Tourist places in and around Baroda
Old Ankotakka
Around the beginning of the Christian Era, a small township developed at the same spot as the above mentioned settlement on the right bank of the river. It came to be know as Ankotakka (present day Akota) The mound on which this settlement was established came to be known as Dhantekri. The entire settlement was developed by clearing grazing land and forest of Ankhol and covered an area of ½ to ¾ Sq. km. This is indicative of the presence of thick forests during those times. Due to its location on the ancient trade route between Gujarat and Malva, this small township flourished in to a commercial entre. There was a supposed commercial relation between this township and Rome.The township of Ankotakka developed during the rules of the Guptas and the Vallabhis. It was subjected to periodical heavy floods. But a severe flood which inundated the renovated public hall, forced the inhabitants to abandon this township and move away from the banks of the Vishwamitri.
The event occured in 600 AD. The inhabitants moved to the east of Ankotakka to another elevated portion located on the present kothi area. This formed the nucleus of a new township.
Laxmi Vilas Palace
Designed in Indo-Saracenic style, it was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III. Started in 1878 and completed in 1890, it is home to the royal family. The palace contains a collection of old armour as well as bronze and marble sculptures.The Nazarbagh Palace
Situated in the old walled city near Mandvi Clock Tower, it is the oldest palace built in the old classic style by Malhar Rao Gaekwad in the late 19th century. This palace was used on ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwads. Today it houses the royal family heirlooms.It was built in 1721 and is noted for the ‘Sheesh Mahal' or mirror palace made in old classical style.
Maharaja Fateh sinh Museum
Located on the palace grounds, it houses the royal collection of paintings, sculptures and other objects of arts. It also has a collection of art treasures and works of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.This is the royal collection of art treasures of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian painting, Graeco-Roman exhibits, chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.
Pratap Vilas Palace
Built as the residence of the royal family, the Pratap Vilas is an extravagant and flamboyant building in the Indo-Saracenic style. The palace has a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble and terracotta. Today it houses the Railway Staff College, the main training centre of the Indian Railways. The college is equipped with a beautiful mini-railway model room showing different types of railway operations including track signalling.Built as the residence of the royal family, the Pratap Vilas is an extravagant and flambuoyant building in the Indo-Sarcenic style. The palace houses a remarkable collection of old armoury, and sculptures in bronze, marble and terracotta.
Kirti Mandir
This temple of fame was built in 1936 by Maharaja Sayaji Rao to commemorate the glorious memory of his beloved ancestors.It is adorned with murals painted by Nandlal Bose.
Makarpura Palace
A beautiful palace designed in the Italian style, the Makarpura palace is now a training school of the Indian Air Force.Makara Palace
A beautiful palace designed in the Italinate style, the Makarpura is now used as a training school of the Indian Air force.Vadodara Museum and Art Gallery
This museum has impressive collections of art and archaeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. The adjacent art gallery has a great collection of European old masters, Veronese, Giordano, Zurbaran, some Flemish and Dutch school paintings, Turner and Constable, a collection of Mughal miniatures and valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin. It has an excellent collection of art objects and paintings, including the famous Akota bronzes dating from 5th Century A.D. Other treasures include a full-fledged gallery of Tibetan Art.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 Flemish and Dutch school paintings; Turner and Constable, a collection of Mughal miniatures, and valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of the Buddhist and Jain origin.
The Vadodara Museum incorporates an art gallery with a good collection of Indian miniature paintings. A miniature railway runs round the park in which the museum stands. Works by major European artists can be seen in the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. One hour network of narrow gauge railway lines.
It was founded by Sayajirao III in 1894 and is one of the finest museums in Asia.
Maharaja Sayajirao University
Established in 1949, MSU is one of India's more reputed universities. With roughly 25,000 students on its rolls, many of its departments are internationally renowned. The campus has several architecturally interesting buildings.This prestigious university was set-up by Maharaja Sayaijrao in 1840. The campus is noted for its architectural grandeur.
Navratri at Vadodara (Baroda)
Baroda is a famous centre of music and culture, and many streets have their own garba mandals, or garba groups. For nine nights in the month of October, Vadodara comes alive with the festival of Navratri. This festival is dedicated to the beautiful mother-goddess, Amba. A bhavai performance is held at Baroda's Ambaji temple, during Navratri.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 Navratri. Many other places within Gujarat have their own local customs and celebrate Navratri in their own special way.
EME Temple
Unique in concept and design, the EME Temple is a geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets. Run entirely by the army authorities, this temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees.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 inerest are - Tambekar Wada, ISCKON Temple, Clock Tower, Khanderao Market, Sursagar Lake, Tapovan Complex etc.Sursagar Lake
Earlier known as Chandan Talao, it was rebuilt in the 18th century with stone banks and masonry. It is now used for boating and is a splendid sight especially on moonlit nights.Sayaji Baug
The public garden with an excellent zoo is the heart throb of vadodara.Ahmedabad
Located 100 km north of Baroda, Ahmedabad is known for its rich past and its association with Mahatma Gandhi.Anand
The town of Anand, on the way to Ahmedabad from Baroda, is famous for its Amul range of dairy products. Anand is the hometown of the white revolution in India and the modern plant is worth visiting.Dakor, 50 km from Baroda and halfway to Ahmedabad, Dakor is famous for its Temple of Ranchodrai and is considered a sacred place for the followers of Lord Krishna.