What are the best places under a 100 km area near Vadodara?
What are the best places under a 100 km area near Vadodara?
Summers are usually hot in and around Vadodara, not an ideal time to go outdoors with family. Having said that, there are a few interesting places which I have broken down as per their distance from the city center:
What are the best places under a 100 km area near Vadodara?
Pavagadh and Saat Kamaan: A sacred site dedicated to the worship of goddess Kalika. It is located on a hill which is easily accessible by road. Once you reach the parking, you have an option to take either the ropeway or the steps to reach the main temple. Before you reach the parking, you will come across Saat Kamaan which is a popular sunrise spot. Make sure you reach there just before sunrise to experience the beauty of the sunrise and the view from the top.
Champaner: Located at the base of the Pavaghd hill is Champaner - a UNESCO world heritage site. There are 11 different structures in the heritage site consisting of mosques, step wells, tombs, temples, terraces, and walls. You can check out more about this architectural masterpiece here
Kabirvad: This Banyan Grove is spread over an area of 3 sq.km. and hold tremendous religious significance. It is approx. 65 km away from the city on the banks of river Narmada. You can enjoy a sumptuous picnic breakfast under the canopy of the humongous spread of Banyan trees. Again, make sure you reach there in the wee hours of the morning.
Jambughoda forests: Situated at a distance of approx. 75 km from the city, the Jambughoda forest promises a range of dry deciduous trees, a waterfall and a hanuman temple. The waterfall known as Hathini falls is approx. 100m in height and is a popular tourist attraction in the monsoon. Jambughoda is a monsoon destination as summers can be dry and hot in the forest. Make sure you check with the locals before visiting here in the summer.
Places within the Vadodara City
1. Laxmi Villas Palace
Laxmi Villas Palace, the royal home of Gaekwads, is the largest private abode built till now and it has a size equivalent to the four times of the Buckingham Palace. It is a unique mixture of both Eastern and western type of architecture. You can immerse yourself in the art and architecture of the palace and explore its splendid history.
2. Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park
This marvellous archaeological park, located in the heart of the city, Champaner, amidst the Pavagadh Hills is included in the list of the best world heritage sites across the globe. It consists of innumerable splendid architectural wonders of both Hindu and Islamic style. It is believed that the Hill of Pavagadh is the chunk of Himalayas carried by Hanuman to Lanka in the Ramayana epic. Due to its rich history it is the one of the most fascinating places to visit in Vadodara.
3. Sayaji Gardens
With 45 hectares of land, it is the largest garden in the western region of India. There are plenty of things which add to its rich flora and fauna like museums, planetarium, zoo, toy train for children and a flower clock. You can find more than 99 plant species here! One of the major attractions include the skeleton of the gigantic blue whale. The Sardar Patel Planetarium offers daily public shows and as well as special educational shows for the universities. At Sayaji Baug Zoo, you will find 167 types of animals. It is a best place to explore the flora and fauna of Vadodara.
4. EME Temple
It is quite a modern looking temple with the idol of the main deity facing towards south. It is a place of absolute harmony and the lush green garden surrounding the temple makes it a truly peaceful and holistic place to visit. The most unique part of this temple is that it incorporates the holy symbols of each and every religion in its structure. Visit this place if you want to experience peace and harmony.
5. Surya Mandir
It is situated in the town of Borsad in Anand, Gujarat, primarily dedicated to the Sun God. People visit this place to obtain the divine grace of Sun God and also to relieve themselves from the ailments which cause them unhappiness. Hence people from all over the world visit this place enthusiastically. For visitors, the institution also provides dinner and the residence facilities.
6. Nazarbaug Palace
Located near Mandvi Gate, it is considered as the oldest palace of Vadodara. It was a home to the Jewels of Gaekwad family and the collection of jewellery was believed to be worth $10,000,000. The unique feature of the palace was the Shish Mahal which was constructed from glass. However the glory of the palace is now lost but still its ruins can transport you back to the history.
7. Aurobindo Ashram
It is the first ever ashram which gained immense popularity and respect in the southern areas of the state. Located at Dandia Bazar, it consists of 23 rooms and you will find all the rare books written by or about Aurobindo Ghosh, to whom the ashram is dedicated. To experience peace and harmony the ashram consists of meditation halls within the campus which is appreciated by many visitors.
8. Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery
At Vadodara museum you can gain knowledge regarding wide variety of fields from archaeology to geology. Most spectacular relics include 109 miniature paintings of Mughal times, a Persian version of Mahabharata specially commissioned by Akbar and the 11th century Shiva Natraj. It is the best place to explore the ancient history and culture of Vadodara.
9. Kirti Mandir
Widely known as the Temple of Flame, this monument was built to commemorate the cremation of the Gaekwad family members. It is 33m high, decorated with the sun, moon and the earth ornaments and inside the rooms you will find the photographs of the Gaekwad family.
10. Kadia Dunger Caves
These caves reflect the ancient Buddhist Culture. The famous monuments of this place include monolithic lion pillars, brick stupa on the stone at the foothills. These caves have religious vibes which attract the visitors.
Hope this information was useful.
You can visit the Baroda Museum in the garden compound which preserves a rich collection of arts, sculptures, and other artifacts. The major attractions here are the baby blue whale skeleton and the Egyptian mummy. If interested in wildlife, visit the Baroda zoo as well which is nearby.
Summers are usually hot in the city, so kindly exercise caution before heading out to any open space especially in the afternoon. It usually gets pleasant after sunset after which you can just head out for a walk and grab an ice-cream at one of the thousand ice cream parlors which the city boasts of.
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