Local Information
VADODARA: The Crucible of CultureVadodara city is situated on both the banks of river Vishwamitri in Gujarati State at 423 Feet and 2.74 inches altitude and has enriched the nation by grooming mighty men like Maharshi Aurbindo Ghosh , Aacharya Vinoba Bhave, Dada Bhai Naoroji and Doctor Ambedkar. The population of Vadodara is over 1 million. The city is a mixture of many eras and its reputation as “Cultural Capital” dates largely from the late 19th Century, when it was the capital of the princely state of Baroda.
Vadodara has a rich and a varied historical background. It has changed its name several times. First it was named ‘Chandravati’ , then ‘Viravati’ and then late known as ‘Vadodara’. Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1875-1939 AD) has the vision to make the city a center for Education, Industries and Commerce. Today’s Vadodara stands as a monument to his farsighted vision. The city has giant industrial complexes and public undertakings like the Gujarat Refinery, IPCL, GSFC and the heavy water project of the Atomic Energy Commision . The city has many tourist spots, like Laxmi Vilas Palace, Museum, Art Galleries, Parks, University, and Gardens. It also has large scale industries.
Sayaji Baug well known as Kamati Baug, in an area about 113 acres, on the river Vishwamitri. The garden has a zoo, a Museum and Picture Gallery.
Baroda Museum And Picture GalleryThe famous museum was built in 1894 on the lines of Victoria, Albert and Science Museums of London. It preserves a rich collection of art, [Sayaji Baug] sculpture, antiques, paintings and manuscripts. A major attraction is the 22 m long, blue-whale skeleton, found in 1972 at the mouth of River Mahi and Egyptian mummy.
The picture gallery houses a large collection of paintings by European masters, most of them from the private collection of Sayajirao III. Two wings exhibit modern Indian paintings. The museum library has a collection of nearly 23,000 books and periodicals on a range of topics.
Floral ClockThe floral clock is first of its kind in the state. It consists of hour, minute and seconds hands that move on 20 feet diameter dial. The whole mechanism is underground giving the natural look.
Toy TrainThe Toy Train is extremely popular amongst children. It runs on a small track width 10 inches covering a distance of 3.5 km giving the entire view of the garden to the children.
Sardar Patel PlanetariumLocated at Sayaji Baug the planetarium, with a capacity of 200 seats, runs 3 shows every day (except Thursday)
Maharaja Sayajirao III built in the type of Indo-Sarcenic architecture for his residence. The construction of this palace was from 1878-1890 A.D at a cost of about 60 lakhs.
This is a majestic monumental building also known as temple of Fame.. Built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III in 1936 AD to perpetuate the glorious memories of his ancestors.
This Temple of Justice, is magnificient and massive building built in Mixed Indo Sarcenic and European style by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. The building is used at present as a District Court.
E.M.E Temple (Dakshinamurty Temple)
Located in the cantonment area, this unique shiva temple of E.M.E school is a major attraction for both tourists & devotees. It is entirely built of aluminium sheets in 1966.
Khanderao MarketThis is a palatial building created by Sayajirao III in 1906 at a cost of 3 lakhs. It was a present by him to the Municipality to mark the Silver Jubilee as his administration. The officesw of Vadodara Municipal Corporation are located in this building. Fresh vegetables and flower market is located in the back garden.
Sursagar Lake is the Tank Pond situated in the Heart of Vadodara City. It has a scenic beauty of its own which further gets added with a standing statue of Lord Shiva, in the middle of Lake.
Situated in the old walled city near Mandvi Clock Tower, it is the oldest palace built in old classic style in the late 19th century.
Pratap Vilas PalaceDesigned in the renaissance architecture, it houses the railway Staff College, the main training centre of the Indian Railways.
Palace Museum (Maharaja Fatesingh Museum)Located in the Laxmi Vilas Palace, it has a fabulous collection of Greek, Roman and European sculptures and Art objects. Original paintings of India’s celebrated artist Raja Ravi Varma & European oil paintings are showcased.
Situated 23 Kms from Vadodara, Ajwa is an ideal place for weekend picnic. Sardar Sarovar Lake, a major source of water supply for Vadodara, is situated here. The Municipal Corporation has prepared a beautiful garden, which resembles with the famous Vrundavan Garden of Mysore. Illuminated & musical FOUNTAINS ARE OPERATED ON EVERY Saturday, Sunday & Monday, which is a major attraction.
A religious place on the banks Narmada river 60 kms East of Vadodara.
NimetaNimeta is a village about 15 kms from the city. It has a water filter station. Nimeta has been developed by the Municipal Corporation into a beautiful garden and a guest house.
It is known as the birth place of the famous musician Baiju. Pavagadh today has developed as a hill resort because of its scenic beauty and fresh atmosphere. The hill of Pavagadh rises from Champaner in three stages. The hill covers 42 kms in circumference. It has a ropeway to reach Kalika Mata’s temple at the top. The plateau at an altitude of 490 meters is known as Machi Haveli.
Popularly known as Karvan, it is situated 30 kms on the National Highway No. 8. It is both a place of pilgrimage and picnic. Archeology department has excavated and preserved ancient sculptures and relics of the 2nd Century. A beautiful Shiv Temple built recently, houses an attractive idol of Lukulish.
GalteshwarA place situated on the riverbank of the Mahi is used mainly as a picnic spot. It is about 80 kms from Vadodara.
DakorDakor is 60 kms from Vadodara. The place is famous for Ranchhodraiji temple an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Several thousands of devotees visit this holy temple every month on Poornima.
This Premier University Campus was established in 1882 by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. It is the only English Medium University of State with Unitary & Residential status having 90 departments & 13 faculties. Its central library Smt. Hansa Mehta Library has been named after the first VC, having more than seven lakh titles and journals.
Nareshwar
Situated on the banks of the river Narmada at a distance of 60 kms from Vadodara.
Nature ParkGujarat Nature conservation Society has developed a nature park amidst the ravines of the river Mahi near Sindhroot about 13 kms away from Vadodara. It provides an opportunity for the visitors to understand the nature.
SankhedaLying 60 kms, East of Vadodara the village of Sankheda is known for its lacquer painted colourful wooden furniture and handicrafts heritage.
Gujarat Fun WorldAmusement Park for the whole family with unique attractions, is situated 14 kms from the National Highway No 8 just opposite to famous Vrindavan Garden, Ajwa Road. It is spread over 10 acre land and provides entertainment to the family with its 3D/4D shows and wonder tunnel, which are introduced first time in India at Gujarat Fun World.
Champaner was founded in 18th century by Vanraj Chavda. It is one of the religious places located near Pavagadh about 40 kms from Vadodara in Halol Taluka. It has been selected as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, spread in 6 Sq. Kms. Area compromising of 114 places. The worlds 178 countries formed World Heritage Committee which mainly identified 30 monuments worldwide to form World Heritage List.
Indian Archeological Department & Heritage Site which is the first and only one in India. This archeological park has been named Champaner – Pavagadh Archeological Park comprising many 16th Century Architectures, Mosques, & Water Storage structures. It includes Ancient Structures like Bawaman Masjid, Sikander Shah Maqabara Halol, Aatak Gate, South-east Bhadra Gate, Kabutar Khana, step well etc.
