Beautiful quaint city in state of Gujarat, India
City to stay over when one visits the “Statue of Unity”.
I normally directly hit to the point and start with traveling and itinerary details of a destination, but I would change my pattern here a little bit. I am starting with the history of this little city and my descriptions are in past-tense instead of my regular present-tense. Read on to find out why.
History –
Vadodara city was actually built as a walled city, located at the banks of the Vishwamitri river. There were 4 mammoth and artistic gates and residences were within those walls, you could call this ciy as residential fortress. The location and construction of this old city was such that it stayed unaffected by the Vishwamitri river flooding. The name Vad-odara is dervived from the words “Vad” – banyan tree and “Odar” – belly or core. The city is located on the fertile plain between Mahi and Narmada rivers.
Somewhere in the 19th century, the Britishers changed this tongue-twisting name to the more easily pronounced “Baroda” till it was officially changed back to Vadodara in 21st century by the Indian Government.
Ok, I know so much about this beautiful city because it is the city of my ancestors, my parents are born here, studied here, and lived here until they migrated to Mumbai, India in 1970. Although I was raised in Mumbai, I was born here – considering my grandparents lived here. Even now my entire extended maternal and paternal family still lives here. I have wonderful fond memories of spending my holidays here with grandparents, uncles, aunts and lots of cousins.
Tit-Bit: It is very interesting to know that a white settler named Michael Houser, arrived in Michigan to build a town and named it “The village of Baroda” – after this princely state of Gujarat, India. He had asked his rail employees for ideas to name this new town and, C H Pindar, a conductor on the railroad, who was born in Indian Baroda, suggested this name.
About the city –
The four gates or main entrances to this city are-
- Lehripura gate – West
- Champaner gate – North
- Pani gate – East
- Gendi gate – South
- Mandvi – Central Pavilion.
These gates were a part of the walled fort city. Of course, the walls are all demolished but the gates restructured, and still stand tall giving an old-age vibe to the city.
I haven’t yet clicked pictures of these gates personally, will surely do so during my next visit, but you can find loads of pictures on the internet.
Places to see –
Laxmi Vilas Palace.
A magnificent palace in this princely city – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Built around 250 years ago, it is still inhabited by the current Maharaja and his family, so only a part of the palace is open for public, rest is private. THere is an audio tour guide available for Rs 200 (check current pricing from website) and its totally worth it. Its highly informative, you will enjoy if you enjoy stories from the past like me.
There are several rooms which gives us an insight on the life of the Maharajas in those days. There is a little artificial water body and a cafeteria next to it. The rest of the palace property is huge and converted into a Sayaji Golf club. My cousins are members of this club, hence we get the priviledge of visiting this area of the palace too. If you too have someone who is a member here, don’t miss out to visit the restaurant which used to be a summer hang-out place for the Royal family. Having breakfast here with a view of the vast open green lands which are now part of a golf course is simply an experience you cannot miss.
Sayaji Baug (Kamati baug)
Keep at least half day if you wish to fully explore this – Baroda museum and picture gallery, Sayaji Baug zoo, Sardar Patel planetarium, flower clock, toy train, mini-aquarium. Entree fee to this pak is very nominal, around Rs 20 per person. Check website for current pricing though.
Except museums we have explored pretty much all.
The zoo is in a pretty good shape. It houses a variety of animals and birds. The zoo premises are very clean, which is of paramount importance as we had taken our little babies. It had a good variety of animals and birds. If kids enjoy animals, this shouldn’t be missed.
The entire park is lush green, gorgeous landscapes with pleasing flora and fauna. Take time off to relax anywhere in this serene green township and you will get a respite from your sight-seeing fatigue. There is a cycling tour in the mornings from 7AM to 9 AM, you can rent a bicycle within the park and ride around. This would be the best way to explore the entire park if walking seems exhausting for you. It used to be around Rs 20, but check website for correct price
The Joy train ride is the highlight of this park and should not be missed at any cost. The train ride takes you around the park. It was initially a toy train meant to be for kids, then it was shut down for a long time for repairs. The ride opened as a Joy train ride, with a bigger train for adults as well as kids. Very reasonable – around Rs 60, but please check website for current pricing.
FLOWER CLOCK – The floral clock was the first of its kind in the state. It consists of an hour, minute and seconds hand that move on the 20 ft (6.1 m) diameter dial. The machinery moving the clock is underground, giving the clock a natural look. I have seen the flower clock of Switzerland as well and trust me, this Vadodara clock is at par if not better than the Switzerland one. The diameter of the Switzerland flower clock (L’horloge fleurie, located in Jardin Anglais Park, Geneva) clock is 16 ft (5 m) and that of the Tehran, Iran flower clock is 49 ft (15m).
Sursagar Lake.
This is a beautiful lake built in the heart of the city. There is story associated with this lake as well. Originally it was a little pond called “Chandan Talav”. A businessman called Mr Sureshwar Desai built this lake, with many underwater gates as an outlet for water in case the lake overflows. Water from these gates usher into the river Vishwamistri. It is said that when Mr Sureshwar built this lake with the gates, he built one secret tunnel for himself as well. It is said that there was a tunnel from inside Sureshwar’s home to the lake. In case of an enemy attack the villagers can use this escape route to escape out to Vishwamitri river.
Now, it has a big statue of Bhagwan Shiv in the middle of the ocean, installed in 2020. The best time to enjoy this lake and its surroundings is sunset and night time. You can take a walk around this lake, take a boat ride. I have no idea about the boating rates as it used to be non-operational when the lake was under renovation. Check website for current rates. There are many eateries around the lake, you can enjoy local delicacies here. Do some shopping at Mangal bazaar, Naya bazaar nearby.
In Mangal bazaar, there are 2 famous eateries – Pyarelal kachori and Samrat ice cream. These are a part of my childhood memories, at the time when they were small joints. These names are a part of my parents childhood memories as well, they still have memories of Mr Pyarelal and the owner of Smarat ice cream traveling around the city in their bicycles selling their kachoris and ice cream respectively.
Nyaymandir – High court – This is a structure that can be seen from outside, its an architectural delight.
Aatapi – Ajwa
Beautiful garden inspired by Vrundavan Gardents, Mysore, located 29 kms away from the city. Do not forget to stay till the end of the day as there is a marvelous musical fountain show at closing time; its a story of Vadodara accompanied with music and water laser show.
Around this garden, now, there is a Aatapi Wonderland and Theme Park. Its a Government Project developed by Gujarat Tourism. It has over 40 rides – thrill and adventure guaranteed. MUST VISIT.
Statue of Unity
A 21st century construction by visualized and implemented by Prime minister Narendra Modi. It is the main reason of tourism taking a big leap in Vadodara. I haven’t been here yet, will update page as soon as I visit. Remember, it is closed on Mondays. MUST VISIT.