Popularly known as Baroda, Vadodara is a city in the state of Gujarat, situated on the embankment of River Vishwamitra. The city is one of the most popular educational hubs of India and houses some of the premium educational institutions of India. Besides this, the city has a rich history, which dates back to 2000 years. The city was under the rule of Pathans, Mughals and Maraths, which is quite evident from the historical monuments present in the city. Like other cities of Gujarat, Vadodara or Baroda is as well visited by tourists from different parts of the World. Some of the major travel Destinations of the city for India travellers comprise :
Laxmi Vilas Palace
One of the prominent tourist attractions of Vadodra, Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890, which was designed by Major Charles Mant. This palace features modern amenities, which include elevators and is one of the largest palaces in India. The interiors of this palace represent the country houses of Europe and is the present residence of the royal family. This palace has a huge Darbar Hall, which serves as the site of music concerts and other cultural events of the city. Within the premises of the Palace there is a museum and a palace named Moti Baug. The museum displays the art works that belonged to the Royal family and the highlight are the paintings done by Raja Ravi Varma. The place also has a mini zoo as well as step well named Navlakhi.
Maharaja Sayajirao University
Popularly known as M.S. University or MSU, Maharaja Sayajirao University is one of the premier educational institutions of India. Sprawling over 275 acres of land, this University was built by Pratap Singh Gaekwad in the year 1949. The University was named after his grandfather, who was the king of Baroda. This premier institution several departments among which the Faculty of Fine Arts and Performing Arts is the most popular. Students from nook and corner of the globe come to this University for pursuing higher studies. Furthermore, the University has a large library that has more than 7,00,000 books and journals, which is named as Hansa Mehta Library. This is as well a worth visiting place of the city.
Sursagar Lake
Known as Chandan Talao in the early times, Sursagar Lake is situated in the heat of the city. The lake remains filled all throughout the year and was rebuilt with stone banks during the 18[SUP]th[/SUP] century. This lake offers a serene and peaceful environment, which makes it an ideal destination for peace lovers. Furthermore, there is a 120 ft tall idol of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake. There are several outlets made in the walls of the lakes, which is connected to the River Vishwamitra for the water to surge into it if it gets overflowed. Boating facility is provided in this lake for the visitors to enjoy the environment and its beauty.
Aurobindo Ashram
Another prominent tourist attraction of the city is the Aurobindo Ashram. This Ashram was the dwelling of Aurobindo Ghose during his stay in Baroda from 1894 to 1906 when he served as the private secretary to HH Sayajirao Gaekwad III, he king of Baroda. During this period, Aurobindo also served as the Professor of English and later as the vice-principal of Baroda College, which is now the popular M.S. University. The Ashram was visited by prominent leaders of freedom movement like Bipin Chandra Pal, Sakharam Ganesh Dueskar, Sister Nivedita and Lokmanya Tilak. The residence of the prominent freedom fighter, socialist, political thinker and philosopher as been transformed into an ashram and it features a library that has Aurobindo literature, a study room and a sales emporium. The ashram has remainders of Sri Aurobindo, and is open to all for meditation.
Mandvi Gate
One of the major landmarks and prominent tourist places of Vadodara is the Mandvi Gate. This is a monument built during the Mughal reign by Sultan Muzaffar, which is most of the time referred to as the North gate of the Royal Enclosure. It has square structure with three bold domed openings on each of its four sides. The gate is enlighten with beautiful lights during festivals and is thronged by visitors from different place.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
One of the prominent tourist attractions of Vadodra, Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890, which was designed by Major Charles Mant. This palace features modern amenities, which include elevators and is one of the largest palaces in India. The interiors of this palace represent the country houses of Europe and is the present residence of the royal family. This palace has a huge Darbar Hall, which serves as the site of music concerts and other cultural events of the city. Within the premises of the Palace there is a museum and a palace named Moti Baug. The museum displays the art works that belonged to the Royal family and the highlight are the paintings done by Raja Ravi Varma. The place also has a mini zoo as well as step well named Navlakhi.
Maharaja Sayajirao University
Popularly known as M.S. University or MSU, Maharaja Sayajirao University is one of the premier educational institutions of India. Sprawling over 275 acres of land, this University was built by Pratap Singh Gaekwad in the year 1949. The University was named after his grandfather, who was the king of Baroda. This premier institution several departments among which the Faculty of Fine Arts and Performing Arts is the most popular. Students from nook and corner of the globe come to this University for pursuing higher studies. Furthermore, the University has a large library that has more than 7,00,000 books and journals, which is named as Hansa Mehta Library. This is as well a worth visiting place of the city.
Sursagar Lake
Known as Chandan Talao in the early times, Sursagar Lake is situated in the heat of the city. The lake remains filled all throughout the year and was rebuilt with stone banks during the 18[SUP]th[/SUP] century. This lake offers a serene and peaceful environment, which makes it an ideal destination for peace lovers. Furthermore, there is a 120 ft tall idol of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake. There are several outlets made in the walls of the lakes, which is connected to the River Vishwamitra for the water to surge into it if it gets overflowed. Boating facility is provided in this lake for the visitors to enjoy the environment and its beauty.
Aurobindo Ashram
Another prominent tourist attraction of the city is the Aurobindo Ashram. This Ashram was the dwelling of Aurobindo Ghose during his stay in Baroda from 1894 to 1906 when he served as the private secretary to HH Sayajirao Gaekwad III, he king of Baroda. During this period, Aurobindo also served as the Professor of English and later as the vice-principal of Baroda College, which is now the popular M.S. University. The Ashram was visited by prominent leaders of freedom movement like Bipin Chandra Pal, Sakharam Ganesh Dueskar, Sister Nivedita and Lokmanya Tilak. The residence of the prominent freedom fighter, socialist, political thinker and philosopher as been transformed into an ashram and it features a library that has Aurobindo literature, a study room and a sales emporium. The ashram has remainders of Sri Aurobindo, and is open to all for meditation.
Mandvi Gate
One of the major landmarks and prominent tourist places of Vadodara is the Mandvi Gate. This is a monument built during the Mughal reign by Sultan Muzaffar, which is most of the time referred to as the North gate of the Royal Enclosure. It has square structure with three bold domed openings on each of its four sides. The gate is enlighten with beautiful lights during festivals and is thronged by visitors from different place.