About Vadodara Tourist Places List Gujarat India

About Vadodara graceful city of magnificent palaces, museums, splendid temples, lush gardens, shady avenues and world renowned institutions of learningis perhaps the de-facto cultural capital of Gujarat.  It served as the capital of princely Gaekwads III (1885 – 1920), a great patron of art and learning is said to be the golden era of Vadodara.  Today, the city on the banks of river Vishwamitri is a thriving industrial and commercial centre and is also regarded as the ‘industrial capital’ of Gujarat.

Vadodara City

About Vadodara is located at 22.3° N and 73.2° E.  It has an average elevation of about 194m (636ft).  It is located on the Vishwamitri River, southeast of Ahmadabad.

Vadodara Climate

The summers tend to e fairly warm with average temperatures of around 32°C in the months of April, May and June.  The months of June, July and August receive as much as 365mm of rainfall but average temperatures remain at around 28°C.  Winter is more pleasant with temperatures coming down to 20°C.

Vadodara History

The earliest mention of Vadodara dates back to about 812AD.  The region was ruled by Hindu rulers till 1297.  By 1537, the Gujarat Sultan ruled Vadodara.  Their domination over most of central India continued unchallenged for over a hundred years till the Marathas emerged as strong contenders in the 1730s.  Vadodara became the new stronghold of the Marathas and Gaekwads, who made it their capital in 1735.  However, the rule continued uninterrupted till Indian Independence in 1947.

Tourist Places in Vadodara

Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums.  It is the industrial and cultural capital of Gujarat.  Vadodara, was originally called as 'Vadapadraka' mean a village amidst the banyan trees.  Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat.  In the centre of Vadodara town, is a huge lake.

Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery

It was founded by Sayajirao III in 1894 and is one of the finest museums in Asia.

Maharaja Sayajirao University

This prestigious university was set-up by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1840.  The campus is noted for its architectural grandeur.

Sayaji Baug

The public garden with an excellent zoo is the heart throb of Vadodara.

Nazabaugh Palace

It was built in 1721 and is noted for the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ or mirror palace made in old classical style.

Kirti Mandir

It is adorned with murals painted by Nandlal Bose.

Dakshinamoorthy Temple

It was constructed by EME school in the cantonment area.  The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is set amidst five banyan trees and is unique in concept and design.  Some other places of interest are Tambekar Wada, ISCKON Temple, Clock Tower, Khanderao market, Sursagar lake, Tapovan Complex etc.

Places to Visit in Vadodara

Ajwa & Nimeta (20km)

The twin gardens here are designed on the lines of famous brindavan Gardens of Mysore.   There is also an amusement park and resort nearby.

Dakor (80km)

This is the second most sacred town in Gujarat, after Dwarka, for the devotees of Lord Krishna.  The nearest railhead is at Kheda 54km.

Kayavarohan (29km)

The pilgrim site is associated with Lord Lakulish (Shiva).  Main attractions are, the idol of Lakulish, a Shivalinga and pictures showing various yoga forms.

Pavagadh (51km)

The sacred hill of Pavagadh, near Champaner is was Jain temples, a Kali temple and a fort on the hill.

Suklatirth (87km)

It is known for the legendary shrine of Lord Vishnu, on the banks of river Narmada.  An annual fair is held in November.  The nearest railhead is at Bharuch (16km).

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum

This is the royal collection of art treasures of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo a well as modern western and Indian painting, Graeco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.

Makara Palace

A beautiful palace designed in the Italinate style, the Makarpura is now used as a training school of the Indian Air Force.

Pratap Vilas Palace at Lalbagh

Built as the residence of the royal family, the Pratap Vilas in an extravagant and flambuoyant building in the Indo-Sarcenic style. The palace houses a remarkable collection of old armory, and sculptures in bronze, marble and terracotta.

Vadodara Museum

Founded by the Gaekwad in 1894, it has impressive collections of Art and Archaeology, Natural History, and Geology.  The adjoining Art Gallery has a great collection of European old masters: Veronese, Giordano, Zurbaran, some Flemist and Dutch school paintings; Turner and Constable, a collection of Mughal miniatures, and valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of the Buddhist and Jain origin.

Navaratri at Vadodara (Baroda)

Baroda is a well-known centre of music and culture, and many streets have their own garba mandals, or garba groups.  A bhavai performance is held at Baroda's Ambaji temple, during Navaratri.  Many other places within Gujarat have their own local customs and celebrate Navaratri in their own special way.

Vadodara City Distance Guide

Vadodara To Bhavnagar 309 Km
Vadodara To Bharuch 71 Km
Vadodara To Bhuj 524 Km
Vadodara To Dwarka 582 Km
Vadodara To Gandhi Nagar 151 Km
Vadodara To Jamnagar 432 Km
Vadodara To Junagadh 449 Km
Vadodara To Kandla 469 Km
Vadodara To Palitana 359 Km
Vadodara To Porbandar 531 Km
Vadodara To Rajkot 344 Km
Vadodara To Sasangir 493 Km
Vadodara To Somnath 535 Km
Vadodara To Surat 154 Km
Vadodara To Ahmadabad 119 Km
Vadodara To Veraval 535 Km