Incredible India | Vadodara

VADODARA

Vadodara, Gujarat's third largest city, is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamistri and is famous as the cultural capital of Gujarat as well as a centre of educational activities.
Vadodara was originally known as Vadapradaka, which means a village amidst Banyan trees. Archaeological findings show that there was human habitation here from pre-historic times. Vadodara passed through the hands of the Imperial Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Solankis, Sultans of Delhi, the Mughals and finally the Marathas. Present day Vadodara owes its grandeur to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, a great ruler, a socio-economic reformer, a patron of arts, architecture and music. It was he who visualized the development of Vadodara. Today Vadodara is a city of palaces, gardens and industrial giants.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Vadodara is situated on the Vishwamitri River. Pavagadh Hill, graced with a combination of Hindu and Jain shrines, towers over Champaner, the 15th century pre-Mughal Islamic fort, representing the diversity of religious influences that have pervaded Gujarat. A mixture of many eras, with a reputation of being the ‘Cultural Capital’, Vadodara gives you many reasons to plan a trip here.

The Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Built in the Indo-Saracenic tradition, with an eclectic mix of Indian, Islamic, and European elements, Lakshmi Vilas Palace is a major tourist attraction.

Jambughoda Sanctuary

This sanctuary is famous for the Four-Horned Antelope, Panthers and is a bird watchers' paradise as some rare species of birds are often seen in its lush environs.