Vadodara city has enriched the nation by grooming mightly men like Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Dada Bhai Naoroji and Doctor Ambedkar. The city's educational and Art Institutions have produced the luminaries like Jivraj Mehta, K.M.Munshi, Hansa Mehta and Professor Bendre.

Vadodara has a rich and a varied historical background. It has changed its name several times. First it was named ' Chandravati, then 'Viravati' and later known as 'Vadpatra'. It is now called Vadodara. It is situated on both the banks of river Vishwamitri in Gujarat State.

Sayajirao Gaekwad III (1875 - 1939 AD) had the vision to make the city a center for Education, Industries and Commerce. The city has many tourist spots, like, Palace, Museum, Art Gallery, Parks, University, and Gardens. It also has large-scale industries.

City at a glance

SAYAJI BAUG :
Sayajirao III built Sayaji Baug, well known as Kamati Baug, in an area of about 113 acres, on the river Vishwamitri, The garden has a Zoo, a Musesum and Picture Gallery, a small museum for Health and Hygience, and for children a Toy Train and Fun rides. It has well Maintained lawns, decorated with sculptures placed on pedestals. The park has fountains and trees, which makes it worchwhile for a visit. The park also for a planetarium. The park also has a BandStand.

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.