Vadodara is called the cultural capital of Gujrat and rightly so. The city shows the perfect confluence of Hindu, Muslim and Gujarati architecture. This blend of architecture is a result of the mixed heritage of the area. The history of the monarchs is reflected in the monumental legacies they have left behind.
Being the third most populated city in the state, there is a cry from the people to find new places to unwind at. The city has many niches where one can go and have a nice time with friends and family.
1. Hatani Waterfall
The waterfall is a short drive from the main city. The waterfall quite literally falls in the lap of nature. The fall is located in the secluded periphery, surrounded by the splendor of nature. The fall provided a picturesque view to all that gaze upon her beauty. It is named after the local deity, Hatani Mata. Her temple is near the fall itself. The waterfall is also within close proximity to the Jambughoda sanctuary that houses many animal species. The combination of two would make this picnic filled with both thrill and peace.
2. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
The site has seen habitation since the stone age. There have been artefacts and monuments that have been found in the area that point to the rule of various rulers. Many of the monuments, today lie in ruins, but those ruins make us think of the true beauty of the city that thrived in the region. The city was ruled by many monarchs under whom the region prospered. The archaeological park is a testament to the glory that was once synonymous with the area. The area is about 50 kilometers from the city. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a picnic where you would get an opportunity to look at the time gone by, through the relics of past left behind. This would turn out to be an informative and a thoroughly invigorating outing. The area surrounding the archaeological park is as splendid as the monuments peeking through them.
3. Sayajibaugh
The gardens were built by the late king Sayajirao III in 1879 and is named after him. The park covers a huge area of about 113 acres. Sayajibaugh has many attractions like a planetarium, toy train, flower clock, zoo and aquarium. The park has something for everyone but it would be especially enjoyable for the children. This sprawling green haven lies in the heart of the city and is something that anyone who has visited the city knows about.
4. Nimeta Garden
The garden is a short drive from the main city. This is a water treatment plant managed by the city municipal corporation. Nimeta Garden always seems to have a cold breeze blowing around. The park has many swings that would keep the kids busy. The area is also lined with many trees that make the area look even more charming. There also lies a water fountain in the region that is as beautiful as the surrounding it lies in.
5. Zarwani Ecosystem
The area has a charming wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary houses many species of rare plants and animals like the sloth bear and the leopard. The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary has many streams meandering across the area along with navigable tracks. The Zarwani waterfall lies in the sanctuary. The waterfall is a perfect picnic spot. It is the best place to relax strained muscles after completing the small trek that took to reach the place. The wildlife sanctuary is covered with the splendor of nature and is absolutely breath taking.
The city has a lot to offer. The remains of three different cultures in the vicinity, complementing each other, teaches us the virtue of harmony. The list included some of the many picnic spots in and around the city. Though it would be wrong on my part to not mention the festivals of Navratri and Uttrayan. During these two festivals, the whole city goes on a small break to celebrate the festivities with all pomp and show. It seems as if the whole city is out on a picnic together.
