Historical

Sprawling over an area of 700 acres, Laxmi Vilas Palace is the popular tourist destination in Vadodara and one of the finest example of Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture. This official residence of the Maharajas of the territory was constructed by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III between the years 1878 and 1890. The interiors of the palace is beautifully adorned with a collection of old armour as well as bronze and marble sculptures, fine stone and valuable furnishings. The place is decorated with the fine works of the Italian artist, Fellicci. The major attraction of Laxmi Vilas Palace is the magnificent Darbar hall having Italian mosaic floor and walls.

Khanderao Market is a palatial building erected by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1906 which was later gifted to the Municipality to mark the Silver Jubilee of his administration. The architecture of the main entrance looks like that of the gate of Dabhoi Fort. The building houses many offices including the office of Baroda Municipal Corporation. Nearby the Khanderao Market, a fresh vegetable and flower market is also located.

Constructed around the year 1586, Hazira Maqbara is the tomb built in the memory of Qutub-Ud-Din, the army general of emperor Moghul King Akbar. This Safavi-Persian styled monument is considered to be one of the oldest and only existing Mughal monument in the city. The mausoleum was built on a high octagonal platform with smaller gates on the cardinal directions and five arches on each side. The real grave is located in an underground chamber and the false grave is in the tomb chamber.

The Darbar Hall in Laxmi Vilas Palace, was the court room of the Gaekwads, where musical programs were performed by musicians to entertain the royal family. The hall has Italian mosaic floor and walls are adorned with mosaic decorations. The beautiful jharokhas, the magnificent chandeliers and the intricate work on the glass windows enhance the beauty of the hall. There is also a picture gallery that exhibits the excellent collection of original works of distinguished British painters like Turner and Constable. Even today classical music concerts are held here.

Aurobindo Society, located in Dandia Bazar area, is the house of the well-known freedom fighter and philosopher Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh. Lived during 1894-1906, he was the private Secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad and later became the Vice Principal and Professor of Baroda College. Surrounded by a well-manicured garden, the society is open to all for yoga and meditation and it houses a small museum which exhibits the relics of Shri Aurobindo. It also contains a library, study room and sales emporium.

Faredoon cottages are the distinct features of the Udvada. These are some ancient Parsi Structures. Most of them with stood the ruins and still are intact. Some architects are working towards making Udvada a World heritage center and to protect these Faredoon cottages. These cottages symbolize the old Indian tradition, culture and heritage. Monuments of Parsis architectural style and heritage, these cottages are attracted by many historians and archeological enthusiasts. Calm cool sea breeze and the panoramic view of background settings makes these cottages imposing.

Surat is famous for its monuments and the centuries old ‘old fort’ that stands tall in the city. It was built by Muhammad bin Tughlak in the 14th century to guard the city from Bhils attack. Known as Muhammad Kunhi by birth, he was the most cruel and cold-blooded sultan among the Mughal Emperors; but was very concerned about his men and brilliantly made this fort. The fort was invaded twice by the Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji. This exquisite architectural marvel with strong walls and iron bars is a place of worth a visit.

Bardoli, located on the banks of river Mindhola at a distance of 36 km from Surat has an important place in Indian history. It was here that Gandhiji had launched a farmers satyagrah, known as the Bardoli satyagrah in 1921-22 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The satyagraha was resulted in the withdrawal of the 30% raised taxation to the farmers and the common people of the region. It was during this period, Gandiji addressed Patel as ‘Sardar’, the chief or the leader for the first time. The Sardar Patel Museum has preserved the complete details of Satyagraha with photos.
An ashram known as Swaraj Ashram has been built in memory of this historic event and it has become a place of pilgrimage and one among the most visited tourist destination in Surat.

Hatgadh Fort, an exquisite prominent architectural beauty with a height of 3,600 feet, is one of the ancient forts located in Mulher in Nasik district of Maharastra. This is nearby Saputara, in the border of Gujarat and Maharastra. It is perfectly located in a majestic location at the peak of the Sahyadri ranges.

Rashtriya Shala was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1925. He used it in connection with the freedom struggle. It is now famous for its Patola weaving.