- Sayaji Gardens Popularly known as Kamati Baug, Sayaji Garden is the largest garden in Western India. It is spreading over 45 hectares of land, covering a major portion of Vadodara City. This beautiful garden is named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who built it in 1879 on the river Vishwamitri. The rich flora with around 100 species of trees & plants gives a completely refreshing experience to its visitors. This park is consisting of two museums, a planetarium, a zoo and a flower clock. This Floral Clock inside the park is the first of its kind in the state of Gujarat. Also, A toy train for children one of the major attraction of park.
- Vadodra Museum and Picture Gallery Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery were built in 1894 AD by the Gaekwads. It is the scenic and impressive museum having innumerable and precious collection of artifacts relating to geology, archaeology, ethnography, natural history, ethnology and a variety of personal collection pieces of Maharaja Sayajirao III. The astonishing collection of 109 miniature paintings of the Mughal times, a Persian version of the Great Indian Epic Mahabharata specially ordered by Mughal Emperor Akbar and 11th century Shiva Natraj, etc are a major attraction. This museum also includes Egyptian mummy and skeleton of a blue whale.
- Laxmi Vilas Palace Laxmi Vilas Palace needs no introduction. It is a huge building of the Indo-Saracenic school that was built and commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. This building was designed by Major Charles Mant and is said to have been the largest private dwelling built so far. The exterior of this palace is astonishing and magnificent while the interiors of this palace reflect a major portion of European country house. This palace also has an elevator showing its indulgence in modern perspective. Presently, this magnificent palace serves as the residence of the royal family of Baroda. This palace is situated adjacent to the Moti Baug Palace and the Museum. Other than these, the palace also has a small zoo and Navlakhi, fine baoli or step well.
- EME Temple EME Temple is also referred as the Dakshinamurti Temple. It was built by the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) Corps. Of India. This Marvellous Temple features an unusually modern geodesic architecture. Dedicated to Dakshinamurti, a form of Shiva as supreme teacher, this temple is run by Indian Army Authorities and incorporates holy symbols of all religions in one place. The aluminum building of this temple is covered by a garden which features a rich collection of 106 ancient statues from the 6th to the 16th centuries.
- Sursagar Lake Sursagar Lake is located in the middle of the City of Vadodara. Formerly it was known as Chandan Talao. It was rebuilt in 18th century with stone banks and masonry, this lake never runs out of the water and remains full throughout the year. People often come and sit over the concrete wall rings and enjoy the evenings. A 120 ft tall statue of Lord Shiva in standing posture has been constructed by VMC, Vadodara Municipal Corporation making this lake a must visit place in Vadodara.
- Maharaja Sayajirao University The Name speaks for itself. Maharaja Sayajirao University, commonly referred as MSU, is a teaching and residential university serving as one of the leading and top educational institute in India. Established in 1949 by Pratap Singh Gaekwad of Baroda, This University is named after his grandfather Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Robert Fellowes Chisholm designed the main building of this university which is now used for the Faculty of Arts. Constructed in an Indo-Saracenic architecture style, this gigantic building features a perfect combination of Indian and Byzantine arches and brick domes. Presently, this university offers high-quality education in the field of science, commerce, arts, laws and many more.
- Aurobindo Ashram This splendid monument served as the residence of Aurobindo Ghose during his stay in Baroda from the year1894 to the year 1906. He was a private secretary to HH Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda. He was the Professor of English and vice-principal of Baroda College which is now famously known as Maharaja Sayajirao University. In the following years, during his stay in Baroda, Aurobindo Ghose gained glory as a social and political thinker, a philosopher, a yogi and a freedom fighter. This Niwas is now an ashram housing a library of Aurobindo literature, a study room and a sales emporium. The ashram is open to all and features a relic of Sri Aurobindo.
- Mandvi Gate Mandvi Gate is also known as the North gate of the Royal Enclosure which is one of the major landmarks in Vadodara. Dating back to the Mughal period, this magnificent gate was built by Sultan Muzaffar (1511-26 AD). This square-shaped pavilion features three huge arched openings on each of its four sides. This gate separates the two streets into four that meet in the center. In present days, this gate is surrounded by the main market in the city. On special occasions like Diwali festivals and other cultural events, the gate is illuminated with limitless colorful lights making this gate as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vadodara.
- Nyaya Mandir Nyaya Mandir is the District Court of Vadodara city in the state of Gujarat. This Temple of Justice was built in 1896 and features an Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Mughal architectural styles can also be seen throughout the building architecture. The beauty of the central hall of the building is enhanced with artistic mosaic tiles. The statue of Maharani Chimnabai, who was the first consort of Gaekwad Maharaja Sayaji Rao III (1875 – 1939), can be seen inside the town hall of the building.
- Makarpura Palace Designed in an Italian style, Makarpura Palace was a Gaekwad royal palace built by Maharaja Khanderao in 1870. Although this palace was built as a summer palace, the royal family spent most of their summers in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu. Presently, Indian Air Force uses this 3-storey architecture as a training school called No.17 Tetra School.
Best Places to visit in Vadodara
Vadodara is a vibrant city to the vibrant state of Gujarat. Because of its rich & varied cultural background, this city is also known as Sanskari Nagar. It is the hometown of the Great Gaekwad Royal Family which can be easily seen across its various ancient monuments and structures. This city is well-known for its marvelous architectures and graceful environment, a perfect combination of concrete jungle and natural greenery. Vadodara is also called Baroda. This city has a mixed population influenced by its cosmopolitan nature. This city also serves the variety of ethnic food to please the taste buds. There are many exquisite attractions in the city of Vadodara everyone must visit and experience.
Check out the list given below and explore the best of Vadodara City:
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