Tourist Attractions
A premier institution established in 1882 by H.E. Maharaja Sayajirao III in the name of Baroda College. It later on got the status of the residential university in 1949. The university boasts 40,000 students on its roll for higher education in various disciplines including Arts, Science, Psychology, Education, Commerce, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Sanskrit and many others. The university campus includes many buildings of Architectural beauty. The central dome of the building of Arts Faculty which is 144 ft. high is the second tallest masonary dome in India. The noteworthy feature of the building is the exposed brick architecture – a style prevailing at that time.
Known for its splendid beauty the statue of Maharaja Sayajirao seated on the horse back is famous not only in the city but also in the state. It is situated near the front gate of the Sayaji Garden (Kamati Baug). This life size vigorous bronze statue of Sayajirao was prepared by the English artist F. Derewett Wood at a cost of Rs.60,000/- and was raised by the subjects and admirers of Maharaja Sayajirao III in commemoration of his silver jubilee in 1907 and in token of the loyalty and appriciation of his ever progressive rule.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Sayaji Garden” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Spread in the area of 113 acres of land the garden is the oldest and the largest one among all the 50 parks and gardens of the city. This nicely manicured lush green garden was a gift by the great ruler Maharaja Sayajirao to his subjects. The garden includes Baroda Museum and picture Gallery, the Zoo, Sardar Patel Planetarium, Aoral clock, Health Museum, Toy Train, Picnic Corners, Band Stand and a few Joy Rides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Baroda Museum” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.Considered as one of the most famous museums of the country it was built in 1894. The picture gallery which offers an excellent collection of originals by famous British painters Turner and constable and many others attract tourists from every part of the country. The Egyptian mummy and skeleton of a blue whale are major attractions for those who visit the museum. Other treasure includes the famous Akota bronzes dating the 5th Century A.D., A collection of Mughal miniatures, a full Aedged gallory of Tibetan Art and oils by several European masters.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Sardar Patel Planetarium” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Show “Timings: 4.00 p.m. Gujarati 5.00 p.m. English 6.00 p.m. Hindi.The planetarium situated near the main gate of the Sayaji Baug runs three shows every evening except Thursdays. Having a total seating capacity of 200 seats, the air-conditioned planetarium arranges special shows for educational institutions on request. Besides, reacting the immense progress of India’s space programme, it conducts several audio-visual programmes on the earth’s planetary system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Sayajibaug Zoo” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Timing: 8.15 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. to 06.00 p.m.Situated on both the banks of the river Vishwamitri in Sayajibaug the zoo was kept open for the entertainment of the visitors in 1879. Situated in the natural aromatic atmosphere the zoo has 35 types of mammals including the tiger, the lion, the panther, the deer and so on. It also has 122 types of colourful birds including blue crown pigeon, 10 types of reptiles include aligator, ghadials and many more. Thus the zoo offers 167 types of 1103 animals of various size and shape. The zoo remains closed on every Thursday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Joy Train” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Joy train is beautiful attraction of Sayajibaug as this run on the length of track 2.5 km. Its engine made by Severn Lamb Company, UK (England).Joy train has 4 Nos. coaches and each coach will be having approx. 36 passenger capacities. The train have music and announcing system inside the train. On both side of bogies there are picture of national/local heroes, wildlife, historical places, religious places and panchtrantra.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Kirti Mandir” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Kirti Mandir is situated on the north of the statue of Prince Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad near the Vishwamitri Bridge. With a cluster of shiva temples it was built to commemorate the cremation of the members of the Gaekwad family. This “E” shaped large magnificent stone building with domes, terraces, balconies and central sikhara rising to about 33 meters. According to Sayajirao Gaekwad it was built to commemurate the benefectors of his state irrespective of their race, caste or creed. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao at the cost of Rs. 50,000, it preserves in its various rooms the statues and photographs of the members of the royal family. The interior of this elegant structure is marble finished and on the walls of the central hall are the murals Gangavataran, battle of Mahabharat, Life of Meera and Natir Pooja – executed by the famous Bengali artist Nandalal Bose. It can be visited by everybody between 9 & 12 in the morning and 2.30 & 5.30 in the evening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Chimanabai Clock Tower” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Situated in Roapura area and buil somewhere before 1896 this beautiful elegant structure was raised in memory of the first queen of Maharaj Sayajirao III viz. Maharani Chimanabai I. It is noteworthy that the fund was raised by the citizens of Vadodara to build this magnificent clock tower. Still in a working condition this clock tower provides an opportunity to see the timings from all the four directions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Laxmi Vilas Palace” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Palace Built in the Indo-Sarcemic style of architecture by Maharaja SayajiRao III in 1878 AD at a cost of about 6 million as his residence, Laxmi Vilas Palace is the most magnificent site. Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the finest buildings in Vadodara built in the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III for his residence. The construction of this Palace which commenced in 1878 A.D. was completed in 1890 at a cost of about Rs. 6 million. The interior of Laxmi Vilas Palace finished in marble mosaic, fine stone, glass and wood is enchanting and has most valuable furnishings. Maharaja’s personal Museum is also housed in the same premises. Visit to the palace is subject to permission on payment. Permission may be granted from Indumati Mahal, Opp. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Tel. 433183.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Pratap Vilas Palace” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Designed by Mr. Stevens in renaissance architecture, it houses the Railways Staff College the main training centre of the Indian Railways. The college is equipped with a beautiful mini railway model room showing different types of railway operations including Track signalling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Mural Paintings At Tambekarwada” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Tambekarwada is situated on Pratap Road, Raopura area of the city. Bhau Tambekar was a Diwan or Minister of erstwhile Vadodara State to Maharaja Ganpat Rao Gaekwad between 1849 and 1854. As the ruler was weak and not properly educated, the administration of the state was entirely in the hands of the Diwan.
During the 17th and 18th centuries,, Fresco paintings received a stimulus in Gujarat. Vadodara itself possesses probably the best specimens of mural paintings. They adorn the walls, doors and ceilings of the building called Tambekarwads. It is a spacious four storeyed and constructed in an oblong fashion. The paintings suffered due to careless hands who often whitewashed them. Most of these paintings were restored by the A.S.I. These are at present seen in the first and second floors.
The wall paintings belonging to the first half oft the 19th century are typical of the age and represent epic scenes in the life of the people including some of those of the westerness are also represented as in. an air view. Hence that which is at a distant is placed above the one nearer. The paintings speak well of the control .the artist hand on his brush.
These frescoes on the whole are marked by gracefulness, proportionate delineation and color contrast. These paintings are well looked after. The chemical treatments to these painting are periodically attended to by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is open to all during office hours on all week days.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Mandvi” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
This imposing pavillion known as the Mandvi gate was built during the Mughal period and was restored in 1736 A.D. by the Governor Malharao Maloji under the orders of Damaji Rao II (1732-1768 A.D.) It is a square pavallion with three bold arched openings on each of the four sides! The upper storeys erected on the Aat roof of the Pavallion are of a later date and were probably constructed during the 19th Century. This pavallion might have remained as a market place (Mandvi) interspersed By two spacious streets dividing into four parts meeting in the Centre. It is illuminated on special festivals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Nyaya Mandir” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Nyaya Mandir or Temple of Justice is a magnificent and massive building built in Mixed Indo-Sarcenic European style by Sayaji Rao III. It is two storeyed with large courts and a fine central hall decorated with mosaic work. A beautiful marble statue of Chimnabai, the first queen of Sayaji Rao III adorns the hall. The building is used at present as a District Court.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Lehripura Gate” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Located to the east of the district court Nyayamandir is the picturesque Lehripura gate. It is the western gateway to the old Vadodara city – a fortified part of the city. The gate was erected in the 16th century by Khalikhan, the son and successor of Mehmud Begda the Sultan of Gujarat. The gate still has a magnificent look and is eye catching when illuminated on special festivals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Khanderao Market” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
This is a palatial building erected by Sayaji Rao III in 1906-07 at a cost of about Rs. 5 lakhs. It was presented by him as a gift to the Municipality on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of his administration. The municipal offices are located in this building. The main entrance resembles in architecture whth that of the gate of Dabhoi Fort. The perforated stone perapets are after style of the Agra Screens.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”E.M.E. Temple : (Dakshinamoorthy Temple)” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Timings: 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Situated in the cantonment near Fatehgunj is the beautiful Shiva temple. Managed and maintained bythe”Jawans”of E.M.E., this temple is made of alluminium and some alloys. Unlike all other temples, this beautiful Shiva temple is lade of alluminium and it is a place of religious harmony. A jltural centre has also been developed by the E.M.E. around le temple where good sculptures of Gujarat, pavilions etc. re nicely preserved. Idols of Gods and Godesses are beautifully laced on both the side walkways and they look very attractive rhen illuminated at night everyday. Visit to this temple is a lust for everyone who visit Vadodara.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Shri Aurobindo Society” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
Timing: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh who was one of the eminent freedom fighters and also a renouned philosopher resided in Vadodara from 1894 to 1906 as a private secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. He also worked as vice principal and professor of English in Baroda college. His residence popularly known as Aurobindo Society is situated in Dandia Bazar area is the only national memorial. Yoga and meditation are taught here regularly. Surrounded by a nicely maincured garden this magnificent building provides and opportunity to pass a few minutes in solace. Various useful articles prepared at Pondichery are sold in an emporium on the ground Aoor. A nicely displayed small museum on the life of Shri Aurobindo’s contribution can also be ited here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Qutubuddin Maqbara” google_fonts=”font_family:Nunito%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]
About a kilometer from the Pratapnagar Railway Crossing ar Pratapnagar overbridge is a mausoleum of Kutubuddin, Governor of Gujarat deputed by Akbar the Great. Kutubuddin s assassinated by Muzaffar Shah the last Sultan of Gujarat. ilt on the Safari Persian model, this mosque is the first Padshahi Jding in the city. The mausoleum is looked after by the Archaeology rvey of India. It is open to all.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
