.
Kirti Mandir
Kirti Mandir or Temple of Fame was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This cenotaph was built in in the year 1936 to commemorate the revered memory of Gaekwad ancestors of the Maharaja. This magnificent complex was built as a part of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s rule in Baroda. The main attraction of this exceptional structure is the ‘Shikhara’ which is adorned with the bronze motifs of the sun, the moon, the earth and the map of undivided India. Kirti Mandir has a picture gallery which displays the murals by the famous Indian artist Nandlal Bose.
Nyay Mandir
Nyay Mandir means Temple of Justice. This structure which is a finest example of Byzantine architecture was designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm who was an English architect. This now houses the District Court of Vadodara city. The highlight of Nyay Mandir is the grand central hall decorated with mosaic tile. The hall also has a statue of Chimnabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
Sayaji Bagh
The sprawling garden also known as Kamati Baug spread across 113 acres is the largest garden in Western India. It is situated on the banks of Vishwamitri River and was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III in 1879 AD. The main attraction here includes a zoo and aquarium, the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene, a Floral Clock, a Band-Stand and the Sardar Patel Planetarium. Toy train for children and some fun rides are other attraction here.
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, founded by the Gaekwad in 1894 is built in Indo-Saracenic architecture. This museum houses a wide array of objects related to Art and Archaeology, Natural History, Geology and Ethnology. The museum exhibits the Akota bronzes that date to the 5th century A.D, valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin, the Egyptian mummy and the skeleton of a blue whale which are the major attractions here. The art gallery has a collection of Mughal miniatures and a gallery of Tibetan Art by several European masters. The Sardar Patel Planetarium organizes daily shows and audio-visual programmes on topics related to space.
Tambekar Wada
Tambekar Wada is a wooden four-storey mansion which was once the residence of Bhau Tambekar, who was the Diwan of Baroda. This Maratha style townhouse is famous for its 19th-century murals that adorn the walls, doors and ceilings of the first and the second floor of this building. These wall paintings depict the scenes from the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna's life and from the Anglo-Maratha war.
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is housed within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. It has great collection of art treasures of masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. It also has Chinese and Japanese porcelain, Indian miniatures, Graeco-Roman exhibits, and a splendid collection of contemporary Indian art. The most notable of all is the original masterpieces of the renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma which include life-like portraits depicting the Royal family of Gaekwad and the paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
Naulakhi Well
Navlakhi Step-Well is located north of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. It is a tiered step-well which got its name because it could store an astonishing 9 million gallons of water.
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
The university commonly known as ‘MS University’ or just ‘MSU’ is named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This is one of the premier and leading universities of Gujarat. It was initially established in 1881 as Baroda College of Science and after the independence of the country in 1949 it was given university status.
EME Temple
EME Temple or "Dakshinamurty Temple" is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This unique temple is made of aluminium sheets. It was established by EME (Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) Corps and run by the Authorities of the Indian Army. The temple also has a large number of marvellous idols dating back to 6th to 16th centuries AD those were unearthed in the archaeological excavations. These idols are placed along the walkways. Different symbols of other religions are also placed in the temple.
Aurobindo Ashram
Aurobindo Ashram was the house of Shri Aurobindo which is now turned into an Ashram and popularly known as the ‘Aurobindo Society’. Shri Aurobindo Ghosh was a great freedom fighter, nationalist, social-political thinker, philosopher, mystic, yogi and a poet who had resided at Baroda from 1894 to 1906. During his stay here he had served as the private secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. He also was the Professor of English and a Vice Principal at the Baroda College. The ashram now houses a library of Aurobindo literature, a study room and a sales emporium.
Hazira Maqbara
Hazira Maqbara was built around 1586 AD. This is a Tomb of Qutbuddin Muhammed Khan who was one of Mughal Emperor Akbar's generals. This ancient Mughal monument is of great historical significance and exhibits beautiful stone-carved windows and Jali screens.
Tourist places near Vadodara
Champaner
Champaner has been declared as a UNESCO site in 2004. Situated at the foot of Pavagarh fort it is about 45 kms from Vadodara. Chamapner is an ancient historical town and has several places of tourist’s interest. The major attraction here is the magnificent Jama Masjid with is known for its richly ornamented 172 pillars and tall 100 ft. high minaret. This mosque is a beautiful blend of Gujarati style of architecture and traditional Islamic styles. The other attractions here include Makai Kota, the Patai Rawal Palace, the Lakulisha Temple and Nagina Masjid.
Pawagadh
Pawagadh is located 49 km from Vadodara. The fort here was built by the Solanki Rajputs. Parts of the Pavagadh Fort walls are still existent. This huge fort rises in three stages, the first is the ruined fort, then the palace and middle fort and finally is the upper fort which has the Jain and Hindu temples. Kalika Mata Temple devoted to Goddess Kali is situated at the peak of this hill. This draws thousands of pilgrims. The temple is situated at an elevation of about 822 meters above the sea level and can be approached by foot or through the rope way.
Dabhoi
Dabhoi is located around 29kms south-east of Vadodara. This ancient town is known for its Jain and Hindu temples. Another attraction here is the 12th century dabhoi fort known for its Hindu military architecture.
How to reach Vadodara
Vadodara Airport is located 6 kms from the city centre. It has regular flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and many other important cities in the country. Vadodara city falls on the main broad gauge railway lines between Mumbai-Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Delhi. There are frequent rail services from different places such as Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and most of the other places in the country to the city. The city is well connected by good network of roads. Several State transport buses connect the city to all parts of the state as well as neighbouring states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. There are frequent private buses from Ahmadabad and Surat to the city.
Accommodation
Vadodara offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The city has an extensive line of hotels ranging from first class star hotels with a variety of facilities to very inexpensive budget hotels.