Tuesday, January 23. 2007
Vadodara (Baroda), Gujarat, India
Overview:
Formerly known as Baroda, this is one place whose rulers' pride in leaving behind a legacy is evident everywhere - from its priceless examples of culture to the beautiful palaces and the thriving art and handicrafts that the state is famous for. Once the stronghold of the Gaekwads, Vadodara remains, even today, the cultural capitlal of Gujarat.
From food to music, paintings and museums to historic monuments, Vadodara has quite a range to offer the visitor. As for its history, Vadodara seems to have two favourite sons - Anshuman Gaekwad and Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, who had more than a hand in giving the city its epithet of a cultural capital. The latter's presence is everywhere - from the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was his home to the number of art galleries and museums that continue to preserve his memory. It is said that Faiyaz Khan of the celebrated Agra Gharana sang for him, while Raja Ravi Verma, the renowned painter created memorable pictures and portraits of the Maharaja's family.
There is of course more than just a history lesson to enjoy in Vadodara. Gujarati cuisine with its myriad flavours enjoys favour with the local and tourist alike. And then there are the unbeatable dances of the state that Vadodara celebrates just like the rest of Gujarat - all in all, when you plan a trip to this cultural capital, you will be guaranteed a great time.
Population: About 1,306,035
Climate: Unless heat is something you absolutely need, summer may be skippable when temperatures can smoulder at 44°C.Winters are a much better bet, being pleasant at 31°C. Monsoons are moderate and last from mid-June to mid-September.
Main Language(s): Gujarati, Hindi and English
Time Zone: GMT + 05:30
Phone Area Code: 0265
Best Time To Visit: You could plan a trip here the year around but the cooler months from October to March are the best.
Airport Distance from City Center: 10 kms
Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Private taxis available for a flat rate of Rs. 250 for non-A/C and Rs. 350 for A/C within octroi limit.
Places To Visit
Laxmi Vilas Palace
The royal residence of the royal family is royally splendid. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1878 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace was completed in 1890. There are extensive collections of sculptures, both bronze and marble, as well as old armour that stir interest. The Fatehsingh Rao Museum on the grounds houses old paintings and other pieces of art and is a definite must see. Also make time and visit the nearby Naulakhi Well, which is called a baoli or a step-well.
Baroda Museum
Things from times gone by are what museums are normally about and this one is no different. Built in 1894, the Baroda Museum has an extensive art collection including several works by reputed British and European artists. To mention a few of the other attractions would be unfair to all that is in display but to give you a little idea, an Egyptian mummy, a skeleton of a blue whale, elegant Akota bronzes from the 5th century AD, Mughal miniatures and a gallery of Tibetan Art is what you can expect to enjoy here.
Nyaya Mandir
Try and visit the Nyaya Mandir or the Temple of Justice over the weekend. This is because the place still stands true to its name and is even today used to house justice in the form of the Baroda District Court. A classic and splendid example of Byzantine architecture, this medieval structure imposes upon you, both its proportion and style, demanding and getting the attention it deserves.
The Aurobindo Society
Dedicated to the revered Shri Aurobindo, the Society contains memorabilia related to his life and work. Meditation halls within here are open to the public, so you might want to sit down for a few minutes and say hello to your inner self. Also check out the library, which has an interesting collection to delve into as also the sales emporium to pick up some books on Shri Aurobindo and his work.
Sayajibaug and Sardar Patel Planetarium
Built by Sayajirao III in 1879, this park is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri. Spanning 113 acres, this park has a few attractions for everyone, whether child or adult. The toy train is an obvious must for the former. The expanse of green is one obvious attraction but there are others in the form of a zoo, the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium.
Nazarbaug Palace
This is the place to be if art interests you and even if this has not been on your list of enjoyments, the Palace is as good a place as any to start taking an interest in the fascinating world on canvas. The Palace houses the royal art collection and showcases the works of masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. There is also other art that is classifiable under nomenclatures like modern western, Indian paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art. Also take in the extensive collection of contemporary Indian art, which keeps the flags of painters of the past alive.
Formerly known as Baroda, this is one place whose rulers' pride in leaving behind a legacy is evident everywhere - from its priceless examples of culture to the beautiful palaces and the thriving art and handicrafts that the state is famous for. Once the stronghold of the Gaekwads, Vadodara remains, even today, the cultural capitlal of Gujarat.
From food to music, paintings and museums to historic monuments, Vadodara has quite a range to offer the visitor. As for its history, Vadodara seems to have two favourite sons - Anshuman Gaekwad and Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, who had more than a hand in giving the city its epithet of a cultural capital. The latter's presence is everywhere - from the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was his home to the number of art galleries and museums that continue to preserve his memory. It is said that Faiyaz Khan of the celebrated Agra Gharana sang for him, while Raja Ravi Verma, the renowned painter created memorable pictures and portraits of the Maharaja's family.
There is of course more than just a history lesson to enjoy in Vadodara. Gujarati cuisine with its myriad flavours enjoys favour with the local and tourist alike. And then there are the unbeatable dances of the state that Vadodara celebrates just like the rest of Gujarat - all in all, when you plan a trip to this cultural capital, you will be guaranteed a great time.
Population: About 1,306,035
Climate: Unless heat is something you absolutely need, summer may be skippable when temperatures can smoulder at 44°C.Winters are a much better bet, being pleasant at 31°C. Monsoons are moderate and last from mid-June to mid-September.
Main Language(s): Gujarati, Hindi and English
Time Zone: GMT + 05:30
Phone Area Code: 0265
Best Time To Visit: You could plan a trip here the year around but the cooler months from October to March are the best.
Airport Distance from City Center: 10 kms
Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Private taxis available for a flat rate of Rs. 250 for non-A/C and Rs. 350 for A/C within octroi limit.
Places To Visit
Laxmi Vilas Palace
The royal residence of the royal family is royally splendid. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1878 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace was completed in 1890. There are extensive collections of sculptures, both bronze and marble, as well as old armour that stir interest. The Fatehsingh Rao Museum on the grounds houses old paintings and other pieces of art and is a definite must see. Also make time and visit the nearby Naulakhi Well, which is called a baoli or a step-well.
Baroda Museum
Things from times gone by are what museums are normally about and this one is no different. Built in 1894, the Baroda Museum has an extensive art collection including several works by reputed British and European artists. To mention a few of the other attractions would be unfair to all that is in display but to give you a little idea, an Egyptian mummy, a skeleton of a blue whale, elegant Akota bronzes from the 5th century AD, Mughal miniatures and a gallery of Tibetan Art is what you can expect to enjoy here.
Nyaya Mandir
Try and visit the Nyaya Mandir or the Temple of Justice over the weekend. This is because the place still stands true to its name and is even today used to house justice in the form of the Baroda District Court. A classic and splendid example of Byzantine architecture, this medieval structure imposes upon you, both its proportion and style, demanding and getting the attention it deserves.
The Aurobindo Society
Dedicated to the revered Shri Aurobindo, the Society contains memorabilia related to his life and work. Meditation halls within here are open to the public, so you might want to sit down for a few minutes and say hello to your inner self. Also check out the library, which has an interesting collection to delve into as also the sales emporium to pick up some books on Shri Aurobindo and his work.
Sayajibaug and Sardar Patel Planetarium
Built by Sayajirao III in 1879, this park is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri. Spanning 113 acres, this park has a few attractions for everyone, whether child or adult. The toy train is an obvious must for the former. The expanse of green is one obvious attraction but there are others in the form of a zoo, the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium.
Nazarbaug Palace
This is the place to be if art interests you and even if this has not been on your list of enjoyments, the Palace is as good a place as any to start taking an interest in the fascinating world on canvas. The Palace houses the royal art collection and showcases the works of masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. There is also other art that is classifiable under nomenclatures like modern western, Indian paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art. Also take in the extensive collection of contemporary Indian art, which keeps the flags of painters of the past alive.
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