Arrival in Ahmedabad – a world Heritage City . Proceeds towards Vadodara (120Kms/3 Hours) Check into the hotel and after freshen up, visit:
Laxmi Vilas Palace: One of the biggest residence palaces of the country, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is the official residence of the Princely Gaikwads of Vadodara. Constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad III in 1890 under the supervision of the chief Architect Major Charles Mant, the Laxmi Vilas Palace is 4 times bigger than the Buckingham Palace of England and a sum of GBP 1,80,000 were spent to build this super-imposing structure. The windows of the palace are inlaid with stained Belgium glass, and the walls have complex mosaic ornamentation. Archived within the palace are priceless collections of bronze sculptures, armory items as well as terracotta and marble artworks designed by Fellici. Emerging out of the Durbar, one steps into a quadrangle that has been made in an Italian fashion with water fountains and channels. Landscaping of the palace grounds was done by William Goldring and appears like a green, velvety carpet. The edifice even at the time of its construction in the late 19th century had facilities like elevators and resembles a European manor or country house. The royal descendants of the Gaekwad dynasty still use the premises as their private residence who's Durbar Hall has a floor built out of Venetian mosaic tiles.
Sayaji Baug: Sayaji Baug, an immensely sprawling garden located in Vadodara with the Vishwamitra River flowing beside the patch is easily one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Also called Kamati Baug, it is the biggest garden in the western part of India with a total land area exceeding 113 acres. The prime attractions of the garden are the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, Sayaji Baug Zoo and Aquarium, Sardar Patel Planetarium, floral clock, and the toy train. The garden is also home to a rich variety of flora comprising of 98 tree species. There are a total of three gates that allow visitors access to the garden. The first gate is situated in close proximity to the railway station and the new bus terminal is also not very far away either. Countless visitors comprising residents of Vadodara as well as tourists and travelers make a trip to the verdant garden for whose up keep the Vadodara Municipal Corporation is responsible. Overnight at Vadodara.