The third largest city in Gujarat, Vadodara, or Baroda (as it used to be known), lies on the banks of the Vishwamitri river. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the state and is on its way to becoming an educational hub. The city is known for its vibrant and unique culture, so it’s no wonder that many young students and professionals make this city their home every year. If you’re new to Vadodara, you have a whole world of wonders to explore. Whether you’re an architecture buff, on a spiritual quest, a museum enthusiast, or just looking for some cool cafes in Vadodara to hang out with your friends, this city has a lot to offer. So, let’s look at some of the places that you just have to visit here.
Ajwa Nimeta Dam and Gardens
Nature meets energy in this beautiful power-generating dam. Built on the Vishwamitri river, the Ajwa Nimeta dam is almost five kilometers in length and fulfils the water requirements of the whole city. The dam is bordered by the gardens of Ajwa Nimeta which is known for its array of colourful dancing fountains. It also has a fun park that attracts several locals on weekends.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Forget Buckingham Palace, the royal home of the Gaekwads is about four times the size of the British abode. Plus it’s fitted with all the modern amenities. Laxmi Vilas Palace is a blend of eastern and western architecture and has everything from sprawling golf courses to ornate durbar halls. A must-visit for all history lovers.
Dakshinamurthy Temple
This one-of-a-kind temple was built by the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps leading to its nickname EME temple. This unique space incorporates elements from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroashtrianism in its architechture. Maintained by the Indian army, this is a tourist attraction that you must brave the crowds for.
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Nazarbaug Palace
You don’t need to be Indiana Jones to go exploring ruins, you can just head to Nazarbaug Palace, which is one of the oldest sites in Vadodara. It used to be the royal seat of the Gaekwads built in the 18th century, but it now lies in ruins. You can walk through the walls and imagine the legacies of the now-forgotten splendour. Another one for the history buffs.
Kirti Stambh
The Tower of Fame was built in 1935 and stands tall as a symbol of victory and to commemorate sixty years of the rule of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Facing east and with a lion adorning the top, the tower is meant to represent the Hindu myth that the east stands for salvation. It’s one of the major landmarks of the city, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Sayaji Baug and Baroda Museum
This two-in-one package is ideal for a weekend visit. Sayaji Baug is a huge garden with over a hundred different species of flowers. It is bordered by the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery as well as the Sayaji Zoo. Art lovers will especially enjoy the museum’s collection of European paintings as well as Mughal miniature paintings. Make sure you check out the skeleton of the blue whale that the museum is famous for!
Champaner-Pavagadh
The list of places to visit in Vadodara is incomplete without the world heritage sites of Champaner and Pavagadh. These archeological sites date to the 8th century AD and contain monuments and remains from different eras. You can check out the step wells, visit the Hindu shrine and Islamic mosques, or marvel at the ancient architecture preserved in this park.
So, these are some of our recommendations for the top places that you should definitely visit in Vadodara. The city has a lot to offer, so consider this list to just be a starting point from where you can explore as much as your heart desires.