Gujarat is considered to be a great place to visit, where the culture, food, lifestyle attract everyone. Every city in Gujarat is known for its unique specialty. Today in this episode we are talking about Vadodara, the cultural capital of Gujarat, which is the third largest city in the state. Vadodara is also known as Baroda. Tourist places near Vadodara are considered to be the best places for leisurely vacationers and adventure lovers. This city will impress you with grand monuments, museums, palaces, gardens, temples, markets, and other attractions. Today we are going to tell you about some famous places in Baroda where you can enjoy a lot. Let's know about these places...

Makarpura Palace
Makarpura Palace is one of the most popular places located in Vadodara. Makarpura Palace was built in 1870 as a summer palace for the royal family of Gaekwad. Designed with an Italian touch of architecture, the ornate palace remained unused as the royal family favored the cooler climes of Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris over Vadodara to spend most of their summers. Currently, the palace serves as a training school for the Indian Air Force called the No. 17 Tetra School. Take a tour of this three-story palace to witness its architectural brilliance and the gorgeous garden adorned with ivory fountains.

Lakshmi Vilas Palace

One of the most luxurious palaces in India, the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace is the residence of the royal family of Vadodara. Built-in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the massive palace is the largest private residence ever built and is four times larger than Buckingham Palace in London. A weekend getaway at this magnificent palace is a must-see. The attractive Lakshmi Vilas Palace was constructed in 1890 and let us tell you, it took about twelve years to complete. Spread over an area of ​​​​about 700 acres, it is still home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and the Palace is counted among the top tourist places to visit in Vadodara.

Sayaji Garden

Located in Vadodara, Sayaji Garden is considered to be one of the largest public gardens in the western part of the country. The garden was built in 1879 by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad. The presence of the Sardar Patel Planetarium, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, a toy train, a zoo, an aquarium, and over 98 different species of trees make this garden one of the most attractive tourist places in Vadodara. The garden also houses a giant floral clock with a 20 feet diameter dial.

Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery
Vadodara Museum is one of the two museums in Sayaji Baug that attract tourists. This museum was built in 1894 by Major Charles Mant and R.F. Chisolm. under the patronage of Maharaja Sayajirao III. The museum has a vast collection of art ranging from Mughal miniatures to sculptures, textiles, and objects from Japan, Tibet, Nepal, and Egypt. Apart from this, a collection of coins from around the world, various Indian musical instruments, paintings of various European masters, mostly from the Maharaja's collection, the skeleton of a blue whale, objects of earth science, natural history, and zoology are exhibited.

Shri Swaminarayan Temple

Among the various tourist attractions in Vadodara, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple is quite famous. The temple has an intricate design, awe-inspiring architecture, and a calming atmosphere that instantly soothes your mind and soul. Shri Swaminarayan Temple has beautifully carved idols of Shri Swaminarayan, Shri Neelkanth Varni, Shri Gopalanand Swami, and Shri Aksharabrahman Gunatitanand Swami. This temple holds great significance for Hindu devotees.

Sursagar Lake

Sursagar Lake located in the city of Vadodara is surrounded by lush green trees and plants on all sides, due to which the view of this lake increases even more. The 120-foot-high statue of Lord Shiva located in the middle of Sursagar Lake adds to the beauty of this lake. This lake presents a very good view at night. Boating etc. can also be enjoyed in this lake. If Sursagar Lake is described in a few words, then this lake is enough to spend some moments of peace as well as relaxation in a stressful life.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Located among the Pavagadh Hills, and in the heart of Champaner city, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is one of the best places to visit in Vadodara. This amazing park has made the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has magnificent forts, citadels, and other architectural marvels such as mosques, temples, tombs, cultural heritage monuments, agricultural structures, and step-wells. This park beautifully presents the relationship between Hindu and Muslim cultures.

EME Temple

EME Temple is also known as Dakshinamurthy Temple, which is managed by the Indian Army. The temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is very beautiful due to its design, concept, and geodesic design covered with aluminum sheets. The specialty of the temple is that this temple has incorporated the sacred symbols of every religion, due to which the temple is considered a symbol of secularism. Let us tell you, the Kalash placed on the top is a symbol of Hinduism. The dome is a symbol of Islam. The tower represents Christianity. The golden structure on top of the minaret expresses Buddhism. The structure of the entrance reflects Jainism.

Surya Mandir
You must have seen Surya Mandir in many places in India, one of them is Vadodara's Surya Mandir. Surya Mandir is located in Borsad city of Gujarat, which is mainly dedicated to Sun God. Borsad's Surya Mandir is very popular. People believe that visiting the temple cures even the biggest diseases. Therefore, people from all over the world visit the Surya Mandir with enthusiasm. The history behind this temple is quite vague, in which it is said that the Surya Mandir was built on the orders of God himself.

Jarwani Waterfall
Situated far away from the crowded area of ​​Vadodara city, this waterfall attracts people not only from Vadodara and Gujarat but also from other areas of India. This waterfall is very important for tourists who are fond of photography and nature. People also come from far and wide to trek and picnic near this waterfall. The natural beauty, calm atmosphere, and views here will take away all your tension for a few moments.

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