Location: Along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg about 3 kilometers away from the Vadodara Railway Station
The Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara located along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg about 3 kilometers away from the Vadodara Railway Station is an ostentatious edifice built under the patronage of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 AD at the expense of GBP 180,000. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architectural order, this flamboyant building was fabricated by a genius architect Major Charles Mant. Four times bigger than the Buckingham Palace in its size, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is honored to be the largest private residential structure ever erected in the history of humankind. Boasting of its then modern amenities like elevators, the interiors of this palace would remind us of a huge European country house.
The palace is particularly commended for its glamorous Durbar Hall ornamented with the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgium stained glass windows and baroque mosaic decorations. This resplendent hall now hosts various music concerts and other cultural events. The palace houses an extraordinary collection of old weapons and innumerable sculptures made in marble, terracotta and bronze. The Laxmi Vilas Palace Compound covering an extensive area of 700 acres also accommodates numerous other buildings including the Moti Baug Palace, the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, a small zoo and a golf course. Presently the Royal Family of Vadodara dwells in the Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Tourists can pay a visit to this precious testimony of Vadodara’s prosperous antiquity from 11 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. An informative audio tour is also made available here for the convenience of the visitors.

Location: On the Panigate Road in the Chhipwad area of the city
Nazarbaug Palace, located on the Panigate Road in the Chhipwad area of the city is the royal alcazar of Vadodara built in the year 1721 under the benefaction of Maharaja Malhar Rao Gaekwad. Designed in the old classical architectural style and built in white-stucco, this mansion served as the repository of the ornaments, jewels and other treasure of the Gaekwad royal family. The palace stores guns made of solid gold and silver, each of the barrels weighing more than 100 kg. In 1927 the treasure stored in the palace was supposed to be worth $10,000,000. The most noteworthy capital of this storehouse is a diamond necklace bedecked with the valuable ‘Star of the South’ diamond weighing about 125 carats. Another remarkable component of this compilation is a cloth bejeweled with the embroidery of priceless stones and seed pearls. This cloth was originally prepared to be offered at the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed. Other astonishing attractions of the Nazarbaug Palace include the Sheesh Mahal (glass palace), royal heirlooms, artworks of old masters like Raphael, Murillo and Titian, Indian paintings, Chinese and Japanese art objects, Graeco-Roman exhibits and so on. Nazarbaug Palace was mainly used by the Gaekwad family for special ceremonial occasions only. This palace can be visited from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Location: In the southern section of the Vadodara city near GIDC
The Makarpura Palace of Vadodara located in the southern section of the Vadodara city near GIDC is a monarchical manor of Gaekwad royalty patronized by Maharaja Khende Rao in the year 1870. Designed in the Italian Renaissance Style by Robert Fellowes Chisholm, this regal villa was supposed to be used as a country house during summer. Even though, most of the times the Gaekwad Royal Family sought refuge in the Nilgiris in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Makarpura Palace was refurbished and extended by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This three storey edifice of the Makarpura Palace embellished with semi circular arches and adorned with a central arcade connecting various wings of the building is bedecked with an English styled formal garden at the front. This majestic chateau of Vadodara is now used by the Indian Air Force as a training school entitled No. 17 Tetra School.

Location: Sited close to the Vishwamitri Bridge to the north of Maharaja Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad’s statue
The Kirti Mandir of Vadodara which literally means ‘the temple of fame’ is the cenotaph built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1936 in the fond memory of his ancestors. Erected as a part of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s reign in Baroda State, the Kirti Mandir; highly praised for its serene and soothing ambience is sited close to the Vishwamitri Bridge to the north of Maharaja Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad’s statue. Designed by a prominent French Architect Dea Huan and acclaimed amongst the exceptional structures in the sphere of civil engineering, the Kirti Mandir constructed at the cost of nearly 1,00,000 rupees occupies the total area of about 8 acres.
Built in the shape of an English alphabet ‘E’ and festooned with balconies, terraces and domes, the 33 meters tall central ‘Shikhara’ of this stone building is gilded with the bronze motifs of the sun, the moon, the earth and the map of undivided India. Raised with an aim of perpetuating the revered memory of glorious Gaekwad forefathers, the Kirti Mandir has been the resting place of the mortal remains of the family members of Gaekwad royal family, the latest being Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad who was cremated here about 30 years ago. In the various rooms of the Kirti Mandir the statuettes and the photographs of the Gaekwad royalty are displayed. Moreover, a huge picture gallery set up in the building exhibits over 34 impressive murals created by a well known Bengali artist Nandalal Bose.
Some of the noteworthy wall paintings of this menagerie include the great war of the Mahabharata, Gangavataran, Life of Meera, Natir Pooja, former social celebrations and some of the Gaekwad rulers etc. Apart from that, Kirti Mandir also preserves old coins, weapons, clothes, and other daily use articles used by erstwhile Gaekwad Kings. For example the school bag and the black slate that were used by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad as a child can be seen here. An additional allure of the Kirti Mandir of Vadodara is its breathtaking Rangoli competitions and exhibitions held here during the Diwali festival. Kirti Mandir can be visited from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. No entry fee is charged here.

Location: Close to the famous Sur Sagar Lake of Vadodara along the MG Road in Babajipura area of the cityr
The term ‘Nyay Mandir’ literally means, ‘the temple of justice’. Designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm; an English architect from Madras, the Nyay Mandir of Vadodara is an extraordinary specimen of Byzantine architecture existing in India. Situated close to the famous Sur Sagar Lake of Vadodara along the MG Road in Babajipura area of the city, the Nyay Mandir today houses the District Court of the Vadodara District. The most distinct architectural magnetism of the Nyay Mandir is its grand central hall festooned with mosaic tiles. Moreover, the central hall is also acclaimed for the eloquent statue of Chimnabai; the first better half of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III it houses. Constructed in the year 1896 this ancient edifice boasts of its glorious history of more than 100 years. Located just 3.5 km from the Vadodara Junction Railway Station, the Nyay Mandir beckons myriads of tourists due to its architectural and structural splendor and its historical magnitude.

Location: In the Surya Narayan Baug
The Surya Mandir of Vadodara to be found in the Surya Narayan Baug happens to be the oldest temple existing in the city. Dedicated to Lord Surya i.e. the Lord Sun, this legendary temple is greatly frequented by locals and tourists all round the year.

Location: Close to the Sur Sagar Lake at the crossroads
The Mandvi Gate of Vadodara positioned close to the Sur Sagar Lake at the crossroads where the four avenues of the city; MG Road, Panigate Road, Hathikhana Main Road and Gendi Gate Road intersect is one of the most prominent historical and architectural landmarks of this classical metropolitan. Often reckoned as the ‘North Gate’ of the Royal Fortification of Vadodara, the Mandvi Gate is believed to have been built under the patronage of a Mughal ruler Sultan Muzaffar in 16th century AD. This square-shaped pavilion crowned with a three tired square dome features three lofty archways on each of its four sides. This archaic edifice of Mughal era was later renovated by Malhar Rao Maloji; a Governor in the Damaji Rao II’s court in the year 1736 AD. Assumed to be furnishing as a market place in past, this impressive structure yields an eye catching spectacle when it is illuminated with thousands of colorful lights on special occasions like the Independence Day, other festivals and cultural events organized in the city. The Central Library of Vadodara inherited by the Gaekwads and housing over 300,000 books at present is also situated in the neighborhood of the Mandvi Gate.

Location: Quite close to the Nyay Mandir Gate along the MG Road
The Lehripura Gate of Vadodara located quite close to the Nyay Mandir Gate along the MG Road is an imperial archway serving as the western gateway to the old Vadodara city. Erected in the year 1558, this majestic configuration featuring three magnificent arches and towered with four dainty minarets creates a resplendent prospect. Additionally bedecked with a series of three arched balconies forming a connected terrace, the white painted Lehripura Gate grants an arresting vista at nights when it is illuminated with bright yellow lights. Presently the area adjoining the Lehripura Gate serves as the ever bustling marketplace that is noted for the traditional Gujarati and Marwari handicrafts and artifacts sold here.

Location: In the Raopura area of the city
The Raopura Tower of Vadodara situated in the Raopura area of the city is an aerial five storied clock tower studded with four clocks on its four sides. Constructed in the year 1896 from the money donated by the citizens of Baroda, this tower designed in the Indo-Saracenic order of architecture was dedicated to the revered memory of Maharani Chimnabai; the first wife of Maharaja Sayaji Rao. Earlier comprising the central portion of the old Baroda fort, this clock tower of Raopura is also reckoned by the title; ‘the Chimnabai Tower’. The four stories of the minaret are painted in red while the topmost storey crowned by a circular dome topped with a sharp spire is adorned with yellow and gray colors. An epitome of the past grandeur of Gaekwad ascendancy in Vadodara and the veneration that they received from their subjects, the Chimnabai Tower of Raopura is indeed an eminent tourist destination of this historical conurbation.

Location: Right in front of the entrance of Sayaji Baug Garden in Pratapgunj area
The term ‘Kala Ghoda’ literally means ‘the black horse’. The Kala Ghoda of Vadodara refers to the magnanimous life-sized black statue of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III haughtily riding his horse. Positioned right in front of the entrance of Sayaji Baug Garden (also known as Kamatibaug) in Pratapgunj area, the popular Kala Ghoda statue erected atop a tall white platform is made from pure bronze. Constructed and installed by the admirers of the king in the year 1907 commemorating his silver jubilee celebration, the Kala Ghoda statue was designed and engineered by a genius English artist F. Derewett Wood. Today commended as one of the salient landmarks of the city, the Kala Ghoda effigy has earned profound exaltation and prestige far and wide. Tourists make it a point to click photos with the awe inspiring figurine of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III valiantly seated on the back of the Kala Ghoda. Owing to its increasing fame and esteem amongst the people, even the circle and the neighboring areas of the Sayaji Baug are also known just as ‘Kala Ghoda’.

Location: In the Dandia Bazar area of the Vadodara Cityx
Shri Aurobindo Ghosh, also known as ‘Shri Aurobindo’ was a preeminent social-political thinker, philosopher, mystic, yogi, a freedom fighter, nationalist and a poet of India who had earned an international eminence in the fields of philosophy and poetry. He resided at Baroda from 1894 to 1906 and served as the private secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. He also offered his services as a Professor of English and a Vice Principal at the Baroda College during that period of time. The house of Shri Aurobindo now turned into an Ashram and popularly known as the ‘Aurobindo Society’ is located in the Dandia Bazar area of the Vadodara City. Accredited with the rank of a ‘National Memorial’ the Aurobindo Ashram of Vadodara houses the relics of Shri Aurobindo.
Divided into several sections including a library, a study room, a museum, a sales emporium and so on, this ashram is open for all where one can learn Yoga and meditation. Enclosed by an impressively landscaped and finely manicured garden, the Aurobindo Ashram of Vadodara is a perfect milieu to spend some peaceful time in solace and contemplation. The museum set up here grants a lot of information about the life and deeds of Shri Aurobindo. A noteworthy fact is that a number of outstanding personalities from Indian history such as Lokmanya Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bhagini Nivedita, Sakharam Ganesh Dueskar, the family members of Shri Aurobindo and numerous saints and Yogis were frequent visitors of Shri Aurobindo Ashram of Vadodara. Tourists can pay a visit to the Ashram from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Location: In the cantonment area near Fatehgunj
The EME Temple of Vadodara often referred to as the Dakshinamurty Temple is a unique place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a supreme teacher. Established by EME (Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) Jawans and run by the Authorities of the Indian Army, this temple peculiar in its concept as well as architectural design is located in the cantonment area near Fatehgunj. Roofed with aluminum sheets and caped with a huge circular cupola, the EME temple has turned out to be one of the chief attractions of Vadodara where both tourists and devotees are spotted in great numbers in all the seasons. A worth mentioning feature of the temple is that apart from its presiding deity Lord Shiva, the temple also enshrines spiritual symbols of other religions so that the Jawans of all the religious faiths can pray here. EME has also developed a cultural centre at this place. This exceptional sample of army architecture, the EME Temple is also celebrated for its wealthy compilation of 106 ancient statues dating back to 6th to 16th centuries AD. These statues marvelously placed along the walkways look exceedingly gorgeous when illuminated at night. The stunningly set up garden further adds to the charisma of the ambience. A visit to Vadodara can never be complete without visiting the EME Temple of Vadodara. It is to be noted that photography is strictly prohibited in the temple. The EME Temple can be visited from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Location:
The term ‘Maqbara’ means a commemorative plaque where the mortal remains of a person lay buried. The Hazira Maqbara of Vadodara is a catacomb built in the honor of Qutbuddin Muhammad Khan and his son Naurang Khan who served as the generals and administrators of the Gujarat Subah during the governance of the great Mughal sovereign; Emperor Akbar. Built around 1586 AD, this mausoleum happens to be the oldest Mughal monument existing in Vadodara. Beautifully ornamented with the intricately carved stone windows and Jali screens, the Hazira Maqbara is a distinguished monument of the city hailed for its historical as well as architectural significance. An additional attraction of this place is an old step well situated in the vicinity of the Maqbara.

Location: Right in the heart of the city at the intersection of Pratap Road and MG Road
The Sursagar Lake or ‘Sursagar Talao’ of Vadodara located right in the heart of the city at the intersection of Pratap Road and MG Road is an artificial lake highly sought after by the local citizens as well as the tourists as a favorite hangout destination. Earlier identified by the name ‘Chandan Talao’, this water reservoir was revamped in 18th AD century during the Gaekwad supremacy. Remodeled using stone and masonry word this lake remains completely filled with water all twelve months of the year. A number of underground openings have been constructed here so as to be able to empty the lake if it overflows during the monsoon. At the time of such situations the excessive water of the lake is emptied into the Vishwamitri River through those underground channels.
Presently the Sursagar Lake of Vadodara serves as a leading picnic stop and a much admired recreational center of the city. Particularly in the evening the concrete barricade surrounding the lake can be seen cram packed with people sitting on the wall and relishing the evenings. Recently, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation has constructed a 120 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva in standing position which is installed right in the center of the lake. Tourists can also enjoy boating in the Sursagar Lake now. The lake looks tremendously enthralling on the moonlit nights as well as on weekends when the lake and the surrounding area is illuminated with innumerable electric lights between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. During the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival thousands of the idols of Lord Ganesh are immersed into the waters of the Sursagar Lake.

Location: Close to the famous Kala Ghoda statue on the banks of the river Vishwamitri
The Sayaji Baug of Vadodara also renowned as the ‘Kamati Baug’ is a garden built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III in 1879 AD for his subjects; the citizens of Baroda State. Nestled close to the famous Kala Ghoda statue on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, the Sayaji Baug garden sprawling over an extensive area of 113 acres happens to be the largest garden of Western India. Affluent with over 98 species of trees and plants, the Sayaji Baug is a home to the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, the Sardar Patel Planetarium, and the Sayaji Baug Zoo. The Baroda Museum built in the year 1894 and fashioned after the Victoria & Albert Museum of London conserves a wide assortment of objects related to art, sculpture, ethnology and ethnography. The picture gallery of Vadodara exhibits miscellaneous works of art from India and abroad.
The great works of British painters namely John Constable & J. M. W. Turner, Tibetan art, Akota bronzed dated back to 5th century AD and a huge collection of Mughal miniature paintings can be witnessed here. The Sardar Patel Planetarium organizes daily shows that offer insight into the mechanism of space. The Sayaji Baug is also well-known for its toy train that takes kids below 12 years on a ride around the entire garden. The Sayaji Baug Zoo established in 1879 AD on the banks of the Vishwamitri River houses over 167 types of 1103 animals, the Asiatic Lion being the most noteworthy amongst them. In 1962 an aquarium was added to the Sayaji Baug Zoo which exhibits over 45 species of fish. Other notable attractions of the Sayaji Baug include the floral clock, the band stand, fascinating fountains and brilliantly laid down verdant garden.

Location: At the distance of about 22 kilometers from the city
The Sayaji Sarovar of Vadodara, also known by the name ‘Ajwa Lake’ is a water reservoir formed by damming the river Surya and Vaghali Nala. Built under the patronage of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III between 1885 and 1890 AD, this lake was designed by Shri Jagannath Sadashiv. Stationed at the distance of about 22 kilometers from the city, the Sayaji Sarovar functions as the prime water source for the residents of Vadodara. Expanded over the total area of 190 square km, the Sayaji Sarovar measures 5 km in its length and bears the capacity of storing water to the height of 212 feet. An angelic garden is landscaped adjacent this dam that is fashioned after the world famous Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. The foremost magnetism of this garden is its illuminated dancing fountains those spring and bounce to the tunes of popular Bollywood songs. The fountains mainly operate on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and other holidays. An Additional appeal of the Ajwa Nimeta Garden that beckons myriads of tourists from every corner of Gujarat is its Ajwa Nimeta resort and water park. People can enjoy a full day of fun here. Moreover, boating facilities are also made available at the Sayaji Sarovar.

Location: In Old Lakkad Pitha in the Babajipura area
The Khanderao Market of Vadodara located in Old Lakkad Pitha in the Babajipura area is a magnificent edifice erected by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1906 as a part of the Silver Jubilee celebration of his governance in Baroda State. Christened after one of his ancestors Maharaja Khande Rao Gaekwad who held the reigns from 1856 to 1870 AD, the Khanderao Market was a gift to the Baroda State Municipality from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Adorned with a pair of staggering spires and a series of ornamental colonnades embellishing the balconies, the imposing structure of Khanderao Market is truly an embodiment of royal prosperity and architectural grandeur achieved during yesteryears. At present the Khanderao Market of Vadodara houses the governmental offices of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. Apart from that, the market is also celebrated for selling retail and wholesale vegetables & flower.

Location: In the Sayajigunj area of the city, the MS University is just 1 km away from the Vadodara Railway Station.
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, commonly known by its abbreviation ‘MS University’ or just ‘MSU’ is one of the leading universities of the state of Gujarat. Originally established as the Baroda College of Science in 1881 AD and later upgraded to the status of a university in 1949, it was renamed as MS University after the Independence in the honor of its great patron and benefactor; Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Affiliated to the UGC, this university is a teaching and residential university and also the only university in Gujarat where all the courses are taught in English medium. MS University was ranked 10th by India Toady and 6th by Hindustan Times amongst the top ten universities of India. The structure of the university revealing the Indo-Saracenic order of architecture presents an outstanding fusion of Indian and Byzantine styled arches. The ponderous dome of the university crowing the convocation hall is built in brick and polychrome stone and is fashioned after the great dome of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur. The MS University of Baroda has a number of faculties such as Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Arts, Journalism and Communication, Education and Psychology, Law, Family and Community Science, Management Studies, Social Work, Technology & Engineering, Medicine, Commerce, Science, and so on under which various departments function. Located in the Sayajigunj area of the city, the MS University is just 1 km away from the Vadodara Railway Station.

Location: Within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara
The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum housed within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara is a highly applauded menagerie of the city where the works of art collected by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III during his frequent trips to various foreign countries and other art objects as well as the relics of the Gaekwad royals are preserved. The building that accommodates the museum today was originally constructed as a school for the children of the royal family of the Baroda State. In the present day, a large number of works of art owned by the Gaekwad Royal Family are displayed here. The most important works of art demonstrated in this museum include the paintings by the legendary Indian and European artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Raphael, Titian, Murillo and Indian and Western miniature paintings. This collection comprises of several portraits of the family members of the Gaekwad Dynasty, the Hindu mythological paintings by Raja Ravi Varma; the great Indian painter of the global renown, and other paintings by western artists. The museum is also noted for its collection of marble and bronze sculptures, both original and copies commissioned by the Maharaja. Works of an Italian artist Fellicci adorn the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, the rest of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and the Sayaji Garden. Moreover, a gallery containing the Japanese and Chinese sculptures and Indian and Graeco-Roman artifacts collected by the Maharaja is also a worth visiting place. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is open for the public from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm and it is closed on Mondays and the government holidays.

Location: Within the premises of the illustrious Sayaji Baug
The Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery located within the premises of the illustrious Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug) was originally established as a museum by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1887. The present day architecture of the museum modeled after the Victoria & Albert Museum of London was designed by Major Mant and R.F. Chisholm and the construction work reached completion in the year 1894. Representing the fine pattern of the Indo-Saracenic order of architecture, this museum is noted for its rich compilation of art, sculptures, ethnology and ethnography. Some of the most remarkable attractions showcased in the Baroda Museum are the Egyptian mummy, a huge skeleton of a blue whale, the well-known Akota bronzes dated back to 5th century AD, an album of Mughal miniatures, Tibetan works of art, a Persian version of Mahabharata custom-made by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, the 11th century Natraj sculpture and so on. The Picture Gallery was added to the museum in 1914 AD and it was opened to the public in 1921 AD. This picture gallery flaunts oil paintings created by several eminent European masters including the British painters namely J. M. W. Turner and John Constable, the 109 miniature paintings of the Mughal era and so on. Affluent with the precious and impressive collection of the souvenirs of antiquity and the magnum opuses of art and artistry, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery summons thousands of tourists from every corner of the country and globe all round the year.

Location: Set up around the Lakshmi Villas Palace of Vadodara
Originally established by Maharaja Pratapsinh in 1930s for the entertainment of his European Guests and later renovated by his grandson Samarjitsinh in the 1990s, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club set up around the Lakshmi Villas Palace of Vadodara is one of the premier clubs of Gujarat and the only private golf course of the state. This historical golf course and sports club covering an all-embracing area of 700 acres happens to be the only golf course in India put up around a Palace. Not only that, it is most likely the only golf course of its kind in the entire world where every single golf hole offers a different panoramic angle of the ostentatious Lakshmi Villas Palace. Categorized amongst the top 100 elite clubs of the country, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club designed and developed by Ranjit Nanda and Associates was further expanded in the year 2004.
Other than the golf course, this extraordinary historical and heritage property also accommodates a 10,000 sq. ft. swimming pool, tennis courts, badminton courts, riding track, Gym, Pro Shop, Conference Rooms and the celebrated Motibaug Cricket Ground within its periphery. The charismatic verdure of the golf course and the astonishing old structures, huge tamarind & neem trees and freely moving about peacocks & monkeys further augment the allure and the stature of the surroundings. The club house of the state is now located in the Motibaug Palace. Being a member of this prestigious club is believed to be extremely reputable and the membership process of the club is quite complex and protracted. Tourists can pay a visit to the golf club after obtaining prior permissions.

Location: Close to the Jubilee Baug
The Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Gruh situated close to the Jubilee Baug is the enormous auditorium of Vadodara which now functions as the town hall of the city. Established in the year 1954, this fully air-conditioned town hall enjoys the capacity of accommodating thousands of people at a time. Equipped with three dressing rooms, the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Gruh is used for various cultural functions organized in Vadodara. Christened after the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi, the town hall is bedecked with a black effigy of Gandhiji in standing posture installed in its compound.

Location: In the proximity with the main gate of the Sayaji Baug Garden
The Sardar Patel Planetarium lodged within a huge air-conditioned building positioned in the proximity with the main gate of the Sayaji Baug Garden is a planetarium where several audiovisual programs on space are regularly conducted. Christened after the iron man of India; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this planetarium operates six days a week (Friday to Wednesday) and daily organizes three shows in different languages i.e. Gujarati, Hindi and English. Special shows are also arranged for the educational institutions on request. The audiovisual demonstrations performed at the planetarium cover various topics related to the space science including the motions of the celestial bodies like the stars and planets, Earth’s planetary system, the course of India’s great progress in space programs and so on.
A most modern digital telescope has been added to the planetarium recently which has rendered the study of the planets, the moon, comets, stars, natural and man made satellites and so on quite easy and effective. Moreover, with the help of this telescope one can also spot the deep sky objects, solar flares, sun spots and other events associated with the sun. The planetarium holds the capacity of accommodating about 200 people at a time. The entry fee that is charged here costs just Rs 5 for general public, Rs 3 for the students and free entry for the students of the Municipal schools and the kids below 12 years of age. The timings of the audiovisual shows organized at the planetarium are 4:00 pm for Gujarati show, 5:00 pm for English show and 6:00 pm for Hindi show. A special show is organized at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm during the vacations.

Location: On the banks of the river Orsang at the distance of about 50 kilometers from the Vadodara city
Sankheda, a small town of Vadodara District nested on the banks of the river Orsang at the distance of about 50 kilometers from the Vadodara city has made its mark on the global front for its lacquer work. Sankheda is a unique category of furniture exclusive to the Sankheda town where the furniture made from wood is painted with dark brown or black polish and is decorated with a particular type of lattice work using shiny golden, red or orange lacquer colors. This highly exalted handcrafted furniture made from teak wood and ornamented with lacquer work is exported all over the world from Sankheda. The Kharadi community residing here for centuries makes the Sankheda furniture and they have successfully preserved and further developed their traditional art form of lacquered woodwork. Receiving its name from its geographical location, the Sankheda furniture truly adds to the majestic glory of your house. At the Sankheda village one can watch the artisans at work and also buy the Sankheda products at quite reasonable prices.

Location: At the distance of about 49 kilometers from Vadodara city in the Panchmahal District
Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park, located at the distance of about 49 kilometers from Vadodara city in the Panchmahal District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where one can witness a large assemblage of unexcavated historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage assets. Snuggled amidst a splendid landscape where several prehistoric sites, a hill fortification of a primeval Hindu capital, the remnants of a 16th century capital of the state of Gujarat, innumerable residues, ramparts, palaces, temples, dwelling quarters, agricultural structures, water tanks, channels, fragments of medieval military architecture and so on dating back to the period between 8th and 14th century AD can be seen. Sprawling over a widespread area of more than 6 sq km, the Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park also comprises the sacred hill of Pavagadh where the revered Kalikamata Temple is perched at its top while the ruins of the medieval capital city ‘Champaner’ of Muhammed Begada lay at its bottom. The magnificent reddish-yellow Pavagadh hill is distinguished for some of the oldest rock formations found here. From the pinnacle of this hill which rises to the elevation of 822 meters above the sea level one can capture the arresting vistas of undulating landscape canopied with thick Champaner woods.

Location: About 55 kilometers away from Vadodara
Pavagadh, a hill station and a leading pilgrim destination in the Panchmahal District is placed about 55 kilometers away from Vadodara. Known far and wide for its illustrious temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali; the fierce incarnation of Goddess Durga, the Pavagadh Temple draws thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the mother Goddess all round the year. The temple of Goddess Mahakali is sited at the elevation of about 822 meters above the sea level and to reach the temple you can either undertake the steep trek up the temple or use the rope-way facility (Maa Mahakalika Udan Khotala) made available here. Climbing the steps on your foot will take more than an hour whereas the ropeway will reach you to the temple just in less than 10 minutes. The road that leads to the Mahakali Temple of Pavagadh situated in the midst of the dense woodland covering the cliffs is exceptionally scenic which wears the verdant velvety coat during the period of monsoon. As the legend goes, when Lord Shiva was carrying the half burnt body of Sati to Kailasa from the Daksh Yagna, the right toe of the Goddess Sati had fallen at Pavagadh. Therefore, the Mahakali Temple of Pavagadh is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths scattered across India. The temple complex of the Mahakali Maa Temple is divided into two sections. The ground floor of the temple enshrines the idol of the Goddess Mahakali while the upper part of the temple enshrines a sacred Mazar of a Peer highly venerated by the Muslims. It is believed that the Goddess Mahakali fulfils the wishes of her ardent devotees and so the temple is cram packed with the devotees particularly on the occasion of the Navaratri Festival.

Location: In the Bharuch District in the state of Gujarat
The Kadia Dungar Caves, located in the Bharuch District in the state of Gujarat are a cluster of seven rock cut caves dated back to 1st and 2nd century AD. The formation and the architectural style of these caves suggest that they were Buddhist Viharas. Other than the caves, the Kadia Dungar is also famed for its monolithic lion pillars and a brick Stupa discovered at the footings of the hill.

Location: On the right banks of the river Vishwamitri
The city Vadodara finds its origin from an ancient settlement named Ankottaka situated on the right banks of the river Vishwamitri. Currently recognized by the name Akota, Ankottaka used to be a thriving center of Jainism in 5th and 6th century AD. The present day Akota happens to be one of the oldest suburbs and an urban province of the ever expanding Western Vadodara. Akota has now burgeoned into a far flung residential area bequeathed with grand shopping malls and some of the best hotels in the state of Gujarat. Several Akota bronze images are still preserved in the Vadodara Museum.

Location: Adjacent the Khanderao Market of Vadodara
Tambekarwadi, a capacious four-storey mansion positioned adjacent the Khanderao Market of Vadodara and constructed in a parallelogram fashion formerly served as the residence of Bhau Tambekar; the Diwan (the administrative minister) of the Baroda State. Apart from its historical value, the building is predominantly aggrandized for its incomparable specimens of the mural paintings dating back to 17th and 18th century AD. These supreme murals adorn the walls, doors and ceilings of the first and the second floor of this ancient villa. The wall paintings dated back to the first half of the 19th century depict the epic scenes representing the life of the people back then. Most of these murals were restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and the chemical treatments of these paintings are still attended by the ASI on the regular basis. Tourists can pay a visit to the Tambekarwadi from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday.