Vadodara which was previously called Baroda is a place full of exemplary architectural jewels. The city is located at the banks of the Vishwamitri River and is a suitable spot for tourists all around the year. The historical city of Vadodara is full of palaces, gardens and temples for visitors. If you are keen to visit a historic city in India, then plan a trip to Vadodara today. Here are some of the irresistible places that you should see in Vadodara. Let us show you the historical spots in the city which are unavoidable for History buffs.
Jump to:
1. Makarpura Palace
The first place that you should visit in Vadodara is the Makarpura Palace built-in 1870. The Italian style of art and architecture portrays the excellence of the building which used to house the royal family of Gaekwads. They later relocated to the cooler region of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and as of today, the building serves as the training base for the Indian Air Force. The three-storeyed building is located in HimmatNagar and serves as the training institute for the learners in Air Force. The ivory fountain and the sprawling garden are some of the elegant features of the building. Tourists are charged about 125 INR to enter the premises from nine-thirty in the morning to six in the evening.
2. Sayaji Garden
This garden was also built by the Gaekwad family. The garden came into being in the year 1879 by Sayaji Rao. The Maharaja had a knack for gardens and sprawling lawns which compelled him to build this one. The garden covers a region of 100 acres and is regarded as one of the largest gardens in the country.
The Sardar Patel Planetarium and the Art Gallery are some of the brilliant places that attract the attention of tourists. The toy train and the fascinating zoo located in this region is a fun place to visit for the kids during the weekends. The unique floral clock is something that you have to witness once you are in this garden. The entry to the garden is free for the visitors however, you have to pay to enter the art gallery and another museum in the garden.
3. EME Temple
The EME temple is taken care of by the Indian Army and is also called the Vishnumurthy temple. The shrines of Lord Vishnu are worshipped in the temple which attracts the attention of tourists all around the country. The aluminium sheet covers on the walls and the contemporary pattern of architecture are treated to the eyes. The well-maintained premises is another striking feature of the building along with the magnificent aura of the place.
You shall surely find solace and peace amidst the Holy shrine and peaceful ambience of the location. Located in the Fatehgunj region of Vadodara, the temple also houses examples of artwork from the 7th to 15yh century which makes it a popular spot for History lovers. You can visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu any time of the week except for Sunday when it remains closed for maintenance.
4. Picture Gallery and Vadodara Museum
A visit to Vadodara is incomplete without going to the Museum and City Art Gallery. The architectural pattern of the museum resembles the London Museum and the brilliance of the artwork is in full bloom within the premise. Artefacts of geology and natural history are displayed in every corner of the building and a separate section is reserved for the glorifying artwork. Various personal items of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III are displayed in the museum.
A collection of Euphoria artists and British painters are displayed in the art gallery for visitors to explore. The Turner and the Constable are famous paintings that draw the attention of tourists. The giant whale skeleton and the Egyptian mummy are rare, something that adds thrill and excitement to the hearts of the visitors. Located in Sayaji Garden, the museum operates between ten-thirty in the morning to six in the evening and charges 10 INR from the Indian tourists as entry fees.
5. Surya Narayan Temple
This is another example of magnificent artwork of ancient times and a prominent feature of Vadodara. The temple is dedicated to the Surya God and tourists all around the country come to this place to seek the blessings of the Lord. The temple is spiritually significant as it is believed that if you seek help from the Surya Devta here, he shall remove all your cause of pain and sadness. The Hindus consider the place extremely Holy and the pilgrims are spotted all around the year. Located in Jambubet the temple operates between seven in the morning to seven in the evening for all the devotees to pray to the Lord and soak in the ambience of spirituality.