Sayaji Gardens
Sayaji Gardens, popularly known as Kamati Baug, is the largest garden in Western India, spreading over 45 hectares of land. The garden is named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who built it in 1879 on the river Vishwamitri. Besides the rich flora of more than 98 species of trees, this park encompasses two museums, a zoo, a planetarium and a flower clock. A toy train for children is also operational within the park. Built in 1894, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery within Sayaji Baug preserves a rich collection of art, sculpture, ethnography and ethnology. Major attractions of this museum include Egyptian mummy and skeleton of a blue whale. The picture gallery, which was opened in 1921, exhibits art works of British painters. The Sardar Patel Planetarium situated near the main gate of Sayaji Baug offers daily public shows as well as special shows to educational institutions. In 1879 a zoo was opened inside the park on both the banks of the Vishwamitri River. The Sayaji Baug Zoo features 167 types of 1103 animals most popular of which is the Asiatic lions. An aquarium containing 45 species of fish was added to the Sayaji Baug Zoo in 1962. The Floral Clock standing erect inside the park is the first of its kind in the state. The machinery of the clock is underground and its hour minute and seconds hands move on a 20 ft diameter dial. Another attraction of this park is the toy train that serves as a ride for children below 12 years of age. Running on a small track width of 10 inches along a distance of 3.5 km this toy train allows the children to explore the entire park. Located opposite the main entrance of the railway station the Sayaji Baug is easily accessible from the city via local conveyances such as buses and auto rickshaws."
Vadodara, Gujarat, India