FLORAL CLOCK :
The 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.
BARODA
MUSEUM AND PICTURE GALLERY :
The famous museum was built in 1894 on
the lines of Victoria, Albert and Science Museums of London. 'Mad'
Mant in association with R.F. Chisholm who refined some of Mant's
finest works to make genuine Indo-Sarcenic architecture designed
the Building of this Museum. It preserves a rich collection of
art, sculpture, ethnography & ethnology. Several of the paintings
are not only original but masterpieces at the picture gallery.
It also houses a skeleton of a blue whale and an Egyptian Mummy.
SARDAR
PATEL PLANETARIUM :
Located in Sayaji Baug, the Planetarium, with a capacity
of 200 seats, runs 3 shows everyday (except Thursday). The audio-
visual shows are on the movement of celestial bodies in space,
earth's planetary system and India's space program.
SAYAJIBAUG
ZOO :
The Zoo is located inside the Sayaji Baug. Situated in
the natural aromatic atmosphere the Zoo has several types of
mammals, birds, reptiles, and alligators.
AUROBINDO
SOCIETY :
An international monument of Shri Aurobindo. Relice of
Shri Aurbindo are preserved here. It is open to all for meditation.
It houses a library and study room.
TOY
TRAIN :
The 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.
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 tourist and devotees.
It is entirely built of aluminium sheet in 1966.
KHANDERAO
MARKET :
This is a palatial building created by Sayaji
Rao III in 1906 at a cost of three lakhs. It was then presented
to the Municipal Corporation on the Silver Jubilee celebrations.
There are many Municipal Offices housed in this building. The
main entrance resembles in architecture that of the gate of
dabhoi fort.
LAXMI VILAS PALACE :
It is one of the finest buildings in Vadodara. Maharaja
Sayaji Rao III built in the style of Indo-Sarcenic architecture
for his residence. The construction of this place was from 1878
to 1890 AD at a cost of about 60 lakhs. The interior of Laxmi
Vilas Place in marble mosaic, fine stone, glass and wood is enchanting
and has valuable furnishings. Maharaja's personal Museum is also
housed in the same premises.
KIRTI MANDIR
:
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, it has various rooms preserving
the statues and the photographs of the Royal family. It is an
'E' shaped building with domes, terraces, balconies and a central
sikhara, of 33 meters height, built in the Hindu Style.
NYAY MANDIR
:
This Temple of justice, is a magnificent and massive building
built in Mixed Indo- Sarcenic and European style by Maharaja Sayaji
Rao III. It is two storied with large courts and a fine central
hall decorated with mosaic works. A beautiful marble statue of
Chimnbhai, the first queen of Sayaji Rao III adorns the hall.
The building is used at present as District court.
MAKARPURA
PALACE :
This lovely place was build by Maharaja Khanderao (1856-1870
AD) for his residence. There was a magnificent Deer Park adjoining
the place. Sayaji Rao III added a new wing to it and renovated
the palace, which was in ruins. This new wing was designed in
the contemporary European style. An excellent garden and a summerhouse
surround the palace.
M.S. UNIVERSITY
:
The premier and outstanding Residential University
campus was established in 1882 by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III. There
are architecturally interesting buildings in the campus. The Central
dome of the Faculty of Arts is 144 feet high. Various higher education
disciplines are available to the students including Fine Arts.
The University has a rich collection of books on almost all subjects
and in various languages.
LAHERI PURA
GATE :
This is a picturesque Gate with three large
arches. It is the western gateway to the fortified medieval
town of Vadodara.
NAZARBAUG PALACE
:
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
PALACE :
Designed in renaissance architecture, it houses
the Railways Staff College, the main training center of the
Indian Railways. The college is equipped with a beautiful mini
railway model room showing different types of railway operations
including track signals.
MAQBARA (Hajira)
:
It was built in Safavi-Persian style. It is famous
for its carved marble windows. Constructed in memory of Kutub-ud-din,
the General of the Army of the Great King Akbar, it is one of
the oldest Moghul monuments of the city.
PALACE MUSEUM
(Maharaja Fatehsingrao Gaekwad Museum) :
Located in the Laxmi Vilas Palace, it has a fabulous
collection of Greek, Roman and European Sculptures and Art objects.
There are original paintings of India's celebrated artist Raja
Ravi Varma and European oil paintings.
EXCURSIONS
:
AJWA :
Situated 23 Kms from Vadodara, Ajwais an idel
place for weekend picnic, Sayaji 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 and
musical fountains are operated on every Saturday, Sunday and
Monday, which isa major attraction. The entire garden turns
into a fairyland in the evening when the fountains are illuminated.
DABHOI :
An old town with Hira Bhagol gate is known for
it's unique carved gate. 30 kms. East of Vadodara, it has been
described as the original center for Gujarati style of architecture.
NIMETA :
Nimeta a village about Hira Bhagol from the city.
It has a water filter station. Nimeta has been developed by the
Muncipal Corporation into a beautiful garden and a guesthouse.
It has become a popular picnic spot. for the residents of Vadodara.
PAVAGADH
:
It is known as the birthplace 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. The hill has a historical town of
Champaner near-by. The town has beautiful mosques Juma Masjid
and Shah-ki-Masjid. It is 50 kms north of Vadodara.
KAYAVAROHAN
:
Populary known as Karvan. It is situated 30
kms. on the National Highway No. 8. It is both, a place of pilgrimage
and picnic. Archaeology department has excavated and preserved
ancient sculptures and relics of the 2nd century. A beautiful
Shiv Temple built recently houses an attractive idol of Lakulish.
CHANDOD :
A religious place on the banks Narkmada river
60 Kms East of Vadodara.
GALTESHWAR
:
A place situated on the riverbank of the Mahi
is used mainly as a picnic spot. It is about 80 Kms from Vadodara.
DAKOR :
Dakor is 60 Kms from Vadodara and easily accessible
by rod. The place is famous for Ranchhodraiji temple an incarnation
of Lord Krishna. Several thousands of devotees visit holy temple
every month on Poonirma.
NARESHWAR
:
Situated on the banks of the river Narmada at
a distance of 60 Kms from Vadodara. Nareshwar is a good place
for those who wish to spend their time on the riverbanks. The
place is also famous for the ashram of Shri Rang Avdhoot.
SANKHEDA
:
Lying 60 Kms, east of Vadodara the village of
Sankheda is known for its laquer painted colourful wooden furniture
and handicrafts heritage.
NATURE PARK
:
Gujarat Nature Conservation Society has developed
a nature park amidstthe ravines of the river Mahi near Sindhroot
about 13 Kms away from Vadodara. It provides an opportunity
for the visitors to understand the nature. The place is visited
by number of school children and nature lovers.